Summer School

Guest Teacher Bios 2012

Evelyn Cisneros-Legate

Principal of Boston Ballet School's Marblehead Location, former Prima Ballerina, San Francisco Ballet
Evelyn Cisneros-Legate began studying ballet at the age of eight in an effort to overcome her profound shyness. Cisneros later received full summer scholarships to the San Francisco Ballet School and the School of American Ballet and upon completing her high school educaion, she began her appreticeship with the San Francisco Ballet in 1976 and joined the company in 1977. She has performed countless original roles and title roles and has been featured on the covers of Dance Magazine, Ballet News, and Hispanic Magazine, and received numerous awards for her community activism and artistic achievements. She is held in high regards by the Latino community and serves as a role model to many.

Cisneros holds honorary doctorate degrees from Mills College and the University of California at Monterey Bay. In May of 1999, Cisneros retired from the San Francisco Ballet with a Gala performance in her honor, and in celebration with KQED produced a half hour documentary of her life, entitled Evelyn Cisneros, Moving On.

Following retirement in 1999, Cisneros has worked on many projects including co-hosting a current events program and has also co-authored Ballet for Dummies.

Since 2000, Cisneros has taught many intensives, ballet workouts, and company classes all over the world. She has been instrumental in dance education and also served as the Academy Director for Ballet Pacifica.

In January 2010, Cisneros became the Principal of Boston Ballet School's Marblehead location. She has been integral in creating and hosting Boston Ballet's newest summer offering: the Choreographic Intensive Program. Cisneros is married to retired principal dancer Stephen Legate. Together, they have a son Ethan and daughter Sophia, who are their ultimate accomplishments and joy.

Ross Alley

Bachelor of Music RSA, Certificate, TEFL
Mr. Alley is a native of New Zealand, he worked as a pianist and music teacher at the National School of Ballet and the Australian Ballet Company and School before moving to England. In London he was employed by the Royal Ballet School as a pianist, with responsibilities as a music tutor to develop the teachers’ training course and create the pianists training program for aspiring ballet accompanists. Mr. Alley is closely associated with the Cecchetti Society, researching, editing and arranging music for the syllabi. He lectures on classical music at the Royal Opera House, organized by the Royal Opera House Education Department with the University of London and Friends of Covent Garden.