STAFF

RITA TAYLOR, CEO and Executive Director.

Rita has a BFA in performance & choreography and a BA in psychology, Graduate studies in clinical counseling and has been a dancer, teacher, choreographer, and director for the past 30 years. With a diverse background in the performing arts and over 100 productions in classical ballet and musical theatre, she is a respected member of the arts community.

rtaylor@winstonsalemfestivalballet.org

GARY TAYLOR, Founder and Artistic Director

Gary is the creative genus behind the company. His original works comprise the performance and special events of the seasons. Read more

gtaylor@winstonsalemfestivalballet.org

ELIZABETH FOWLE, Ballet Master

Elizabeth, is a graduate of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts with a BFA in  Contemporary Dance focusing on contemporary, ballet and composition. Ms. Fowle has a diverse training background in ballet, pointe, partnering,  contemporary, ballroom, jazz, hip hop, musical theatre, and tap and has been performing and working with Winston-Salem  Festival Ballet for over a decade..

ecfowle@winstonsalemfestivalballet.org

CAROL JOHNSON, Administration

Carol holds a BS degree in Dance from Radford University and also studied with the Eglevsky School of Ballet and PointPark College in Pittsburgh,PA.  Carol has choreographed numerous musicals and industrials for theatre companies, schools, and businesses in North Carolina and Virginia.  She has served on the faculty of University of  N.C.School of the Arts Winter Dance Festival.

cjohnson@winstonsalemfestivalballet.org

RYAN TAYLOR, Guest Artist

Ryan is a graduate of University of North Carolina School of the Arts in contemporary dance, has a diverse training background in ballet, partnering, contemporary, ballroom, jazz, hip hop, musical theater, tap, and is an aerialist. He has danced professionally with High Point Ballet and MOMIX Dance Theatre and performed with RWS NYC and Holland America touring worldwide. Ryan also dances professionally with Winston-Salem Festival Ballet.

LEVIZADIK BUCKINS, (Shadeek), Guest Artist

Shadeek began his dance education at the Educational Center for the Arts in New Haven, Connecticut. He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, under the direction Ethan Stiefel. During his time at UNCSA, he worked with choreographers such as Brenda Daniels, Trish Casey, and Diego Schoch.  He has also had the chance to work with well-known choreographers Maurya Kerr, Larry Keigwin, Scott Rink, and Trish Lent. Shadeek frequently teaches nationally and performs with Winston-Salem Festival Ballet.