Announcing Our 2026 Dancer Promotions
Golden State Ballet is proud to announce three dancer promotions for the 2026-2027 season, recognizing artists whose dedication, growth, and exceptional performances over the past year have distinguished them within the company.
Artistic Director Raúl Salamanca has promoted Haley Mauldin to Soloist, Annabelle Eurich to the Corps de Ballet, and Daria Leonteva to Apprentice.
These promotions celebrate not only technical excellence, but also the artistry, professionalism, and commitment each dancer has demonstrated throughout the season.
Haley Mauldin as the Principal Woman in George Balanchine’s Allegro Brillante | Photo by Samantha Zauscher.
Haley Mauldin Promoted to Soloist
Haley Mauldin has been promoted to Soloist following a remarkable season defined by poise under pressure, artistic growth, and an unwavering commitment to her craft.
Throughout the 2025–2026 season, Haley demonstrated extraordinary reliability as both an artist and a technician. During The Four Seasons in March, she stepped into the principal woman's role in George Balanchine’s Allegro Brillante as an understudy, performing both the opening and closing performances of the run with confidence, musicality, and remarkable artistry. With only a handful of rehearsals to prepare, Haley took on the demanding role under extraordinary circumstances and proved herself capable of rising to the occasion when her company needed her most.
She was again called upon in June to assume the principal role of Titania in Raúl Salamanca’s A Midsummer Night's Dream. Her ability to step seamlessly into leading roles on short notice speaks to the dedication and focus she brings to every rehearsal and the trust she has earned within the company.
For Haley, the experience of stepping into Allegro Brillante became a defining moment in learning to trust herself as an artist.
"All the late nights teaching it to myself from a video, the very few rehearsals, and the blisters that just wouldn't go away didn't matter anymore once the show started," Haley recalled. "In those last couple days of chaos and uncertainty I felt strangely calm. I had a job to do."
Haley Mauldin as Titania in Raúl Salamanca’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream | Photo by Samantha Zauscher.
That experience gave Haley a new perspective on her own growth. While dancers often measure progress through physical milestones—improved technique, stronger feet, or increased stamina—she realized that some of her most meaningful development had happened internally.
"I realized through this experience that I hadn't really paid attention to just how much my mentality had shifted through the years. Finally having palpable evidence that I can trust myself and my abilities was the most impactful moment of growth I think I've ever had."
Her promotion to Soloist marks what Haley describes as the culmination of more than a decade of determination and focus. She credits the teachers, friends, and family who have supported her throughout that journey, while remaining motivated by everything she still hopes to accomplish.
"While I am proud of myself for reaching this point, I am also wary of feeling complacent. There's still a lot more that I want to accomplish. I truly couldn't be more grateful for this opportunity."
As she steps into her new role, Haley is also looking forward to taking on a new responsibility within the company: becoming a leader for the dancers who come after her.
"I am nervously excited to be perceived as a leader within the company. I will always remember how kind, supportive, and inspiring the higher ranking members were to me when I first joined Golden State Ballet. I intend to and hope that I can pass that along to everyone else who joins our community."
Haley's promotion to Soloist recognizes not only her exceptional dancing, but the resilience, self-trust, and dedication that have brought her to this next chapter.
Annabelle Eurich Promoted to the Corps de Ballet
Annabelle Eurich joins the Corps de Ballet after an outstanding season marked by versatility, consistency, and continued technical development.
During The Nutcracker, Annabelle made memorable role debuts as both Columbine Doll and Chinese, showcasing her ability to excel in featured roles while maintaining the precision and unity essential to ensemble work. Throughout the remainder of the season, she performed corps de ballet roles in every production, demonstrating her reliability as a member of the company while continuing to distinguish herself onstage.
Over the past year, Annabelle's technique has grown significantly, further enhancing the exquisite lines and artistry that have become hallmarks of her dancing. Her work with choreographer Houston Thomas also gave her an opportunity to develop as an individual artist, learning to bring her own qualities and perspective to the choreography.
"I feel I grew the most working with Houston Thomas in his choreographic process and learning to add my own qualities to the steps being given," Annabelle shared.
For Annabelle, this promotion represents an important milestone in her professional career.
"This promotion feels like I have finally 'made it' as a professional dancer. I am feeling proud of myself and motivated to keep working hard to improve."
As she steps into the Corps de Ballet for the 2026–2027 season, Annabelle is looking forward to continuing to challenge herself, both artistically and personally.
"I am most excited to keep pushing myself to grow in confidence in my dancing and step into new roles this upcoming season with the company."
Her promotion recognizes a season of meaningful growth and the versatility, discipline, and artistry she brings to Golden State Ballet.
Annabelle Eurich as Chinese Lead in Raúl Salamanca’s The Nutcracker | Photo by Samantha Zauscher.
Daria Leontev in Natasha Rader’s Thoughtscape | Photo by Samantha Zauscher.
Daria Leonteva Promoted to Apprentice
Daria Leontev has been promoted to Apprentice after a season that highlighted her technical excellence, thoughtful artistry, and unwavering commitment in the studio.
During the 2025-2026 season, Daria performed corps de ballet roles in both The Nutcracker and A Midsummer Night's Dream. She was also selected to perform alongside the company in Natasha Rader's Thoughtscape as part of March's The Four Seasons program, an opportunity that reflected the confidence the artistic staff has placed in her abilities.
Whether preparing featured choreography or serving as an understudy, Daria has consistently approached every rehearsal with focus, curiosity, and professionalism. Her impeccable technique and dedication to the artistic process make her a valuable addition to the company as she begins this new chapter as an Apprentice.
Reflecting on her promotion, Daria shared, "This promotion is truly meaningful to me. Becoming a trainee with Golden State Ballet at 16 and now being promoted to an Apprentice at 17 feels so surreal. I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunities, guidance, and support I have received throughout this journey, and I am so excited to step into this next chapter of my life."
Looking ahead to the new season, Daria is eager to continue building on that momentum. "I am excited to continue developing as a dancer. I look forward to the new experiences and performances this season will bring, as well as the opportunity to keep learning and growing through each one!"
The Season Ahead
These promotions reflect Golden State Ballet's commitment to developing artists from within and recognizing excellence at every stage of a dancer's career. Haley, Annabelle, and Daria have each contributed meaningfully to the company's recent success, and we look forward to watching them continue to grow throughout the 2026-2027 season.