Briarwood Ballet

3 days ago

Meet Mrs. Leesa Jacques!

Leesa attended the National School of the Arts in Johannesburg, South Africa. There she trained extensively in Cecchetti, pointe, pas de deux, Horton, Graham, and Cunningham technique as well as in Spanish dance. Additionally, she spent extended hours training in the Royal Academy of Dance curriculum with yearly certification in ballet, pointe and character dance. Throughout her arts training Leesa took master classes from teachers and companies such as the Alvin Ailey American Dance Company and PACT Ballet Company, and was afforded opportunities to study dance in Russia and London. Leesa enjoyed opportunities to perform in Giselle, La Sylphide, and Swan Lake. Additionally, Leesa excelled in contemporary dance and was accredited with a nomination for “Most Promising Dancer” by the country's leading dance awards, later achieving a distinction in contemporary dance. Upon completion of her training, Leesa was accepted into well-known dance institutions such as The Rambert College of London, The Alvin Ailey College of Dance, The University of North Carolina, PACT Ballet Company, and The North West Arts Council Dance Company. Leesa joined the North West Arts Council Dance Company, performing nationally and internationally, with many televised events across the world. Leesa has taught at the SA American International School, Tenterden children's home, Kohl Academy of Performing Arts, and eventually Briarwood Ballet, which she feels has been her most rewarding practice to date. ... See MoreSee Less

Briarwood Ballet

6 days ago

Meet Mrs. Kelsey Shelton!

Kelsey began her dance training at The Dance Company, Inc. as a competitive dancer competing in lyrical, jazz, tap and musical theatre. From 2008-2012, she attended the University of Alabama where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BA in Dance. During her time at UA, Kelsey began a deeper training in ballet technique, pointe work and partnering.
In 2012, Kelsey joined Atlanta Ballet as a trainee and later became an apprentice from 2013-2015. She danced numerous lead roles such as Marya in John McFall’s “The Nutcracker”, The Rose in Annabelle Lopez Ochoa’s “Requium for a Rose”, and Lead Soloist in Gina Patterson’s “Quietly Walking”. Kelsey was also featured in many contemporary and ballet works including Ohad Naharin’s “Secus”, Jorma Elo’s “First Flash”, and Alexander Eckman’s “Cacti”. She moved to Birmingham in 2015 and began teaching at Briarwood Ballet. Kelsey is rehearsal assistant for Ballet Exaltation where she enjoys choreographing contemporary ballet works for their repertoire. In addition, she is adjunct professor in the dance department at Samford University. Her choreography has been featured at Alabama Dance Festival, in both Ballet Exaltation and Immanuel’s repertoire and Samford Dance Company’s 2024 annual concert. Kelsey seeks to encourage her students to break through boundaries in their dancing while maintaining strong technique, beautiful artistry and freedom of worship! ... See MoreSee Less