ShamRockk Foundation Advisory Board

Philadelphia Ballet

Sterling Baca is a powerhouse in the ballet world, known for his commanding stage presence, technical brilliance, and emotional depth. Beginning his ballet training at age 11 at the Academy of Colorado Ballet, he quickly advanced under the tutelage of world-renowned instructor German Zamuel. His exceptional talent earned him scholarships to five American Ballet Theatre (ABT) summer intensives and a coveted place in the elite pre-professional program at the ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School on full scholarship.

Sterling’s professional career launched in 2010 with ABT’s second company, where his raw talent and artistry stood out. By 2011, he had risen through the ranks to the corps de ballet, performing and originating roles in productions by Alexei Ratmansky, Jerome Robbins, Liam Scarlett, and Kevin McKenzie. His versatility shone in everything from the bold energy of Fancy Free to the grandeur of Swan Lake.

In 2016, Sterling joined Philadelphia Ballet (formerly Pennsylvania Ballet) as a Principal Dancer, where he has continued to captivate audiences in iconic roles, including Romeo in Romeo & Juliet, Prince Siegfried in Swan Lake, and the lead in Apollo and Jewels (Diamonds). Whether performing in sweeping classical productions or contemporary works, Sterling brings a magnetic presence and powerful storytelling to the stage.

Beyond ballet, his career has expanded into film and media, featuring in Dance212 and starring in On a Grass Field, which won Best Short Film at the New Jersey Golden Door Film Festival. Dance Magazine recognized his rising star power in 2016, featuring him on the cover of their prestigious “25 to Watch” issue. A dedicated advocate for dancers, Sterling is certified in ABT’s National Training Curriculum and has served as Company Delegate for the American Guild of Musical Artists.

With his boundless artistry and dedication to the craft, Sterling Baca continues to redefine excellence in ballet, inspiring dancers and audiences alike with every performance.

Dance Unlimited

Jenna Barnett has been an integral part of Dance Unlimited since 2008, shaping young dancers with her expertise and passion. As the Competition Team Director, she has choreographed numerous award-winning routines, including many of Remi Wagner’s standout solos before his transition to ballet. For six years, Jenna played a pivotal role in Remi’s dance journey, guiding him through some of his most defining performances.

Jenna's own dance journey began at Rising Stars Dance Academy, where she first fell in love with ballet. She went on to train with the Rotaru International Ballet Company of Atlanta, earning an apprenticeship with Ballet du Soleil under Pavel Rotaru at just 16 years old. After high school, she joined Colorado Ballet, performing in both classical and contemporary works, with a career highlight of touring to Tokyo, Japan, to perform Paquita and excerpts from The Nutcracker.

Upon deciding to further her education, Jenna transitioned into teaching, joining the Academy of Colorado Ballet before making Dance Unlimited her home. Alongside her dance career, she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics and Secondary Education and later completed a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. While she teaches high school mathematics in Colorado Springs, dance remains her first love, and she continues to inspire the next generation of dancers with her dynamic choreography and dedication to technique.

Jenna thrives on pushing creative boundaries and keeping up with the evolving talent of her students. Her choreography has been recognized with numerous awards, a testament to her ability to bring out the best in her dancers.

Ballet Private

Candidly Created

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A native of Ecuador, Francisco is a dance mentor, photographer, and active member of the Denver, Colorado dance community. After completing his training at the School of American Ballet, he went on to dance with Louisville Ballet, New York City Ballet, Boston Ballet, and Barcelona Ballet, and most recently served as a Principal Dancer with Colorado Ballet.

Francisco shared a special artistic connection with Remi, capturing him in multiple photo shoots both in Colorado and New York City. Their collaboration extended beyond photography, as Remi also took Francisco’s ballet classes whenever he was in Colorado, further deepening their bond through shared artistry and mentorship.

Francisco enjoys teaching ballet to students of all ages and has coached and choreographed for dancers preparing for prestigious competitions, including Youth America Grand Prix, the USA International Ballet Competition in Jackson, and ADC|IBC.

Committed to fostering a well-rounded and empowered new generation of dancers, Francisco collaborates with studios throughout the greater Denver area. He is also the Co-Artistic Director of the Denver Ballet Guild Young Dancers Competition, the longest-running ballet competition in the United States, where he strives to promote equity and excellence in dance training.

Houston Ballet - Principal Dancer
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Born in Nuoro, Italy, and raised in Modena, Angelo Greco is a force of nature in the ballet world. Trained at Il Balletto di Castelfranco Veneto and La Scala Ballet Academy, he quickly ascended the ranks, earning a life contract at La Scala Ballet—a rare honor that cemented his status as a rising star. But Greco wasn’t content to stay in one place. In 2016, he took a leap of faith, crossing the Atlantic to join San Francisco Ballet as a soloist. Within a year, his electrifying performances earned him a promotion to principal dancer in 2017.
Renowned for his explosive jumps, breathtaking technique, and magnetic stage presence, Greco has stunned audiences in some of the most demanding roles in ballet. He has left his mark on Kenneth MacMillan’s Romeo and Juliet, Rudolf Nureyev’s Don Quixote, Alexei Ratmansky’s The Sleeping Beauty, and Maurice Béjart’s Gaîté Parisienne. His artistry has also inspired world-class choreographers to create new works for him, including Yuri Possokhov, Helgi Tomasson, Dwight Rhoden, Christopher Wheeldon, and Stanton Welch AM. His list of accolades speaks for itself: Dance Europe’s Outstanding Artistry Award (2011, 2012) and the prestigious Erik Bruhn Prize (2016)—recognition of a dancer whose talent transcends borders. In July 2024, Greco embarked on his next thrilling chapter as a principal dancer with Houston Ballet, bringing his passion, power, and artistry to a whole new audience.
Beyond the stage, Greco is dedicated to shaping the future of ballet. As a member of the ShamRockk Foundation Advisory Board, he honors the legacy of Remi Wagner, a young dancer who deeply admired him. His influence extends far beyond his performances—he’s helping to redefine the artistry and strength of male dancers in today’s world.

Dance Unlimited

Logan Hathaway is a dynamic choreographer known for his innovative and emotionally compelling work. He played a key role in Remi Wagner’s dance journey, choreographing award-winning contemporary solos both in competition and after Remi’s transition to ballet. His ability to blend technical excellence with storytelling earned top honors at prestigious competitions.

Born in Colorado Springs, Logan began dancing at 10, training in contemporary, jazz, ballet, tap, lyrical, musical theater, hip hop, and jazz funk. In high school, he discovered a passion for choreography and teaching, quickly gaining recognition for his unique movement and musicality.

Logan has trained with artists like Ade Obeyami, Melissa Sandvig, and Alex Little and has choreographed for the Pikes Peak Performance Company, raising funds for local charities. His work has won multiple high-scoring awards and choreography recognition at LA Dance Magic, Talent on Parade, Revolution, and Rainbow competitions.

With expertise across styles, Logan creates movement that is technically proficient, innovative, and engaging. His work continues to inspire dancers and audiences alike, pushing the boundaries of contemporary dance.

Denver Dance Center

Boulder Ballet

Lizanne McAdams-Graham has devoted over 45 years to dance as a professional performer, educator, and choreographer. Raised in a family of artists, she trained under her mother, Lorraine McAdams, founder of the National Ballet of New Jersey, and grew up on a 12-acre dance complex. She was a full-scholarship student at Joffrey Ballet NYC, Harkness House, and Pennsylvania Ballet, studying with renowned teachers including Finus Yhung, David Howard, and Alonzo King. At 17, she joined the Croatian National Ballet, dancing principal roles in Giselle, Swan Lake, Romeo & Juliet, Firebird, and Coppelia. She later toured internationally with ODC/Dance, performing in Russia, Southeast Asia, Australia, and major U.S. venues such as Jacob’s Pillow, the Joyce Theater, and Lincoln Center. She also appeared in PBS’s Dance in America and performed with opera ballet companies in Los Angeles, Santa Fe, Pittsburgh, and San Francisco.

A former faculty member at Carnegie Mellon University and Point Park University, McAdams-Graham has set major works on Charleston Ballet, Ithaca Ballet, and Walnut Hill School for the Arts. After retiring from performing in 1997, she conducted company classes for Boulder Ballet, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, David Taylor Dance Theatre, and Colorado Ballet. She has also served as Rehearsal Director for David Taylor Dance Theatre, Dawson/Wallace Dance Project, and Boulder Ballet. Currently, she continues to teach professional open classes at Denver Dance Center and works as an independent dance educator, choreographer, and guest artist.

Creative Generations

Derek Sakakura is a celebrated ballet artist, mentor, and educator whose professional career spans major ballet companies, national tours, and leadership in dance mentorship. His extensive background in classical and contemporary ballet includes performing with the Joffrey Ballet of Chicago, Ballet Austin, and as a principal dancer with both BalletMet and Diablo Ballet. Known for his strong technique, dramatic expression, and versatility, Derek danced lead roles in iconic ballets such as Giselle, Romeo and Juliet, Swan Lake, Don Quixote, and The Nutcracker, as well as works by world-renowned choreographers including George Balanchine, Gerald Arpino, Stanton Welch, and Trey McIntyre.

In addition to his classical career, Derek expanded into musical theater, touring nationally in the Tony Award-winning Broadway production of The King and I, where he performed the lead ballet role of King Simon of Legree. He has also appeared as Bernardo in West Side Story and was cast in Clint Eastwood’s film Hereafter, further showcasing his range as a performer.

Derek is the founder of Creative Generations, a mentorship and wellness program designed to support and guide young dancers through the challenges of a professional path in dance. Drawing on his deep experience and insight from both ballet and Broadway, he now dedicates his time to developing the next generation of dancers with a holistic approach to training, wellness, and artistic development. His mantra: Be the teacher and mentor you always wished you had.

Through his dynamic career and mentorship work, Derek Sakakura continues to inspire dancers to pursue excellence with purpose, passion, and care for the whole artist.

San Francisco Ballet

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Born in Stanford, California, Sofia Albers trained at the prestigious San Francisco Ballet School, where she refined her technique and artistry. As a dedicated and passionate dancer, she was named an apprentice with San Francisco Ballet in 2023 and joined the company as a member of the corps de ballet in 2024.

During her time as a Trainee at SFB, Sofia formed a close friendship with Remi Wagner. Their bond extended beyond the studio, supporting each other through the challenges and triumphs of professional ballet training. Their shared passion for dance and deep connection made their time in San Francisco unforgettable.Now performing with San Francisco Ballet, Sofia brings passion and artistry to the stage, inspired by the friendships and experiences that have influenced her journey.

Miami City Ballet

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Katya Chernyshev, born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, began her ballet training at the age of four with Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School. She later honed her craft at St. Paul’s School Ballet Company under the direction of former ABT Studio Company Director, Kate Lydon, where she performed lead roles in Giselle, Serenade, Valse Fantasie, and The Nutcracker.

She attended summer intensives at the School of American Ballet in New York City from 2016 to 2018 and, after graduating, trained on scholarship at Boston Ballet’s Summer Dance Program. Recognized for her talent, she was invited to join Boston Ballet’s Post Graduate Program for the 2022/23 season.

In 2023, Katya joined Milwaukee Ballet’s second company, MBII, for the 2023/24 season, where she met and danced alongside Remi Wagner. The two became fast friends, sharing a deep love for ballet and a mutual dedication to their craft. Their friendship flourished both on and off the stage, making their time in Milwaukee a truly special chapter in her journey.

In 2024, Katya was invited to perform in Alexei Ratmansky’s Swan Lake with Miami City Ballet and joined Miami City Ballet in 2024 as a full-time corps de ballet member. She carries with her the friendships, experiences, and artistry that have shaped her along the way.

Grand Rapids Ballet

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Giovanny Garibay, born in Centralia, WA, began his ballet training at the age of 12, first discovering his passion at Centralia Ballet Academy before continuing at Johansen’s Olympia Dance Center. In 2019, he won first place in the Senior Men’s Division at YAGP Seattle and was invited to compete at the YAGP Finals in New York City. His dedication led him to complete his professional training at the San Francisco Ballet School under the direction of Patrick Armand.

It was during one of the many Summer Intensives he attended that Giovanny first met Remi Wagner, and their friendship deepened as they trained and performed together at San Francisco Ballet School. Their shared commitment to ballet and the challenges of pre-professional training created a strong bond, both in and out of the studio.

Following his time in San Francisco, Giovanny danced with the Joffrey Ballet Studio Company before joining Cincinnati Ballet’s Second Company. He has performed works by esteemed choreographers such as Helgi Tomasson, Alexei Ratmansky, George Balanchine, and John Neumeier. Giovanny is now a member of the Grand Rapids Ballet Company.

Milwaukee Ballet II

Acaju Gastelum is a dedicated ballet dancer whose passion for the art began at age 8. He trained at Ballet California for over a decade, refining his technique and artistry while performing a wide range of roles. His experience includes lead performances as the Cavalry Prince in The Nutcracker, as well as starring roles in Coppélia and Peter Pan. Over the years, he has danced both as a soloist and corps member in numerous productions for Ballet California.

Acaju has further honed his skills at prestigious summer intensives, including English National Ballet, The Royal Ballet, Boston Ballet, and Louisville Ballet. His performance career has taken him to stages in El Paso, TX, and Spokane, WA, as part of Ballet Alliance, showcasing his versatility and stage presence.

In 2024, Acaju joined the Milwaukee Ballet II program, where he quickly formed a close friendship with Remi Wagner. Their shared dedication and passion for ballet made them natural artistic partners, supporting and pushing each other in the demanding environment of professional training. Acaju continues to build his career, carrying the lessons and friendships from his journey forward as he pursues his dreams in the ballet world.

Milwaukee Ballet II

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Wakana Hara is a distinguished ballet dancer from Osaka, Japan, renowned for her technical precision, elegance, and expressive artistry. She received her professional training at the world-renowned Vaganova Ballet Academy in St. Petersburg, Russia—one of the most prestigious and historically significant ballet institutions in the world. Known for its rigorous classical training and emphasis on musicality, strength, and discipline, the Vaganova Academy has produced some of the greatest dancers in ballet history. Wakana’s years of intensive study there shaped her into a refined and versatile performer, equipped with the tools to thrive in both classical and contemporary ballet.

In the 2023–2024 season, Wakana joined Milwaukee Ballet's Second Company (MBII), where she performed in a range of repertory, including the company's acclaimed Momentum showcase. Her time with MBII allowed her to further refine her performance skills in a professional setting, earning admiration for her poise and commitment.

During this time, she met fellow dancer Remi Wagner. Their connection was immediate, and their partnership blossomed both onstage and off. The two became engaged while dancing together with MBII, supporting one another through the challenges and joys of their shared artistic journey.

Wakana continues to bring grace, strength, and heart to every role she performs, honoring both her training and the deep personal connections that have shaped her path.

Joffrey Ballet

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Reed Henry is an accomplished dancer with the Joffrey Ballet, known for his artistry, dedication, and technical excellence. Born in Princeton, New Jersey, he began his ballet training at age 13 with Ballet Central New Jersey under Alexander Dutko and Thiago Silva, where he performed lead roles in The Nutcracker, Etudes, and Paquita. His talent earned him a scholarship to the San Francisco Ballet School at 15, where he trained under Patrick Armand and Pascal Molat before becoming a Trainee with the company.

During his time at San Francisco Ballet, Reed performed lead roles in works by Myles Thatcher and Dana Genshaft, Val Caniparoli and, Davide Occhipinti. He also danced Corps de Ballet roles in Cinderella, The Nutcracker, Giselle, and Romeo and Juliet. He was later invited to perform at Ballet Sun Valley and Assemblée Internationale 2023, further cementing his reputation as a rising talent.

It was in San Francisco that Reed met Remi Wagner, and the two quickly formed a deep friendship built on their shared love of ballet, artistry, and adventure. Their bond extended beyond the studio, supporting and inspiring one another in their pursuit of excellence. Reed is honored to carry forward Remi’s memory and legacy, cherishing the impact of their friendship on his journey as a dancer.

LUX Dance

IG: Connor.B.James

Connor’s passion for dance ignited at age nine in Colorado, where he trained in diverse styles including jazz, contemporary, and ballet. From ages 9 to 13, he and his best friend, Remi, were inseparable—true “partners in crime” at Dance Unlimited—pushing each other to grow as dancers and performers. Driven by a competitive spirit, Connor honed his skills at prestigious programs like LA Dance Magic’s Pro-Track, solidifying his ambition to explore the breadth of the dance world.

Beyond performing, Connor actively contributes to the dance community. At conventions like LUX Dance Convention, he not only achieved faculty status but also mentored aspiring dancers by leading the assistant program. His choreographic talent has earned him multiple awards for outstanding choreography and high-point achievements, showcasing his creative vision.

Currently based in Las Vegas, Connor continues to immerse himself in its vibrant dance scene, his passion for the art form growing stronger with each step.

Houston Ballet

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Griffin Koehl, born in Harford, Maryland, is a distinguished ballet dancer currently performing with the Houston Ballet's Corps de Ballet. He began his formal dance training at the International Ballet School in Colorado, where he developed a strong foundation in classical ballet. During this time, Griffin formed a close friendship with fellow dancer Remi Wagner; the two were inseparable, carpooling every day for 3 years between Denver and Colorado Springs to attend rigorous training sessions.

Griffin's dedication and talent led him to further his studies at the Houston Ballet Academy, eventually joining Houston Ballet II. In 2022, he became a member of the Houston Ballet, and by 2023, he was promoted to the Corps de Ballet. Throughout his career, Griffin has performed notable roles, including Basilio in Ben Stevenson's Don Quixote and the Adagio Boys in Stanton Welch’s Clear. He holds a deep appreciation for Sir Kenneth MacMillan's Manon, admiring its profound portrayal of love and tragedy.

Griffin cherishes the memories of his time with Remi, reflecting on their shared journey and the mutual support that fueled their artistic growth. Their friendship remains a significant and inspiring part of Griffin's life and career.

San Francisco Ballet

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Born in Charlotte, North Carolina, (Justin) Cooper Meeks discovered his passion for ballet at The Academy of Dance and Fine Arts before advancing his training at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA). In 2021, he earned a scholarship to the San Francisco Ballet School’s summer intensive, where his dedication and talent led to a full-time spot in the year-round program.

During his time at SFB, Cooper formed a close bond with Remi Wagner. "Re and Coop" were known for their relentless work ethic, often staying in the studios long after others had left, pushing each other to refine their technique and artistry. Their friendship was built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to excellence.

In 2024, Cooper was named an apprentice with San Francisco Ballet, marking the start of his professional career. With his passion, resilience, and drive, he continues to grow as an artist, honoring the friendships and lessons that have shaped his journey.

Boston Ballet

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Isaac Mueller began his dance training at the International Ballet School in Colorado, where he trained for two years alongside Remi Wagner. During this time, he refined his technique while performing internationally in guest appearances and competitions. In 2019, he was invited to study at the National Ballet Academy in Amsterdam, graduating in 2020. He then joined the Junior Company of Dutch National Ballet under Ernst Meisner, performing several lead roles over two seasons. In 2022, Isaac advanced to the main company of Dutch National Ballet as an Élève, dancing with the corps de ballet. That same season, he was invited to perform in Men in Motion, a gala curated by Ivan Putrov at the London Coliseum.

His repertoire includes works by Juanjo Arqués (Missa in Tempore Belli), Rachel Beaujean (Raymonda), Rudi van Dantzig (Swan Lake), Wubkje Kuindersma (Architecture of Hope), Jorma Elo (Bach Cello Suites), Annabelle Lopez Ochoa (Frida), Ernst Meisner and Marco Gerris (Dorian), Toer van Schayk (Notenkraker en Muizenkoning), Milena Sidorova (Regnum and Rose), Christian Spuck (Messa da Requiem), Hans van Manen (In the Future and In and Out), and Sir Peter Wright (The Sleeping Beauty).

In 2023, Isaac joined Boston Ballet as an artist of the company, continuing to expand his repertoire and artistry on the international stage.

Pacific Northwest Ballet

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Samuel "Sam" Portillo, hailing from Denver, Colorado, is a talented ballet dancer currently with the Pacific Northwest Ballet (PNB). He began his dance education at Colorado Ballet and Rocky Mountain Ballet Academy, where he met Remi Wagner. The two shared a year of training together in Denver, forming a close bond that extended beyond the studio. Despite geographical distances as Remi moved to San Francisco and Milwaukee, their friendship remained strong through nightly gaming sessions and shared experiences in ballet.

Sam furthered his training at Colburn Dance Academy and Pacific Northwest Ballet School, attending summer courses at Colorado Ballet Academy, School of American Ballet, and PNB School. In 2020, he won first place in the Senior Men's Division at the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) Denver. He joined PNB as a company dancer in the 2023/24 season.

Throughout his journey, Sam has performed leading roles in George Balanchine's Serenade and Justin Peck's Pulcinella Variations. He has also originated roles in works by Mark Cuddihee, Kyle Davis, and Amanda Morgan. His repertoire with PNB includes performances in Balanchine's A Midsummer Night's Dream and The Nutcracker, as well as Kent Stowell's Swan Lake.

Sam's enduring friendship with Remi Wagner was a testament to their mutual support and shared passion for ballet. Their nightly gaming sessions kept them connected, providing a sense of camaraderie and balance amidst their demanding training schedules. Sam continues to honor Remi's memory as he advances in his ballet career, carrying forward the lessons and experiences they shared.

Milwaukee Ballet II

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Andrew Powell began his dance journey at age 7 and discovered his passion for ballet at 10, training at various schools in San Antonio. He refined his technique at DeCruz Ballet under the mentorship of Lindsi Dec and Karel Cruz before attending his first out-of-town summer intensive in 2021 at the prestigious San Francisco Ballet School, under the direction of Patrick Armand. Recognized for his talent and dedication, he continued his studies at San Francisco Ballet School, graduating in 2024.

During his time in San Francisco, Andrew was not only a classmate but also a roommate of Remi Wagner, sharing countless rehearsals, experiences, and a deep friendship. Their bond extended beyond the studio, supporting and inspiring each other as they pursued their ballet careers. Andrew later danced alongside Remi once more at Milwaukee Ballet, where they continued to push each other artistically.

With a strong foundation in classical ballet and a commitment to his craft, Andrew continues to grow as an artist, carrying the friendships and lessons from his time with Remi into the next chapter of his dance career.