Ballet Pensacola to Host School of American Ballet’s Katrina Killian for Regional Instructor Workshop

Invitation only workshop grows from Company Director Veronica Ramirez Casanova’s selection as a National Visiting Fellow

PENSACOLA, Fla. — September 27, 2026 — Ballet Pensacola will welcome Katrina Killian of the School of American Ballet (SAB) on October 17 for an invitation only workshop for dance instructors from across the Gulf Coast region. The gathering will bring educators together to examine the teaching practices that shape a dancer’s development, from early training through more advanced study.

Killian is SAB’s Director of the Children’s and Preparatory Divisions. She trained at the school before George Balanchine invited her to join New York City Ballet in 1981, where she rose to the rank of soloist. After retiring from the stage, she returned to SAB as a teacher. Her work has included oversight of the school’s children’s syllabus and teacher training programs. She also serves as Repertory Director for New York City Ballet’s Education Department, staging performances featuring SAB students for young audiences.

Founded in 1934 by Balanchine and Lincoln Kirstein, the School of American Ballet has been the official school of New York City Ballet since the company was established in 1948. Its training has played a central role in developing dancers for the company and has influenced ballet education throughout the United States.

Killian’s visit follows the selection of Ballet Pensacola Company Director Veronica Ramirez Casanova as one of five SAB National Visiting Fellows for 2025–2026. The fellowship connects classical ballet instructors from across the country with SAB faculty and students through classroom observation, teaching, feedback, and discussions of curriculum and student progression. That professional exchange helped establish the relationship bringing Killian to Pensacola.

By inviting instructors from across the region, Ballet Pensacola aims to extend the value of the workshop beyond its own Academy. Educators will have an opportunity to learn alongside colleagues, consider approaches to training at different stages of development, and carry new insights into their classrooms.

The workshop reflects Ballet Pensacola’s commitment to strengthening dance education throughout the Gulf Coast. Its lasting impact will be measured in the instruction, encouragement, and opportunities that teachers provide to the next generation of dancers.