IBT Leaders On Pointe

IBT LEADERS ON POINTE

“On Pointe, On Purpose, On Leadership: When we support each other’s growth, we all shine brighter, as individuals and as a community.

The Leaders On Pointe program is designed to recognize and empower dancers dedicated to fostering a positive, inclusive culture at IBA | IBT—one that begins within their team, ripples out to every dancer in the academy, and shines on stage in IBT productions.

IBT Education and Outreach activities and initiatives are open to all dancers at every level, where everyone is encouraged to participate and support. Our Leaders on Pointe serve as representatives from across the academy, helping to create inclusiveness and build connections between all levels. These dancers serve as role models, helping to represent the academy and the theatre while inspiring their peers through kindness, leadership, and passion for dance.

The goal of Leaders On Pointe is to create greater awareness and work together to build a more inclusive culture in ballet—one where every dancer feels they belong. By leading with kindness, teamwork, and integrity, these young dancers are inspiring others to step into leadership through the art of dance.

As a community of dancers, IBT|IBA Leaders On Pointe will work together to lift each other, celebrate our shared love of ballet, and inspire those around us.
By supporting one another, modeling kindness, and leading with grace, our Leaders On Pointe help create a positive and welcoming environment at IBA | IBT , both on and off the stage.

Photo Credit: Rex Tranter

Meet IBT|IBA's First Leaders On Pointe

Hattie Auld Pre-PD III

Hattie loves the welcoming spirit of IBA and wants to share that same support with others. She looks forward to mentoring younger dancers, helping at events, and spreading positivity and the joy of ballet both in the studio and online.

Leadership Strengths & Qualities

Mentorship – excited to guide younger dancers.
Inclusive Spirit – helps foster a welcoming culture.
Community-minded – active in supporting outreach events.
Positivity – uplifts her peers with encouragement.
Dedication – committed to growth as both dancer and leader.

Hattie is known for her love of crafting, photography, and helping with little ones. Blue is her color, and her happiest times are spent with friends, laughing and making memories.

Anouch Torossian Level III

Anouch is welcoming and inclusive, always eager to support younger dancers and help her peers succeed. She is excited to represent IBA with positivity, responsibility, and her passion for ballet.

Leadership Strengths & Qualities
Inclusive Leadership – makes everyone feel welcome.
Mentorship – supportive of younger students.
Responsibility – dependable and trustworthy.
Positive Spirit – spreads encouragement to peers.
Community-minded – eager to serve and represent IBA.

Fueled by Espresso (Sabrina Carpenter’s, not the coffee!), Anouch thrives on helping younger dancers and weaving words into writing. She’s an avid reader, loves singing, painting, and 3D printing. Her favorite things? Skiing, cyan blue, and her book Allies.

Allison Nordby Level V

Allison is enthusiastic about representing IBA and supporting its productions. With leadership training experience and a strong dedication to dance, she looks forward to contributing her energy and positivity as a Leader on Pointe.

Leadership Strengths & Qualities

Mentorship – supportive and encouraging toward peers.
Experience – has performed in Nutcracker, Alice in Wonderland, and Stars of Tomorrow.
Community-minded – eager to represent IBA in the community.
Leadership Training – completed Bellevue Boys & Girls Clubs “Leaders in Training” program.
Dedication – committed to both dance and service.

Dances her heart out to Ordinary by Alex Warren, and has a gift for working with kids. Beyond ballet, Allison loves the piano and bringing joy to younger dancers with her caring communication.

Payton Knauss Professional Program

Payton has been dancing at IBA for 14 years and is dedicated to giving back to the academy that shaped her. She hopes to inspire younger dancers through her perseverance, positivity, and deep love for ballet.

Leadership Strengths & Qualities

Experience – long history of participation in IBA productions.
Mentorship – a role model for younger dancers.
Dedication – deeply committed to ballet and her community.
Resilience – demonstrates perseverance through challenges.
Inspiration – motivates others with her example.

When Payton isn’t dancing, you’ll probably find her knitting or crocheting something beautiful. Her love for making cozy, creative things is just as inspiring as her time in the studio.

Sloane Auld Level I

Sloane loves IBA and wants to help others the way she has been supported by her teachers and peers. With kindness, helpfulness, and a big love for dance, she is excited to support her academy as a Leader on Pointe.

Leadership Strengths & Qualities

Mentorship – enjoys guiding and helping other kids.
Kindness – spreads positivity in class and rehearsals.
Community Spirit – wants to give back to IBA.
Helpful – eager to support classmates and teachers.
Enthusiasm – shares her love for dance openly.

Sloane loves cartwheeling to That’s So True by Gracie Abrams. Outside of dance, she’s happiest swimming, hanging out with her pets, or diving into Percy Jackson.

Kareli Dotson Pre-PD I

Kareli has grown up at IBA and loves helping others feel welcome, supported, and inspired. She especially enjoys collaborating with her peers, seeing everyone shine, and sharing the joy of accomplishment in ballet.

Leadership Strengths & Qualities
Mentorship – encourages and supports fellow dancers.
Collaboration – values teamwork and shared success.
Supportive Spirit – celebrates the accomplishments of others.
Experience – has participated in many IBT productions and is part of the leadership group at her MS.
Joyful Leadership – brings warmth and encouragement to her community.

Kareli blends artistry and imagination, whether she’s building mini houses, crocheting, playing her violin, or painting with watercolors. She loves reading and watching ballet—especially learning about famous dancers, ballets, and variations. Her biggest joys are her sweet puppies, Charcoal and Lucky, who keep her company in all her creative adventures.

Cora Auld Level 4

Cora is full of energy and enthusiasm for ballet and enjoys encouraging younger dancers at the studio. She is excited to support IBA by sharing her love for dance and being a positive, helpful presence in the community.

Leadership Strengths & Qualities
Mentorship – looks out for and encourages younger dancers.
Enthusiasm – shares her energy with peers.
Community-minded – eager to support IBA events.
Helpful – reliable and willing to assist others.
Positive Spirit – contributes joy to the classroom.

Cora brings Summertime Sadness (Lana Del Rey) to life on stage, but offstage she’s all about organization and good vibes. She adores her dog and cat, and her favorite thing of all is simply being with friends.

Kaylee Holm Ballet 7

Kaylee has been part of IBA since she was little and loves being a positive role model for younger dancers. With years of performance experience and time as a Teaching Assistant, she is excited to share her passion for ballet, support her peers, and represent IBA in the community.

Leadership Strengths & Qualities

Mentorship – enjoys guiding and encouraging younger dancers.
Experience – part of IBA since age 3.5, with extensive performance history.
Community-minded – wants to share ballet with others through IBA.
Collaboration – works well with classmates and peers.
Dedication – long-term commitment as performer and TA.
Positive Example – strives to model integrity in class and rehearsals.

Kayle loves dancing to Gracie Abrams’ It’s So True, and she has a big heart for helping younger kids in class. Pink, strawberries, and Tangled are her favorites, and she’s currently exploring nail art with as much joy as she brings to crafts and friends.

Angela Kim Pre-PD I

Angela values kindness and inclusiveness and wants to be a role model who makes dance accessible to everyone. With leadership experience and creativity, she is excited to inspire others and share IBA’s mission through outreach and social media.

Leadership Strengths & Qualities
Mentorship – role model for younger dancers.
Inclusive Leadership – promotes kindness and belonging.
Creativity – brings fresh ideas to outreach and social media.
Community-minded – eager to share ballet beyond the studio.
Responsibility – leads with reliability and consistency.

Angela’s creativity shines both on and off stage. When she’s not dancing, you’ll find her diving into art projects and sharing her love of design.

Kinsley Jaeger Level I

Kinsley is excited to represent IBA by giving back to the community, supporting her classmates, and sharing her love of ballet. Outgoing, hardworking, and kind, she looks forward to making new friends, helping others learn more about dance, and spreading positivity through outreach.

Leadership Strengths & Qualities

Friendship & Outreach – naturally outgoing and eager to connect with others.
Mentorship – supports and encourages classmates in class.
Hard Work – always gives her best effort in ballet.
Community Spirit – excited to contribute to outreach events.
Positivity – helps peers feel confident and valued.
Enthusiasm – brings joy and energy to both ballet and community activities.

Kinsley’s spotlight is still to come — but stay tuned for her unique blend of dance and personality!

Zoe Oelgiesser Pre-PD II

Zoe is passionate about ballet education and loves supporting the IBA community with her friendliness and positive spirit. She is eager to share her passion for dance and help strengthen the welcoming culture of the studio.

Leadership Strengths & Qualities

Community-minded – committed to building connections at IBA.
Positive Energy – encourages peers with kindness.
Supportive – values lifting up fellow dancers.
Engagement – eager to join outreach and events.
Dedication – shows commitment to growth as a leader.

Baking, art, and friendship light up Zoe’s world. She loves animals, shopping, and all things blue. Whether she’s creating in the kitchen or spending time with friends, Zoe brings warmth wherever she goes.

Madelyn Morrison Ballet I

Madelyne is a kind and inspiring dancer who brings both grace and warmth to the studio. Her love for ballet began with The Nutcracker, where she was captivated by the costumes, sets, and storytelling on stage.

Leadership Strengths & Qualities

Kindness – shows compassion and support for younger dancers.
Inspiration – motivates others by sharing her love for ballet and her dreams.
Team Spirit – encourages her peers both in the studio and on her cheer squad.
Communication – connects easily with others and represents her level with confidence.
Joyful Presence – reminds everyone of the wonder and excitement of dance.

Dreaming of one day dancing as Clara motivates her, but what makes her shine is how she already uplifts others—whether helping younger dancers at IBA or encouraging teammates on her Eagles cheer squad.

Caighley Heath Pre-PD I

Caighley is a creative and encouraging dancer who wants to share the magic of ballet with others. She brings positivity, artistry, and enthusiasm to her role and hopes to inspire the entire community through dance.

Leadership Strengths & Qualities
Creativity – inspires others through artistry and ideas.
Encouragement – uplifts and supports her peers.
Community Engagement – eager to participate in outreach.
Positive Energy – brings joy and enthusiasm to the studio.
Dedication – works hard to grow as both a dancer and a leader.

With Phantom by Of Monsters and Men as her soundtrack, Caighley shines in both crafting and designing. She’s a whiz at ballet hair and sewing shoes, and her creativity flows into art, writing, piano, and graphic design. She treasures the book Seraphina, pastel purples and pinks, and sketching away.

Ani Abajyan Pre-PD I

Ani is inspired by the older dancers who have been role models for her at IBA and is now excited to step into that same role for younger students. With optimism, creativity, and perseverance, she brings positive energy to class, stage, and outreach, helping to build a welcoming and encouraging culture for everyone.

Leadership Strengths & Qualities
Mentorship – eager to be a role model for younger dancers.
Optimism – spreads positivity in class and rehearsals.
Perseverance – approaches challenges with determination.
Creativity – brings fresh ideas and enthusiasm to her work.
Welcoming Spirit – experience as a WEB leader makes her inclusive and supportive.
Community Engagement – passionate about outreach and representing IBA in the community.

Ani is both musical and artistic, with a passion for ceramics and viola. She loves the book The Thing About Jellyfish, treasures the color green, and has a talent for bringing creativity to life.

Eva Kloetzli Pre-PD II

Eva brings positivity and encouragement to every class, often helping her peers and younger dancers. She is excited to volunteer at outreach events and use social media to share her love of ballet while proudly representing IBA.

Leadership Strengths & Qualities

Mentorship – supportive of peers and younger students.
Positive Energy – consistently encourages others.
Community Engagement – eager to help at outreach events.
Advocacy – uses social media to promote IBA.
Commitment – dedicated to growing as a dancer and leader.

Dancing to No Broke Boys by Disco Line and Tinashe, Eva loves working with kids and is a natural at social media and presentations. Her favorite hobbies? Doing nails, learning piano, baking, and chilling with friends. She loves sage green, Binding 13, and any chance to hang out or dance.

Mikayla Tverskoy Ballet I

Mikayla is excited to be a Leader On Pointe and join other dancers in creating a positive, supportive community at IBA. A passionate dancer since the age of three, she hopes to inspire younger students to follow their dreams and express themselves through ballet. Friendly, creative, and encouraging, Mikayla loves bringing joy to others—whether in class, at outreach events, or through small acts of kindness.

Leadership Strengths & Qualities

Positivity & Encouragement – creates a welcoming, uplifting atmosphere for her peers.
Mentorship – enjoys helping and supporting younger dancers.
Creativity – brings fresh ideas through writing, doodling, and imaginative expression.
Community Spirit – eager to participate in outreach and inspire others through dance.
Kindness – listens with care and builds genuine friendships.
Enthusiasm – approaches every rehearsal and project with joy and curiosity.

Dancing to 10:35 by Tate McRae, Mikayla enjoys baking, reading, writing, and spending time with her dog. She loves pastel colors, shopping trips, doodling, and listening to podcasts. Her positivity and creativity shine through in everything she does, from ballet to everyday life.

You Belong... & You Were Born To Shine!

As Leaders On Pointe, dancers will not only be recognized as role models in our community but will also develop valuable skills that will serve them both on stage and in life.

Group photos each quarter with Mr. Rex Tranter - This September Saturday 20th.
Featured on IBT | IBA social media
Recognized as a leader within the academy and theatre

Through their participation, Leaders On Pointe will strengthen:

Confidence – learning to represent themselves and their community with pride
Communication – connecting with dancers of all ages and audiences in outreach events
Teamwork – collaborating to build projects and support their peers
Leadership – guiding by example with kindness, inclusivity, and positivity
Responsibility & Professionalism – balancing commitments with grace
Creativity – contributing ideas for educational projects and social media

By being part of Leaders On Pointe, dancers will grow not only as artists but as individuals — learning skills that will last a lifetime.

Time Commitment

We aim to include multiple representatives from each level so schedules can rotate and balance with rehearsals, classes, and performances.
Average time: Varies - Ideally 4-10 hours per quarter. Leaders can choose to any or all of the upcoming quarters:

First Quarter: Fall–Winter (September–December)
Second Quarter: January–April
Final Quarter: May–June

What Do Leaders On Pointe Do

As a Leader on Pointe, you’ll:

Represent IBA | IBT at community outreach events
Be the face of leadership within the academy and theatre
Help create fun and inspiring content and resources
Lead groups in developing educational content for IBT’s 25th Anniversary Gala
Serve as examples of positive behavior and community spirit
Help plan and participate in special events just for dancers, like field trips, museum visits, dance fund days, or attending live performances
Enjoy special perks through partnerships we’re building with ballet organizations that support young leaders

Qualities of Our Leaders On Pointe

Are friendly, welcoming, and inclusive
Advocate for kindness and anti-bullying
Are good communicators with peers, families, and the community
Enjoy connecting with dancers of all ages
Show a strong love for community and the arts
Demonstrate a positive attitude at all times (in dressing rooms, rehearsals, and performances)
Serve as role models through professionalism, respect, and discipline
Are responsible, reliable, and team-oriented
Stay calm, flexible, and problem-solve when challenges arise
Bring creativity and new ideas to outreach & events
Show curiosity and a willingness to grow as dancers and leaders
Inspire others as ambassadors of ballet and the arts

Who Can Apply?

Open to all IBA dancers!
- Children & Primary Programs
  Dancers are encouraged to apply to represent their level and support in-house outreach events - Parents encouraged to attend - Involvement will be for IN-HOUSE events
- Preparatory & Professional Divisions
  Dancers are encouraged to apply to represent their level and support both in-house events and community events (such as Bellevue Mall performances, school visits, and more).
Participation Goal
We encourage at least two dancers per level to join, so every program has a voice and presence. Everyone is welcome—the more the merrier

IMPORTANT: Dancers are NOT required or expected to have or use any social media to participate. At least ONE parent will be part of every communication

How To Apply

We aim to include multiple representatives from each level so schedules can rotate and balance with rehearsals, classes, and performances.

Submit your Letter of Interest by September 19th to: outreach@ibtbellevue.org

IMPORTANT:

Interested students are encouraged to email before September 13th to help support our Open House Event!

Average time: 1–4 hours per quarter.

Please email outreach@ibtbellevue.org to join. Optional but highly encourage please submit a letter of interest, example below:

Subject Line: Letter of Interest – Leaders On Pointe

Content:

Introduction
- Name, age, program/level at IBA
- Participation in past or upcoming IBT productions
Why You Want to Be a Leader On Pointe
- What excites you about representing IBA | IBT
- How you can contribute (friendliness, mentoring, social media ideas, community outreach, etc.)
Personal Qualities
- Share 2–3 examples of qualities you bring (ex: positive attitude in rehearsals, helping younger dancers, teamwork in productions)
- Skills, interests, anything you want to share with us.
Closing
- Gratitude for consideration
- Enthusiasm to contribute to the IBA | IBT community spirit

INTERNATIONAL BALLET THEATRE
presents

The
20th Anniversary

Performance Season

INTERNATIONAL BALLET THEATRE
presents

The
20th Anniversary

Performance Season

INTERNATIONAL BALLET THEATRE
presents

The
20th Anniversary

Performance Season

INTERNATIONAL BALLET THEATRE
presents

The
20th Anniversary

Performance Season