Founder and Artistic Director, Mario Nugara is regarded as a teacher of unparalleled talent in the Los Angeles area. Nugara received his training at George Balanchine’s School of American Ballet and danced with some of the most prestigious companies including New York City ballet as a student, Boston Ballet, Fort Worth Ballet, and appeared on Broadway with Rudolph Nureyev. Nugara performed as guest artist with the American Ballet Company, Eglevsky Ballet, and New Jersey Ballet.
Selected as a Fulbright Scholar in 1991, Nugara studied in Copenhagen, Denmark in conjunction with the University of Copenhagen and the Royal Danish Ballet. During that time, he taught at the Royal Danish Ballet, Culberg Ballet, Ballet Academy of Stockholm, the New Danish Dance Theatre, the Marie Brolin – Tani Dance Theatre, and Dansens Hus. Nugara also holds a BFA and MFA from New York University’s Tisch School of Arts.
In 2015 Jacqueline Valmont joined the City of Angels Ballet as Dance Faculty and Staff.
In 2010, Susan became a City of Angels Ballet faculty member and company member.
Zippora Karz is a former soloist with the New York City Ballet where she performed for 16 years on stage and in televised performances.
During a 21-year career with the New York City Ballet, Stephanie Saland was showcased in leading roles under George Balanchine’s direction.