A Celebration of Dreams: The Dancers Who Move Us
As we wrap up our dancer spotlight series, it’s impossible not to feel inspired by the passion, artistry, and pure heart that each of Golden State Ballet’s artists brings to the stage. These dancers are the soul of every performance; the magic behind every story told through movement. In this final feature, we invite you to meet a few more of the incredible individuals who bring our stories to life.
Victoria Jenkins
For Victoria Jenkins, ballet is a legacy to honor and pass on. Her favorite role so far has been Nikiya in La Bayadère, but her dream is to step into the shoes of Giselle. What keeps her motivated? A profound love for ballet itself and the desire to preserve its authenticity and offer timeless art to the world.
“I want to preserve it, honor it, and pass it along to as many people as I can. It’s a privilege to be an artist. I dream of giving the world art that is pure, beautiful, and timeless in a continuously less authentic world.”
Victoria Jenkins in rehearsal for The Nutcracker | Photo by Sam Zauscher.
Preston Swovelin in rehearsal for The Nutcracker | Photo by Sam Zauscher.
Preston Swovelin
Preston Swovelin cherishes his time touring Europe as Romeo in Romeo and Juliet, an experience he describes as unforgettable. Looking ahead, he dreams of performing in Crystal Pite’s The Statement, embracing the challenge of telling a politically charged story through movement. For Preston, the beauty of ballet lies in its endless opportunities for transformation.
“Dance gives me endless opportunities for change, whether it’s changing characters or roles within a single ballet or changing as an artist to adapt to challenging circumstances.”
Nicole Denney
For Nicole Denney, the magic of ballet is rooted in connection. She fondly remembers performing as Russian Girl in George Balanchine’s Serenade, feeling the unified energy of the ensemble. Her dream role? Juliet, a character who first captured her imagination as a child. Nicole dances to move people emotionally, believing deeply in the power of dance as healing and transformative.
“My biggest inspiration is the feeling I get when I am able to emotionally move someone in the audience. I continue to dance because I know how powerful and healing dance can be, and I love being a part of that.”
Nicole Denney in rehearsal for Stages | Photo by Sam Zauscher.
Megan Nicotera in rehearsal for The Nutcracker | Photo by Sam Zauscher.
Megan Nicotera
Megan Nicotera sees every role as a dream fulfilled. She treasures her experience dancing the Solo Girl in Justin Peck’s In Creases, a performance that sparked new confidence in her artistry. For Megan, dance is not just a passion, it’s a vital part of her soul.
“Nothing makes me feel more alive, and it helps my soul feel cleansed. Dance has shaped my life in the most magical way.”
Timothy Ruelas
When Timothy Ruelas reflects on his favorite ballets, like Septime Weber’s The Wizard of Oz, he is drawn to larger-than-life characters that tax him as an athlete as well as an artist, requiring him to dig deep physically and emotionally to bring his very best to the stage.
“My favorite roles are those that require different elements of technical work as well as deep, complex characters that push me to draw from my own life experiences. These roles are challenging, but also freeing.”
Timothy Ruelas | Photo by Sam Zauscher.
Celyna Tran in rehearsal for The Nutcracker | Photo by Sam Zauscher.
Celyna Tran
For Celyna Tran, her "I’ve made it" moment came when she performed the Sugar Plum Fairy after graduating from the Bolshoi Ballet Academy. It was a major leap into the professional world; one filled with excitement, new expectations, and profound pride. Her dream roles are many, from Kitri and Juliet to the ethereal swans of Swan Lake, but Nikiya from La Bayadère remains a standout.
“Dance is so much more than just movement onstage. It’s about research, storytelling, and bringing a character to life…then making it all look effortless. That’s what I love about it, and it’s why I continue to do it every day.”
Natasha Rader
For Natasha Rader, dancing Spanish in The Nutcracker during her first professional season was a special and memorable moment. She dreams of portraying Aurora in Matthew Bourne’s The Sleeping Beauty, a bold, imaginative reimagining of a classic ballet. Natasha describes dance as an inseparable part of her life.
“I have to keep dancing because I really wouldn’t feel complete without it. It’s really a part of my life that I can’t live without.”
Natasha Rader in rehearsal for The Nutcracker | Photo by Sam Zauscher.
Keep the Magic Alive
These dancers—and every artist at Golden State Ballet—pour their heart and soul into every rehearsal and every performance. Their passion is palpable, and their commitment to their art form is inspiring.
Our Sponsor a Dancer campaign is your chance to stand with them, supporting the journeys that bring so much beauty into our world. Your sponsorship helps ensure our dancers have the resources, training, and encouragement they need to keep creating unforgettable moments onstage.
Thank you for celebrating their passion with us, and for being part of our fairytale.