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Meet our Team

Welcome to Northern Nevada Ballet Academy, where passion meets expertise, and dedication molds talent into artistry. Our team is comprised of individuals who bring a wealth of experience, knowledge, and creativity to every dance class and rehearsal. Get to know the faces behind the magic:

Leadership

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Kris Swaczyna

Co-founder

Artistic Director

Francesca Yale Hebron

Co-Director of Competition Team

About Francesca

Shannon Smalley

Co-Director of NNBA Ballet Mistress

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Gabbie Carrozza

Co-Director of Competition Team

Yevette Watts - Northern Nevada Ballet A

Yevette Watts Yezek

Tutu Dancers

Program Lead
Office Manager

Faculty

Kris Swaczyna - Headshot_edited.jpg

Kris Swaczyna

Co-founder

Artistic Director

Ballet Technique

Francesca Yale Hebron

Contemporary, Lyrical

About Francesca

Michele Swaczyna

Pilates, PBT, Dance Conditioning, Nutritionist

Shannon Smalley Northern Nevada Ballet Academy

Shannon Smalley

Co-Director of NNBA Ballet Mistress

Ballet Technique

Gabbie Carrozza - Northern Nevada Ballet Academy.jpeg

Gabbie Carrozza

Contemporary Jazz / Jazz

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Jamie Byrne Killam

Strength & Conditioning / Physical Therapy

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Yevette Watts Yezek

Happy Feet, Pixie Pre-Ballet - Intro to Dance

Office Manager

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Lane Saunders

Tap, Musical Theater Improv Acting

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Jake Peck

Aerial Silks

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Brynna Wayland

Ballet Technique - Petite Dancers

Kia Crader Northern Nevada Ballet Academy

Kia Crader

Adult Tap

Guest Teachers

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Laura Gamett

Contemporary

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Kaden Constantino

Contemporary Hip Hop, Commercial Jazz, Choreography

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Jaime Laxalt

Ballet Technique - Petite Dancers

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Anna Costella

Musical Theatre

Advisors

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Vinh Luong

Advisor for NNBA

Executive at NNBA CTA

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Kia Crader

Advisor

Tap, Character Jazz

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