Taryn Ouellette is a graduate of New York University, holding a Master of Arts degree in Dance Education with a focus in Ballet Pedagogy, studying under Franco DeVita, Raymond Lukens, and Harriet Clark. She has been a ballet educator for nearly two decades, also working as a choreographer and coach for pre-professional ballet students. Ms. Ouellette received her early ballet training in Iowa City, IA, and continued her training at Kansas City Ballet School, as well as at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance. She had the privilege to train extensively in New York, at Steps on Broadway and at Peridance Center, with teachers such as Nancy Bielski and Elena Kunikova, while pursuing opportunities as a freelance performing artist living in NYC. Ms. Ouellette has enjoyed having the opportunity to work with multiple Midwest-region dance companies as a dancer, teacher for company class, and choreographer. She is an American Ballet Theatre certified teacher, having successfully completed the ABT teacher training intensives in Pre-Primary through Level 7 and Partnering of the ABT National Training Curriculum, and has had the privilege of working as a proctor for ABT NTC certification exams. Additionally, she has attended the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet’s Teachers Workshop, studying the CPYB teaching syllabus and methodologies developed by Marcia Dale Weary. Ms. Ouellette is a fully certified Pilates instructor, with training through both Stott Pilates and the Kane School. She received her Pilates training and certifications in New York, furthering her studies by attending the Functional Anatomy for Movement and Injuries (FAMI) workshop at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. She has also completed the Level 1 Progressing Ballet Technique teacher certification. As an educator, she is passionate about sharing and developing progressive, holistic ballet pedagogy, rooted in the foundations of classical ballet, prioritizing inclusivity and excellence. Ms. Ouellette is happy to be able to combine her experience as a ballet educator and arts administrator in her role as a Principal at Kansas City Ballet School.