Jill Eathorne Bahr is renowned for her distinctive and intimate choreographic style, which has been characterized as both sleek and explosive. Her body of work includes the introspective Firebird, a vivid portrayal of World War II France in "Last Vestiges of a Torch Song Café," and the compelling story of a matriarchal society in turmoil, "The Rite of Spring". Her latest original work, "Aladdin and the Magic Carpet," was a resounding success upon its world premiere.  The Midland Festival Ballet's premiere of her full-length "Aladdin and the Magic Carpet" on April 16, 2022, was met with widespread critical ill.

Jill imparts her vast knowledge and experience as a faculty member at the Florida Ballet.  Previously, she served as a senior faculty member at the Charleston Ballet Center for Dance. Her passion extends to teaching summer intensives at renowned institutions like the Boston Ballet and Joffrey Ballet.

In the 2023-24 Season, Jill's imaginative production of "Alice in Wonderland" was performed by the Canton Ballet, Lake Area Ballet Theatre, and the Cary Ballet. The Florida Ballet premiered her interpretation of "Romeo and Juliet" in May 2024, further cementing her reputation for impactful storytelling through dance.

Formerly the CEO of Coastal Ballet USA, Jill Eathorne Bahr now imparts her vast knowledge and experience as a member of the faculty at the Florida Ballet. She previously served as a former senior faculty member of the Charleston Ballet Center for Dance.

Her achievements are recognized with two National Endowment (NEA) Fellowships, four Monticello Fellowships, the William Habich Choreography Award, two South Carolina Arts Fellowships, and two Astral Choreography Awards. Her choreography is featured in the repertoires of numerous dance companies, including the Atlanta Ballet, Boston Ballet, Cary Ballet, and others. A passionate teacher, she has led summer intensives at the Boston Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, and more.  Honored with the prestigious Carlisle Project opportunity and the Governor’s Award – “Elizabeth Verner Award” in 2008, Jill's contributions to the arts are unparalleled in South Carolina.

A stalwart advocate for Regional Dance America, Jill has adjudicated all five regions and, most recently, served as a National Adjudicator in the 2024 Regional Dance America Festival in Daytona. 

Iori Araya, a native of Japan, danced at Singapore Dance Theatre and New Jersey Ballet prior to joining Ballet Memphis in 2017. She has danced Aurora in The Sleeping Beauty, George Balanchine’s Theme and Variations, Serenade, Allegro Brillante, Divertimento #15, Stanton Welch’s Maninyas, Val Caniparoli’s Chant, Edwaard Liang’s Age of Innocence. She was a finalist at the 10th Asian Pacific International Competition, winning a scholarship to The Australian Ballet School where she was chosen to be a part of The Australian Ballet’s Dancers Company Tour. Her noted performances with Ballet Memphis include George Balanchine’s Square Dance and Matthew Neenan’s Water of the Flowery Mill.

Rafael Ferreras received his early ballet training in New York with the Dance Theatre of Harlem and the Joffrey Ballet School. Audiences know him for his leading roles in Romeo and Juliet, Dracula, The Firebird, Angels in the Architecture, Midsummers Night’s Dream, The Nutcracker, Swan Lake and The Sleeping Beauty. He danced with Ballet Memphis, Tulsa Ballet, Hartford Ballet, New Jersey Ballet and Elisa Monte Dance. Ferreras is currently the Ballet Master for the San Antonio Ballet.

Originally born in Sarasota, Florida and received his training from both of his parents, Stephanie Murrish and Daniil Gaifullin. Nikolas has had the opportunity to work with well renowned choreographers such as Johan Kobborg, Anna Marie Holmes, Yuri Possokhov, Jade Hale Christofi, Joshua Bergasse, Omar Nieves, Anthony Krutzkamp, Devon Carney, Anthony Johnson, Ryan Nye, Robert Mills, Ma Cong, Dwight Rhoden, Norbert De La Cruz Ill, Tara Lee, Kiyon Ross, Ross Freddie McCray, Viktor Plotnikov, Bruce Wells, and John McFall. Nikolas has performed with companies and troupes such as Kansas City Ballet 11, Atlanta Ballet, Polunin Ink, Oklahoma City Ballet, Tulsa Ballet, and Broadway production of Sugar Hill: Ellington/Strayhorn Nutcracker. His repertoire includes Johan Kobborg's Romeo and Juliet, Yuri Possokhov's Don Quixote and Nutcracker, Septime Webre's Alice in Wonderland, Dwight Rhoden's Sunrise Divine, Robert Mills Nutcracker, John McFall's Nutcracker, Kiyon Ross's Sum Stravinsky, Jiri Kylian's Return to a Strange Land, Tara Lee's Blink, Ma Cong's Tchaikovsky, Ross Freddie McCray's Fraudulent Smile, Viktor Plotnikov's Vesna, Anthony Krutzkamp's Carmina Burana, Anthony Johnson's Rings of the Rose, Ryan Nye's Tone it Bach, Norbert De La Cruz's The Fourth Wall, Bruce Well's Midsummer Nights Dream, Devon Carney's Nutcracker, Gregory and Marjorie Schramel’s Carmina Burana, Van Helsing in Oliver Halkowich’s Dracula, and Todd Allen’s Afterglow. Nikolas has performed principal roles in the classical ballet repertoire such as Basilio in Don Quixote, Prince Siegfried in Swan Lake, Drosselmier in Yuri Possokhov's Nutcracker, Cavalier in Robert Mills and John McFall's Nutcracker, and Tybalt in Johan Kobborg's Romeo and Juliet which was the world premiere in Arena di Verona of 2019 and once again performed and reprised his role of Tybalt at Royal Albert Hall in London of 2021. He has attended The Carreno Festival in 2012, ABT Summer Intensive and National Ballet School of Canada in 2015 and Jacob's Pillow in 2016. Nikolas has competed in two world renowned ballet competitions, YAGP and World Ballet Competition. In 2007 he performed Gala of the Stars at the Spoleto Festival in Italy. Recently Nikolas has performed the roles of Volga Vouty and the Hooligan King in Sugar Hill Ellington/Strayhorn Nutcracker which premiered in the Auditorium Theatre in Chicago, choreographed by Jade Hale Christofi whom choreographed the famous variation Take Me to Church and Joshua Bergasse from Broadway New York whom choreographed numerous Broadway productions. Nikolas's career showcases his dedication, talent, and versatility as a dancer. His achievements and performances have earned him recognition and respect in the ballet community. 

Joseph Gatti is United Ballet Theatre’s Artistic Director (Founder); he was formerly a Principal Dancer with the Cincinnati Ballet and Corella Ballet, and First Soloist with Boston Ballet. He was born in Warwick, New York and raised in Orlando, Florida, where he began dancing at the Orlando Ballet School and continued his training with Vadim Fedotov and Irina Depler. Joseph danced at Orlando Ballet as an apprentice from 2001-2003, under the direction of Fernando Bujones. 

In 2003, he was coached by Orlando Molina for the Youth American Grand Prix Ballet Competition in New York, where he was awarded the gold medal and a scholarship to the Royal Ballet School in London. Upon graduating with honors, he received the Dame Ruth Railton Award for Excellence in Dance in 2004. After attending the American Ballet Theater Summer Intensive in 2003, he joined the American Ballet Theater Studio Company for the 2004-2005 season. In 2005, he became the first American male dancer to win the prestigious gold medal at the New York International Ballet Competition. 

Joseph was nominated as Best Male Dancer for the 2006 Benois de la Danse in Moscow, Russia. That same year, he became a bronze medalist at the USA International Ballet Competition and a silver medalist at the Seoul International Ballet Competition in Korea.

He was also chosen to be featured in a video entitled “The Male Ballet Dancer” presented by master teacher Finis Jhung. In 2007, Joseph was coached by Magaly Suarez for the first World Ballet Competition in Orlando, Florida, where he received the gold medal. Mr. Gatti also received the bronze medal at the 2010 Istanbul International Ballet Competition. In 2013, Joseph received the Mr. Virtuosity Award at the Dance Open Ballet Festival in St. Petersburg, Russia. In 2014, he also received the “Best Pas De Deux” award at the Dance Open Festival in St. Petersburg.

A Cuban-born Principal International Guest Artist, Daynelis Muñoz, showcased her exceptional talents with the National Ballet of Cuba, Mexico Ballet, and Tulsa Ballet before embarking on a freelancing journey. Daynelis has graced stages across Spain, France, Colombia, Mexico, and more. Her repertoire includes leading roles in iconic classics such as Swan Lake, Giselle, Don Quixote, Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, Romeo and Juliet, Serenade, La Bayadere, as well as pieces by internationally acclaimed choreographers like John Cranko, Edwaard Liang, Marcello Angelini, George Balanchine, Wayne McGregor, Ma Cong, and the legendary Alicia Alonso. Ms. Daynelis has left an indelible mark on the international ballet scene, having earned Gold Medals in various International Ballet Competitions in Cuba and Mexico, including the prestigious Youth America Grand Prix. Her contributions extend beyond performance, as she has served as a jury member for dance competitions, International Dance Meetings, and Congresses of Spectacles in Mexico. Currently, Ms. Daynelis holds the esteemed position of Principal Guest Artist and Ballet Coach on the international stage. Her expertise has been sought after, leading to invitations to guest teach in numerous Galas, Master classes, and Ballet Productions around the world. Daynelis Muñoz continues to be a beacon of excellence, enriching the global ballet community with her artistry and dedication.

Telmen Munkherdene began his training in his native Mongolia at the Mongolian State Conservatory, graduating in 2017. During his final year, he performed with the Mongolian State Opera and Ballet Theatre. Awarded a full scholarship to the Kirov Academy of Ballet in Washington, D.C., Telmen joined the junior company and performed Giselle with the Cuban National Ballet at the Kennedy Center. He trained under ballet legends Bat Udval and Evgenia Singur, Marina Bogdanova.

Telmen has received numerous accolades throughout his career. He won the silver medal for classical ballet and the Grand Prix for contemporary dance at the 32nd World Association of Arts Exchange Festival in South Korea. Additionally, he earned the bronze medal at the Mongolian National Ballet Competition. In 2019, he received the Gold Medal at the World Ballet Grand Prix in New York and a full scholarship to attend the Joffrey Ballet School. He also won the silver medal and Best Technique Award at the Jewels Festival in New York and received a diploma at the YAGP 2019 finals.

Notably, Telmen is the youngest recipient of the Medal for Leading Cultural Artist in Mongolia, awarded by the Ministry of Culture. He has danced as a guest artist for several international productions, including in China, with Ajkun Ballet Theatre in the United States, and Fire Bird with Komaki Ballet Japan in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. His repertory includes leading roles in classical ballets such as Don Quixote, Le Corsaire, Flames of Paris, Walpurgis Night, Diana and Acteon, The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, and Giselle.

Max Murdock is a 25-year-old ballet dancer based out of Las Vegas, NV. He was a member of the 5th graduating class of The Northwest Florida Ballet Académie in 2011. He continued dancing with the company in high school. After high school, he studied in the Florida State University dance program and as a demisoloist with The Tallahassee Ballet. Max has been performing ever since with Northwest Florida State College, Mobile Ballet, Las Vegas Dance Academy, and Northwest Florida Ballet.

Hannah Wang Powell is originally from Austin, Texas where she started dancing at Ballet Austin at age three. She began her pre-professional training at Austin Metamorphosis Dance Academy. She studied there under Melanie Kregel and Melissa Glouchkova for seven years while performing with Metamorphosis Dance Ensemble. She had the opportunity to participate in Bailando Dance Festival and also perform as a guest artist for Corpus Christi Concert Ballet. Hannah spent summers studying at American Ballet Theatre, Ballet West, and Joffrey Ballet Chicago. In 2017, she joined the Atlanta Ballet Conservatory Program under the direction of Sharon Story where she had the opportunity to perform in the world premiere of Yuri Possokhov’s The Nutcracker, Johan Kobborg’s La Sylphide, and Bruce Wells’ Beauty and the Beast. Subsequently in 2019, Hannah was offered a scholarship to Richmond Ballet’s trainee program under the direction of Judy Jacob and Stoner Winslett. She toured and performed with Richmond Ballet for two years, including in their productions of Paquita and The Nutcracker. Hannah joined New Orleans Ballet Theatre in 2021 and this will be her fourth season with the company.

Michael began his instruction in dance in McAllen, TX; starting off with traditional Spanish dances of Folklorico and Flamenco. After realizing his passion for the art form, he decided to broaden his training. He continued his training in Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, and Modern techniques, where he also traveled around TX working with different Master Teachers. Finally realizing the importance of a solid background in Ballet, he began his training at a late age of 14. He studied under Deborah Case at the Deborah Case Dance Academy, home of the Rio Grande Valley Ballet. He had the luxury of working with numerous instructors, including Prima Ballerina Absolut Galina Mezentseva of the Kirov Ballet, Alex Ossadnick, Michael and Olga Wise of Moscow Classical, and Willie Shives of Joffrey Ballet. He then began to perform with The Rio Grande Valley Ballet, portraying lead roles in different classical and contemporary ballets, traveling and touring within the state of Texas.

Relocating to Charleston, SC, in 2009, Michael continued his training with the late Robert Ivey at the Robert Ivey Ballet. Soon after, Robert Ivey invited him as a dancer, teacher, and choreographer for his local performances. He became a soloist for the company where he was able to perform roles in Le Corsaire, Coppelia, Hunchback of Notre Dame, Romeo & Juliet, & Scherezade. He began working with Charleston Ballet Theatre where he became a regular with the company.  He has performed in roles including Alice in Wonderland, Nutcracker, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Happily Ever After, & Chim Chim Cheree. Michael also had the pleasure to travel with Jill Bahr as a guest artist for the setting of her ballets, including her most recent original work of Aladdin with the Midland Festival Ballet. Michael was a regular in the Charleston Ballet Center for Dance Education as the students' rehearsal coach, along with instruction in Ballet, Modern, and Jazz techniques. 

Now residing in Mcallen, TX, he has joined the staff to continue to grow and train the young dancers at the Rio Grande Valley Ballet, working as instructor, choreographer and rehearsal coach within the studio company. Michael hopes to strengthen and grow the arts in the area as well as continue his travels as a Guest Artist and Guest Teacher. 

Aaron began dancing at age 4, at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Houston, TX. Through high school, he was trained in Vaganova technique, jazz, tap, and musical theatre styles of dance. Aaron then went on to Marymount Manhattan College where he attained a BFA in Dance. While in college he studied the techniques and performed repertoire by Paul Taylor, Twyla Tharp, and Martha Graham, as well as continuing his Ballet training. He now happily lives in New Orleans where he has danced with Marigny Opera Ballet, Delta Festival Ballet, Melange Dance Company, and New Orleans Ballet Theatre. Aaron is currently in his second season as a company member with New Orleans Ballet Theatre. 

Guest Artists

2025-2026 Guest Artists

Jill Eathorne Bahr

Iori Araya

Rafael Ferreras

Nikolas Gaifullin

Joseph Gatti

Daynelis Muñoz

Telmen Munkherdene

Max Murdock

Hannah Powell

Michael Rodriguez

John Aaron Wiggins