our leadership
Guiding the Next Generation
Under the guidance of Artistic Director George Birkadze, the leadership and faculty of American Classical Ballet (ACB) bring decades of international performance, choreography, and educational expertise to training the next generation of professional dancers. Our mission is to mentor each artist with artistic insight, technical excellence, and integrity, fostering discipline, creativity, and confidence. Led by a team that includes former Principal Dancer Ashley Ellis and Executive Director Heather Centurioni, ACB combines world-class performance experience, strategic leadership, and individualized guidance to ensure dancers develop the strength, artistry, and versatility required to thrive in today’s dynamic dance world.
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
George Birkadze
George Birkadze is a Georgian-born ballet dancer, choreographer, and dance educator. He was born in Tbilisi, Georgia and began his dance training at the National Academy of Dance of Tbilisi under Vakhtang Chabukiani.
Birkadze continued his studies in Moscow at the Bolshoi Ballet Academy under Genady Ladiah, where he graduated with Honours in Classical Ballet, Pas de Deux, and Traditional Dance. During his time in Moscow, he was awarded a Gold Medal for World History and Literature, and he also studied pedagogy, business administration, art direction, public relations, and marketing.
After completing his formal training, Birkadze joined the Kremlin Ballet under Ekaterina Maximova, performing works by Yuri Grigorovich, Andrei Petrov, and Vladimir Vasiliev. He received the Silver Medal in Russia and the Bronze Medal in Luxembourg in 1996 for his performances.
Birkadze has danced and choreographed throughout Europe, being promoted in 1999 to Principal Dancer with the Young Ballet of Catalonia. He served as Artistic Director of BMK Company, organizing international ballet galas.
As a choreographer, he has created works for Angel Corella’s company (including Macbeth, Taming of the Shrew, and Celaje) and participated in productions at the Gran Teatre del Liceu in Barcelona. He has also worked with major ballet artists and companies in Europe, Southeast Asia, and the United States.
Birkadze has traveled the world for choreography, teaching, and guest appearances at prominent institutions such as Boston Ballet, Ballet RI, Sarasota Ballet, Houston Ballet, Singapore Dance Theater, Ballet Philippines, and more.
He is involved in dance education leadership, including roles such as Artistic Director of the Classical Training Program at The Dallas Conservatory and leadership at American Classical Ballet.
Executive DIRECTOR
Heather Centurioni
Heather Centurioni serves as the Executive Director of American Classical Ballet, bringing more than 15 years of experience navigating the professional ballet and dance world with her own dancer. Her leadership blends artistic insight with strong business strategy, ensuring the organization operates with both excellence and integrity.
Heather has served on nonprofit boards and advisory committees, volunteered extensively, and built multiple entrepreneurial ventures from the ground up. Her background gives her a rare ability to understand both the creative and operational sides of a ballet company. She has firsthand experience supporting dancers, families, faculty, and patrons, which allows her to lead with empathy while maintaining high standards.
As a seasoned entrepreneur, Heather has founded and scaled successful businesses, managed high-level client relationships, overseen budgets, led marketing initiatives, and built strong community partnerships. She understands growth, sustainability, and the importance of brand positioning in a competitive arts landscape.
Her leadership at American Classical Ballet focuses on strategic development, fundraising, community engagement, donor relations, and long-term organizational growth. She is passionate about preserving classical ballet while expanding access and opportunity for the next generation of artists.
Heather believes strong arts organizations require vision, discipline, and heart. She is committed to building a company that serves dancers with excellence and the community with impact.
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
Ashley Ellis
Ashley Ellis is an American ballerina and former Principal Dancer with Boston Ballet. Originally from Torrance, California, she trained at South Bay Ballet and attended major summer intensives including American Ballet Theatre, San Francisco Ballet, and the School of American Ballet. She began her professional career with American Ballet Theatre Studio Company before joining the main company, later dancing as a soloist with Corella Ballet in Spain and Sarasota Ballet.
In 2011, she joined Boston Ballet, where she rose to Principal Dancer in 2013 and performed leading roles in the classical and contemporary repertoire, including Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker, Le Corsaire, Jewels, and Onegin. She retired from the stage in 2021 after an international career spanning two decades.
Ellis has since continued her work in training and mentorship, bringing extensive performance experience and a deep understanding of classical technique to the next generation of dancers.
Address:
6106 Frisco Square Blvd.
Frisco, TX 75034
Email: [email protected]
Contact number: (469) 269-2956
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