Katina Kumar was born and raised in Reading, Pennsylvania, where she began her training with Berks Ballet Theatre. While there, she performed with their company through her senior year in high school, receiving lead roles in the conservatory’s classical and contemporary performances and she was awarded scholarships of excellence in contemporary and classical performance at Regional Dance America. After graduating high school as Valedictorian, Katina went on to receive her B.F.A. in Dance Performance from Adelphi University in New York. At Adelphi, Katina trained closely under Frank Augustyn in classical ballet and many styles of modern. Katina was privileged to perform in a variety of repertoire including, solos from La Esmeralda, Napoli, and Don Quixote; Martha Graham repertoire; original choreography of Adelheid B. Strelick; William Briscoe; and many more! Throughout her collegiate years, Katina danced professionally with companies such as Eglevsky Ballet and she was a principal guest artist with American Theater Dance Workshop and Glen Cove Ballet. Upon graduating summa cum laude in 2017, Katina became a founding company artist with Magnum Opus located in Madison, Wisconsin. While dancing with the company, Katina trained to become a licensed Progressing Ballet Technique instructor and in the Leap ‘n’ Learn curriculum. During the summer of 2018, she became certified in Adaptive Dance through Boston Ballet. As a teacher of over 14 years and with experience working in the special needs, elderly and infirmed, and underprivileged communities, her priority is to inspire and encourage each and every one of her students. Katina was named Director of Ballet at HappyFeet Dance School and Performance located in Plano, Texas where she taught ballet, pointe, variations, lyrical, contemporary, and more to students of all ages: toddler through adult. While there, she choreographed and directed several full length ballets, including her premieres of Alice in Wonderland and The Wizard of Oz. She is currently an instructor of ballet at XJ Star Academy in Plano. Additionally, she provides private coaching and choreography along with teaching yoga, barre, and Pilates. While in Texas, Katina has had the wonderful opportunity to guest as a soloist with HappyFeet Dance School, Festival Ballet of North Texas, and Toby’s School of Dance. She was formerly a founding company member of Ballet North Texas as well as a company member with ImPulse, Ballet Dallas, 6 O’ Clock Dance Theatre, and performed as a professional artist with Zion Dance Project: Summer and Winter Series Katina Kumar is humbled to be the Founding Artistic and Executive Director, as well as a company dancer with and choreographer for Ballet Papillon, based out of DFW, Texas. By beginning her own nonprofit professional ballet company, Katina is able to share her passion for the art of movement, the beauty of expression, and the gift of community and compassion with her dancers, staff, and audience members alike!

Anthony Wade Jr., MFA is a choreographer, performer, author, and educator originally from Wilmington, Delaware. He holds an MFA in Choreography from the University of Roehampton in London, England, and a BFA in Ballet and Modern Dance from Texas Christian University where he graduated Cum Laude from the School for Classical & Contemporary Dance. Anthony currently serves as an adjunct professor of dance at Texas Woman’s University and has performed with B. MOORE DANCE for seven seasons. His choreography has been presented in festivals, concerts, and educational showcases, recognized for its emotional depth, musicality, and cultural resonance. He has taught and choreographed for institutions and organizations across the United States and the United Kingdom, including the Joffrey Ballet School Dallas Summer Intensive, Texas State University, EVIDENCE, Beckles Dancing Company, Textures Contemporary Ballet, and the International Association of Blacks in Dance. Through performance, choreography, and mentorship, Anthony remains dedicated to inspiring the next generation of artists.

Amelia joined Ballet Papillon in 2023 as the Resident Stage Manager. After graduating summa cum laude and holding her BA in French along with Minor Concentrations in both English and Geology, Amelia found her way to The Last Frontier and into the world of the performing arts. For over 20 seasons Amelia has enjoyed being behind-the-scenes, as opposed to on the stage, as a contracted, theatrical artist in several backstage production roles across the performance realms of opera, dance, musical theatre, traditional plays, burlesque, and circus. Additionally, Amelia has explored opportunities in singular-venue front of house roles; facilitated guest services roles for one of the top arenas in the world; and, functioned within the customer service role of event staff team member for a central box office supporting a multi-venue performing arts facility’s patrons and resident companies alike. While working performance production contracts, Amelia spent a decade operationally supporting and ultimately relocating into an IT development team in the Lower 48 that deployed and maintained a scanning solution application for a multi-national supply chain logistics conglomerate. In her role as the project’s Sr. Business Application Analyst, Amelia was responsible for its oversight from initial conceptual discussions through to final, iterative global production releases which, at the time, were across 18 locations in nine countries on four continents. In wanting to pursue her passion for the performing arts on a full-time basis, Amelia elected to return to her alma mater and now holds her MA with a Theatre Concentration and Arts Administration & Arts Management Emphasis from Louisiana Tech University. Favorite production credits include: [LA Tech Univ] co-director/co-choreographer for "Vela Réveillez" and poet-playwright of "Transgressions"; [Dallas, TX] production stage manager for Tuzer Ballet’s "Nutcracker" (2022-2025), stage manager and uncredited associate lighting designer for the Dallas College, Mountain View production of "Godspell," projection operator for Leos Ensemble’s "Ten Arguments," and stage manager for IMPRINT Theatreworks’ "Puffs"; [Colorado Springs, CO] stage manager for two The Millibo Art Theatre "Circus of the Night" sessions; light board operator for "Noises Off!" and fly rail operator/deck crew for "Gypsy" with the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center Theatre Company; [Anchorage, AK] individual show stage manager for multiple TBA Theatre/Three Wise Moose’s "Alaska Overnighters" installments and six memorable seasons with the Anchorage Opera.

Denise is thrilled to be working with Ballet Papillon in their fourth season. With a Bachelor’s in Music and in Theatre, Denise enjoys being on the stage as well as working behind the scenes to do what she can to help others shine their brightest. She does have a history in ballet having taken a class when she was 5 years old and gave a stunning performance to the song, Good Ship Lollipop. Denise has done sound design for various productions in North Carolina, Connecticut, and DFW including Ballet Papillon’s “Unbroken”.

Chris has been designing dance almost exclusively for the past 20 years. Chris is the Director of Dance Production for the Dance Division at SMU where he received his MFA degree from the Meadows School of the Arts at SMU. Chris has designed costumes, scenic, sound, projections and lighting for theatre, musical theatre, opera, and trade shows. Chris will tell you he would always rather be working with choreographers to create immersive and emotionally rich environments for dance. Chris has designed for theatre and dance companies around the Metroplex including several Nutcrackers and Indian Arangetrams. He is the Resident Lighting Designer for Grackel Dance Collective, B.Moore Dance, and 6 O'Clock Dance Theatre. Chris is the author and a principal creator for LAZER INVASION, a mind-bending celebration of science fiction, space exploration, and pop-culture through the use of multimedia film production, high-tech laser design, theatrical lighting, and atmospheric effects, in which Chris conceived the idea, story, and structure of the presentation as well as lighting for the experience.

Christian Denice is a Los Angeles–based dancer and choreographer whose performing career includes River North Dance Chicago, Les Ballets Jazz de Montréal, and Andonis Foniadakis Dance Company in Athens, Greece. His choreographic work explores the complexities of the human experience, using dance as a vehicle for reflection, sensation, and connection. As an international choreographer, he has created works for Cincinnati Ballet, BalletX, Chamber Dance Project, Ballet22, Nevada Ballet Theatre, Odyssey Dance Theatre, DanceWorks Chicago, Los Angeles Contemporary Dance Company, Missouri Contemporary Ballet, MADCO, Eisenhower Dance Detroit, Houston Contemporary Dance Company, Kit Modus, Dance Lab New York, and others. He recently created his first full-evening original narrative ballet for Marigny Opera Ballet, premiering this December and was the Choreographic Fellow for BalletX, and he premiered a new work for the company with original score by Philip Daniel. Christian has held residencies nationwide at institutions including Kennesaw State University, UNCSA, Interlochen, Georgetown University, and Western Michigan University. He won the 2015 Echo Choreographic Competition, was selected for Joffrey Academy’s Winning Works in 2016, continues to collaborate with Andonis Foniadakis, staging his works internationally, and recently served as répétiteur and rehearsal director for ISHIDA Dance.

Abigail Hardy began her dance training at a young age developing skill in performance, choreography, and teaching. In her early training, Hardy studied through The Conservatory of Dance and Performing Arts in ballet, pointe, and jazz techniques. Her later years of training were taken through Belhaven University's renowned dance department, consisting of studies in ballet and modern performance as well as choreography. Hardy received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance from Belhaven University graduating with dance honors and receiving awards for outstanding service and artistic achievement. She has worked with teachers and choreographers from Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Houston Ballet, JoséLimón, Milwaukee Ballet, Dance Company Mooe, and The Royal Ballet. From 2013-2014, Hardy was a member of Bal Mahada Dance company on an international tour throughout South Korea. Hardy had the opportunity to perform in the Busan International Dance Festival and Alabama Dance Festival. She has traveled as a guest artist, choreographer and performer to France and Barbados. She is a member of the National Honors Society for Dance and an active artist of faith in the dance field. She performs as a free-lance dancer in project works and has been a dancer for the Chadash Contemporary Dance Movement since May of 2016. Now residing in Dallas, Texas, Hardy currently is Co-Director with her husband Vincent Hardy for the Zion Dance Project, a platform for believer artists to release the light of Christ in professional works, through video and performance.

Originally from Kansas City, Caroline received her BFA in Ballet and minor in Business last year at Texas Christian University on a dance scholarship. She began her training at the Kansas City Ballet School under the direction of Alecia Good and Sean Duus, where she participated in the Young Tanzsommer festival in Austria. Caroline has attended the summer programs of notable dance companies including those of Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Ballet Austin, Kansas City Ballet and Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet. Upon graduation, she relocated to Dallas and began her teaching career. Caroline continues to discover her passion for dance by teaching and choreographing across the DFW metroplex. She also has discovered her love for fitness and teaches Reformer Pilates. Caroline has been featured in D-Magazine multiple times for her involvement in the fitness community, and was voted best Barre Instructor. She is certified in Progressing Ballet Technique which promotes safe and effective cross-training for dancers. Caroline is a Lululemon ambassador, and has found her 'niche' teaching private pilates and ballet at her "in home" studio in Dallas.

Eugene C. Barnes III is a distinguished ballet artist, educator, and nonprofit leader with a professional career spanning 18 years. He began his formal ballet training at the Baltimore School for the Arts, studying under esteemed instructors Norma Pera, Tony Wilson, and Debra Robinson. In 2003, Mr. Barnes was personally invited by Carolina Ballet's founding Artistic Director, Robert Weiss, to audition for the company after participating in one of Weiss's master classes. He joined Carolina Ballet in 2004 and spent the next ten seasons with the company, rising to the rank of Soloist in 2009. During his tenure with Carolina Ballet, Mr. Barnes performed an extensive repertoire of classical, neoclassical, and contemporary works by choreographers such as Robert Weiss, Lynne Taylor-Corbett, and George Balanchine. He was honored as a Carolina Ballet Princess Grace Award nominee in 2007 and 2008, recognizing his technical excellence and artistic achievement. His career also included guest appearances with Paul Mejia Ballet, Avant Chamber Ballet, and Grand Rapids Ballet, allowing him to perform under a variety of artistic directors and to broaden his versatility as both an artist and an educator. Teaching has remained one of the most meaningful aspects of Mr. Barnes's career. After serving as Director of Training for Avant Chamber Ballet, he now teaches Adult and Professional Ballet at Contemporary Ballet Dallas. His teaching philosophy blends technical precision with artistry, musicality, and thoughtful mentorship, encouraging dancers to develop not only strong technique but also confidence, curiosity, and a deeper understanding of movement. Drawing on his experience performing Balanchine, classical, and contemporary repertoire, Mr. Barnes tailors his instruction to each dancer's goals while fostering an environment of discipline, creativity, and growth. Beyond the studio, Mr. Barnes serves as the Senior Volunteer Manager at The Phoenix, a national nonprofit dedicated to building sober, active communities. He leads volunteer strategy, leadership development, and community growth across multiple states, supporting more than 450 volunteer leaders and designing innovative leadership frameworks that empower communities to thrive. He also serves on the Board of Directors of Bruce Wood Dance Dallas, where he contributes to governance, marketing, and board development initiatives that advance the organization's long-term vision. Whether coaching dancers or developing leaders, Mr. Barnes believes the principles that define exceptional artistry—discipline, collaboration, adaptability, and continuous growth—are the same qualities that inspire meaningful leadership. He remains deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of artists and to strengthening the performing arts through education, service, and community leadership.

Mrs. Lee is a Native Texan. She graduated from Southern Methodist University with a BFA in Dance Performance as well as a BA in English Literature. During her time at SMU, she was honored to choreograph for SMU’s Brown Bag show; perform in SMU’s Main Stage shows; as well as receive a merit award for academic excellence. Mrs. Lee has taught for over 10 years within the DFW area in the art of ballet as well as directed ballet programs. She has also directed her own contemporary ballet company – working with DFW professionals and aspiring artists – as well as created three original contemporary ballets for professional artists. Mrs. Lee has also danced two years professionally with Contemporary Ballet Dallas (more recently known as Ballet Dallas), as well as seven years with Festival Ballet of North Central Texas. Mrs. Lee is married to her beloved Steve and has four young children. Some of her other interests outside of dance include studying theology, dance kinesiology, government, blogging, as well as pursuing a Master’s Degree in Political Science.

A native of Maryland, Markel began his artistic journey in Musical Theatre. It was from there that he found his passion for dance and began his training at Mid-Shore Dance Academy. He received his B.F.A. in Dance: Performance and Choreography from Towson University in 2022. While there, Markel performed in works by Ray Mercer, Glenn Allen Sims, Runqiao Du, Jawole Willa Jo Zollar, and Carolyn Dorfman along with many others. He would also extend his artistic experience dancing with Ballet Embody in 2021. In 2022, Markel joined Dallas Black Dance Theatre: Encore!. In addition to an annual appearance or two on stage with Ballet Papillon, Markel began teaching company classes in 2023. He is also the newly-appointed Ballet Company Director at the Allen Dance Studio and he performs with them in the annual Dance Studio Network's Nutcracker production.

Originally from Dallas, Sarah Wales is a versatile dancer, choreographer, and educator. She earned a B.F.A. in Dance and a B.S. in Exercise Science from the University of Texas at Austin and has trained extensively in jazz, contemporary, ballet, and hip hop. After returning to Dallas, Sarah performed with SoulEscape, URBAN Performing Company, B. MOORE DANCE, and Bombshell Dance Project. Her passion for choreography and producing led her to found her own company dedicated to presenting new works and creating meaningful opportunities for dancers within the Dallas arts community. Sarah is currently on faculty with SoulEscape’s Gap Year Program, where she mentors emerging artists as they refine their craft and navigate pathways toward professional dance careers. She travels nationally teaching with LUX Dance Convention, helping young dancers cultivate confidence, work ethic, and authenticity. Previously, she served as Director of URBAN Performing Company, guiding dancers in their development as adaptable, professional working artists. Her choreographic work has been commissioned by 6 O’Clock Dance Theatre, The Butler Opera Center, Garage Arts Project, HYPE Dallas, the Cohen New Works Festival, Dance Repertory Theatre, and Moving Forward Winter Fest.

Sean trained with Goh Ballet Academy, Ballet British Columbia’s Mentor Program, and The Ailey School. He has performed with Ballet Creole (Toronto, Canada), Bruce Wood Dance Project (Dallas, Texas), Rhythmic Souls Tap Company, African American Repertory Theater, and Dallas Black Dance Theatre where he danced for 14 seasons and also served as Rehearsal Director. Sean has performed with Dallas Theater Center in The Wiz (2011) and Hairspray (2018). Sean is currently in rehearsals with Dallas Opera. Sean has choreographed three works for Dallas Black Dance Theatre: Monologues (2013), Interpretations (2017) and Swipe Left (2023) and one work for DBDT: Encore!, Dollhouse (2015). Sean also choreographed and conceptualized a modern-day interpretation of Petrushka in collaboration with Fort Worth Symphony in 2024. Sean has also choreographed for Boston Conservatory Summer Intensive, Joffrey Ballet School Texas, and I.M. Terrell Academy. Sean will be joining as Guest Faculty at Dupree Dance in 2025. Sean is also a Company Class Instructor at Ballet Papillon.

Alex has over 30 years of experience in video production with the specific knowledge of most current video cameras and video editing software operations up to complex cinematic equipment, such as commercial broadcast cameras and studio equipment. For the past 20 years, he has specialized in stage productions and corporate video. During 2011 – 2013 Alex served as a President of the Dallas / Fort Worth professional Videography Association. He has received multiple awards for his video production work.

Kiera Lynn Photography: https://kieralynnphotography.com/

Dr. Gray is excited to be providing performing arts dance medicine for Ballet Papillon dancers this season. She is from Everett, WA and was trained at Pacific Northwest Ballet. She attended summer intensives around the country and went on to dance at Ballet Theater of Boston, Boston Ballet, Texas Ballet Theater, as well as guesting with smaller companies. She fnished her B.S. in Biology at UNT and worked with the Dance Department under her mentor, Arleen Sugano. After deciding her calling was providing healthcare to dancers and their families, she completed medical school at Rocky Vista University in CO and residency in Fort Worth TX. She continued to dance and still takes classes at Contemporary Ballet Dallas. Her D.O. degree in Family Medicine allows her to do broad spectrum primary care, sports medicine and Osteopathic Manipulative Treatments, as well as specialty integrative medicine, hormones, weight loss, and regenerative stem cell therapies. She married a Texan and has 2 busy kids, but loves being backstage at all the local shows as the “DFW Dance Doctor”!