Nicole Ballard
Jazz / Contemporary Teacher (all levels)
Nicole Ballard was born and raised in Gilbert, Arizona where she received her formal training at the Tempe Dance Academy in Tempe, Arizona. Nicole had the honor of dancing with the International Dance Alliance in several European countries including France, Germany, Austria, Italy and Switzerland as well as all over the United States. During this time, Nicole also performed three consecutive seasons with Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker as Arabian in Phoenix, Arizona.
She received additional training from the renowned Rockette Summer Intensive in New York City for two years, Steps on Broadway, and Idyllwild Arts Academy, the country’s premier and internationally-acclaimed residential arts high school in California where she received a full scholarship. While at Idyllwild Arts Academy, she was also an assistant in the dance program. At the age of 18, Nicole moved to New York City to train and work at Broadway Dance Center as an intern where she was also selected from a competitive group to focus on Jazz and Contemporary under the mentorship of Derek Mitchell. In 2011, due to her extraordinary abilities, Jim Cooney took her under his wing and mentored her in musical theater. During her tenure, she was awarded best choreographer and her piece was selected to perform at the Choreographer Canvas in New York City which features the works of over fifteen cutting-edge choreographers from around the world. Nicole’s success in New York allowed her to perform on Good Morning America and work for an entertaining company performing at multiple events. She then moved to Las Vegas to perform in Don Arden's world famous Jubilee! as a Bluebell showgirl. While in Las Vegas, Nicole also danced in a variety of commercials and shows including Guys and Dolls at the Las Vegas Hotel, Paul Mitchell, Canada Dodge Dart, Heartlyn Rae's music videos, and many more.
Nicole then moved to the island of Guam where she performed in top choreographer and director Chris Childers' show Dream as a showgirl and a magician's assistant. Nicole’s professionalism and leadership was well received and she was promoted to Dance Captain during her contract.
Currently, Nicole lives in Houston, Texas with her fiancé and is pursuing a college degree. She is very excited to teach and share all her experiences in Jazz/Contemporary with the gifted dancers of Feijóo Ballet School.
