On this episode I chatted with Principal Dancer of the OKC Ballet, Jonathan Batista. Jonathan started his training at a social project in the City of God Slums. His talent was then spotted by his teacher which took him to a pre-professional dance division at Alice Arja Ballet School where he started his journey in Classical Ballet. 

Batista was first seen by Edward Villella (Former Founder & Artistic Director of Miami City Ballet) and then by Jane Hackett (Former School Director at English National Ballet School) which offered him a full scholarship to English National Ballet School in London, UK. Batista also attended The Royal Ballet School.

Upon his Graduation in 2011 Batista went on to perform with major ballet companies such as English National Ballet, The National Ballet of Canada, Miami City Ballet, Boston Ballet, Cincinnati Ballet, and Oklahoma City Ballet. 

Batista has worked and performed Soloist & Principal Roles in many of the most renowned choreographers such as Helen Pickett, Val Caniparoli, Septime Webre, Jiri Kylian, Ma Cong, Jennifer Archibald, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, Marcelo Gomez, John Neuemeier, Christopher Wheeldom, Liam Scarlett, Jorma Ello, William Forsythe and more.

Batista's rep includes Principal and Solo Roles by choreographers such as Sir Frederick Ashton, Sir Kenneth MacMillan, August Bournonville, Marius Petipa, Rudolph Nureyev, Maurice Bejart, Harald Lander, Robert Joffrey and more.

Batista has also performed as a Guest in Galas and events in Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Germany, England, Switzerland & The United States.

Currently as a Principal Dancer with The Oklahoma City Ballet, Batista also serves as a private ballet master & coach, choreograph and teach groups via ZOOM for studios and students worldwide, and during his spare time he also serve as a Mentor and is wholeheartedly involved in charitable & humanitarian causes. 

Follow Jonathan on instagram here www.instagram.com/jonathanbatistaofficial

online at www.jonathanbatistaofficial.com

This episode is presented  by the oklahoma hall of fame. Telling Oklahoma's story through its people since 1927. Follow them online at www.oklahomahof.com and on social media www.instagram.com/oklahomahof