Year-end program for students in 3rd grade classes and older.
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.
Isabelle loves you so much, Mrs. Leesa!! You are such a great balance of pushing them to improve and laughter that makes the studio so uplifting. 💗 It is obvious you love your students!
Emi LOVES Mrs. Leesa! She said she has the two best qualities a ballet teacher can have in her opinion: super strict and super funny!
Lovvveee you! So grateful for you ❤️
I'm loving these "Meet the Staff" posts
The Segars love you, Mrs. Leesa Jacques!
This weekend we are thrilled to host our second guest choreographer of the 2024-25 season, Jiri Voborsky!
Jiri Voborsky of 10M Foundation and formerly of Ballet Magnificat, taught a master class to some of our upper level students this morning and is currently setting 5 new pieces on Ballet Exaltation. We are inspired by this beautiful choreography and are so proud of our dancers for their endurance and dedication in this process.
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!
We love Mrs. Kelsey! Such a year of growth for Madeline when she was in her class. ❤️
My daughter loved having her as her instructor at Faith, Hope and Love this summer!
We love you so much, Kelsey Shelton! Your choreography is captivating and YOU are inspiring!!!!
Tomorrow’s the day! Please join Birmingham Boys Choir and Ballet Exaltation for an uplifting and patriotic concert of song and dance.
Thursday, September 19th at 7:00 p.m.
Briarwood Presbyterian Church
Tickets are available through the link in our bio and at the door.
📸: Elizabeth Vawter Andrews
Amazing performance ❤️
Always an amazing display of elegance, artistic interpretation, beauty and authentic worship! The Boys Choir was a perfect addition for an evening of excellence via voice and movement! Congratulations and thanks to all!