Kaitlin Nelson
Kaitlin Nelson (she/her) grew up dancing in Portland, Oregon at Classical Ballet Academy from the age of three to when she graduated high school. Led by Sarah Rigles, at CBA Kaitlin primarily trained in classical ballet, contemporary, and modern/improv. She also gained experience in jazz, hiphop, and other styles through the competitions NYCDA and YAGP, as well as through summer intensives at State Street Ballet and Oregon Ballet Theater. She was thrilled to be able to volunteer in local performances and other opportunities to share dance with her community. Kaitlin began assistant teaching at CBA when she was 12, and taught ballet classes to ages 2-8 during Summer 2024.
While at Classical Ballet Academy, Kaitlin loved performing in the annual Nutcracker ballet and Spring shows. She had the opportunity to dance as the Snow Queen and Dewdrop in the Nutcracker, as well as Kitri in the ballet Don Quixote, enjoying many other memorable roles in both ballet and contemporary shows.
Kaitlin is pursuing a double major in Dance and Psychology at Western Washington University. Through WWU, her experience includes working with Artist in Residence Nia-Amina Minor to perform “Ode to Syvilla”, and Pam Kuntz in “Fly High”.
Kaitlin was lucky to grow up dancing in a welcoming and loving community, and strives to bring that community wherever she dances and teaches. She loves helping students discover the joy for movement that has been a throughline in her life.
Photo credit: Srephen Jennings
While at Classical Ballet Academy, Kaitlin loved performing in the annual Nutcracker ballet and Spring shows. She had the opportunity to dance as the Snow Queen and Dewdrop in the Nutcracker, as well as Kitri in the ballet Don Quixote, enjoying many other memorable roles in both ballet and contemporary shows.
Kaitlin is pursuing a double major in Dance and Psychology at Western Washington University. Through WWU, her experience includes working with Artist in Residence Nia-Amina Minor to perform “Ode to Syvilla”, and Pam Kuntz in “Fly High”.
Kaitlin was lucky to grow up dancing in a welcoming and loving community, and strives to bring that community wherever she dances and teaches. She loves helping students discover the joy for movement that has been a throughline in her life.
Photo credit: Srephen Jennings
