Kristina Windom Named as Principal of the School of Philadelphia Ballet

Philadelphia Ballet is pleased to announce the appointment of Kristina Windom as Principal of the School of Philadelphia Ballet. She will begin in this role June 19, 2023.

Windom joins Philadelphia Ballet following 16 years with The Washington School of Ballet as a dancer, educator and administrator, most recently serving as the Head of the Upper Division.

As Principal of the School of Philadelphia Ballet, Windom will be a critical member of the school’s leadership, helping to shape the curriculum, programming and overseeing communications to students, parents and faculty.

“Kristina’s dedication to studying, mentoring and teaching the art of ballet has impacted and inspired dancers of all ages,” said Angel Corella, the Ruth & A. Morris Williams, Jr. Artistic Director.  “We’re incredibly fortunate to have her expertise and passion guiding the School of Philadelphia Ballet. I look forward to watching the students flourish under her leadership.”

Windom brings decades worth of experience as both a respected dance educator and performer, training at The Washington Ballet with Mary Day, Robert Steele, Julio de Bittencourt, Patricia Berrend and Suzanne Erlon.

Windom’s early career success as a professional dancer with The Washington Ballet, Cleveland/San Jose Ballet, Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet and various opera companies, has equipped her with the experience and knowledge to prepare dance students for multi-faceted futures.

“I am thrilled to welcome Kristina as the Principal of the School of Philadelphia Ballet. Her training with renowned choreographers and organizations has undoubtedly gifted her with a wealth of experience and knowledge, which she is now passing on to her students,” said Davit Karapetyan, Director of the School of Philadelphia Ballet. “Kristina’s dedication to discovering ballet methods of technique that value each student’s unique movement will benefit all of our students.”

Windom has a master’s degree in fine arts from the School of Dance at George Mason University in dance pedagogy where she has also taught since 2009, as an adjunct professor. She is a celebrated guest teacher around the country, bringing her emphasis on learning classical ballet with a strong approach of combining science and art. Her somatic experience with Pilates, Gyrotonics and with research movement specialist, Irene Dowd, has guided her to help offer the students a more involved, holistic approach to movement.                                               

“Joining Philadelphia Ballet is a wonderful homecoming,” said Kristina Windom. “I was 15 years old when I first met and took a class with Barbara Weisberger, Founder of Philadelphia Ballet. I vividly remember listening to her corrections that braided ballet technique and life together. Her distinct approach inspired my commitment to this profession and it’s an honor to return to the place that instilled in me a love of quality ballet education.”

School of Philadelphia Ballet offers the highest caliber dance education of any program in the Greater Philadelphia area, providing students with exceptional technical training and unparalleled performance opportunities. Founded by Barbara Weisberger, a protégé of George Balanchine, the school carries on his honored tradition of (and devotion to) developing young artists and preparing them to become successful professionals in today’s competitive ballet landscape. The school provides a complete and comprehensive ballet education for its students, starting with movement classes for the youngest learners and progressing to the level of training needed to sustain a career as a working ballet professional. Each student is individually evaluated and placed according to their ability level by a dedicated faculty of current and former members of Philadelphia Ballet, along with some of the industry’s finest dance educators.

For more information about the School of Philadelphia Ballet, visit philadelphiaballet.org/school