KATHLEEN RATHBUN

Artistic Director

Ms. Rathbun has extensive in-depth experience developing young dancers’ technique, strength and artistry. A former soloist with Princeton Ballet Society of New Jersey and Dancer’s Ensemble of Syracuse,

 

Ms. Rathbun attended Julliard on scholarship. She has studied with David Howard, Melissa Hayden, Finis Young and other world-renowned teachers. Ms. Rathbun taught classical ballet at Syracuse University and was the former director of the Dance Department at Metropolitan School of the Arts.

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In 1997, Ms. Rathbun brought classical ballet back to Central New York with the founding of Syracuse City Ballet, Inc. – Central New York’s only professional ballet company – where she continues to serve as artistic director. An accomplished professional dancer and choreographer, she has presented ballets such as Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Romeo and Juliet, Swan Lake and Cinderella (with the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra) to capacity houses and four star reviews. In December 2009, Ms. Rathbun choreographed A Children’s Nutcracker – a special, child-friendly version of the beloved classic. Presented again in 2010, it’s now become an annual holiday tradition. In 2011 now known as The Nutcracker. ​