Originally from a small town outside of Erie, PA, Ms. Francesca began pursuing her ballet dreams at the age of 3 at the Lake Erie Ballet School. At 8 years old, she began her formal training under Ms. Gina Illingworth, who would become one her most influential classical ballet instructors. From there, Ms. Francesca received her training from the Boston Ballet School, and the Rock School for Dance Education. In high school, she trained under another one of her most influential classical ballet teachers, Michael Patterson, and his Artistic Advisor Barbara Sandonato.  Ms. Francesca attended Mercyhurst University’s dance program on scholarship as a dual-enrollment student to complete her high school requirements, and completed her studies at the Conservatory of Performing Arts at Point Park University to earn her BFA in Ballet. She studied a diverse range of Balanchine technique as well as Russian technique from her most notable professors Svetlana Novodran, Susan Stowe, and Dana Arey. She enjoyed training at Orlando Ballet as well in college. In addition, her academic studies on pedagogy, choreography, dance medicine and psychology, dance history, in addition to a strong focus on other styles of dance have given her a well-rounded approach to develop her own teaching methods. Professionally, she danced as a company artist with Ballet Palm Beach. 
 

Ms. Francesca has had the pleasure of being a former guest faculty member at the Sovereign Ballet School, as well as having leadership experience at Dance Theatre at Wellington Green through directing both contemporary and lyrical choreography for the award-winning dance team in addition to being a full time faculty member. She is excited and inspired for her third season with the Children’s Ballet Theatre. Ms. Francesca has a passion for ballet, and through her faith in God hopes to build character, instill good values and life skills, and create precious memories for her students through this art form.