Take a look inside Springfield Ballet’s milestone year, the students who are reaching national programs and the new leadership shaping the future.
Nov 2024
As Springfield Ballet prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026, the organization looks ahead to a new era of artistry and inspiration. This milestone season welcomes José Soares as co-artistic director, joining longtime leader Maria Velazquez in guiding the company’s next chapter.
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The school’s young dancers continue to shine on national stages, with several earning acceptance into top-tier summer intensives and year-round programs at prestigious ballet schools across the country.
Maria Velazquez began dancing at Springfield Ballet at age 7 and continued as a student through her high school graduation. She went on to train at the Conservatory of Music and Dance at the University of Missouri–Kansas City before dancing professionally. Velazquez returned to Springfield Ballet in 2021 as School Principal, later moving into the role of associate artistic director. She now serves as co-artistic director of Springfield Ballet. “Ballet is a universal language,” she says. “People can find joy in all types of art. From music to dance to the theatrical elements, there is something for everyone here at Springfield Ballet.”
That sense of connection has fueled steady growth. In recent years, the company has expanded The Nutcracker from four to eight performances, increased class enrollment and reached all Springfield Public Schools Title 1 elementary schools through outreach and in-school performances.
For Soares, who joined in 2025 after years of guest teaching and performing with the company, the role of co-artistic director is both an honor and a responsibility. Trained in Brazil at a Russian school and at Joffrey Ballet Chicago, he brings a focus on technique, artistry and dancer well-being. “I am not only training skilled ballet dancers, but I like to believe that, through the discipline of ballet, I am helping shape a generation of thoughtful citizens who develop an appreciation not just for ballet, but for the arts in general,” Soares says.
This year, three dancers—Grant Davis, Adeline McDonald and Eva Johns—earned acceptance into top-tier national ballet programs, a testament to their dedication and the caliber of training they receive.
Grant Davis
Accepted into: The Rock School for Dance Education
Years at Springfield Ballet: Three
“Springfield Ballet has become a place where I’ve grown not only in my technique, but also in my discipline and confidence as a dancer,” Grant says. “What I love most is the physicality of dance. When I’m moving, I can feel my body getting stronger and more capable.”
After auditioning for The Rock School’s summer intensive, Grant was ecstatic to receive his acceptance email. “I had only done one ballet audition in the past, so to get accepted into one of the best ballet schools in the U.S. was shocking,” he says. While there this past summer, he was most excited for the opportunity to have five weeks of men’s specific training in all aspects of ballet, especially jumps and turns.
He credits Springfield Ballet’s rigorous training and encouragement for helping him get here. “Springfield Ballet has given me a strong technical foundation and has taught me how to work with consistency and dedication,” he says. “These attributes help me learn new skills daily when I’m at specialized programs.”
Adeline McDonald
Accepted into: 32 summer intensives, including BalletMet, Nashville Ballet, The Rock School, Kansas City Ballet and Ballet West
Age when she joined Springfield Ballet: 3
“Growing up with such amazing teachers and people to look up to definitely shaped me into who I am today, and I wouldn’t want it any other way,” Adeline says. She describes dance as freedom—an art form that lets her explore her technique and expression in equal measure.
After an exhilarating audition season, Adeline received dozens of acceptances. “When I saw The Rock’s email, I was thrilled,” she says. “It was at the top of my list.”
She attended The Rock School in the summer of 2025. Beyond perfecting technique, Adeline values the discipline that came with living in dorms during intensives and preparing for performance showcases. “Springfield Ballet taught me skills that I will need for later, adult life, such as self-discipline, motivation and more,” she says.
Eva Johns
Accepted into and attended: Kansas City Ballet, Cincinnati Ballet, Littleton Ballet Academy and Springfield Ballet
Years at Springfield Ballet: 10
“I love how ballet makes me feel,” Eva says. “It is an escape from the rest of the world. It is a unique feeling like no other.”
Auditions haven't started yet for the summer of 2026 intensives, but Eva is most excited to learn from teachers all over the world who have had different kinds of training. She looks forward to continuing her training and cherishes the friendships she’s built with dancers from across the country. “Springfield Ballet has given me great training and has taught me everything I know,” she says. “They have taught me about respect—towards myself and everyone around me, discipline, technique and stage presence. I owe everything to my teachers, especially Ashley Paige Romines, José Soares and Maria Velazquez. They have always believed in me and pushed me to be the best version of myself as a person and dancer.”
Springfield Ballet promises a memorable experience. Plan your visit today!
The Nutcracker
December 18–22, 2025
Springfield Ballet’s beloved holiday tradition returns to the Historic Landers Theatre for it’s 40th anniversary. Follow Clara’s journey through a dreamscape of toy soldiers, waltzing flowers and the Sugar Plum Fairy in this milestone production of The Nutcracker.
Beauty & the Beast
May 15–17, 2026
Experience the classic tale through the elegance of ballet as Beauty & the Beast takes the Landers Theatre stage. This full-length production combines grace, drama and heart in a celebration of storytelling through dance.
Interested in Springfield Ballet’s school? Here is a link to more information.
