Guest artistic directors to stage original work on BBT's summer workshop dancers
Photo by Silvia Pangaro.
Summer is right around the corner, which means Boca Ballet Theatre’s renowned Advanced Performance Workshop will soon be underway! We are thrilled to welcome five guest artistic directors to Boca Raton this summer, where they will teach and mentor workshop dancers from across the country.
Two of these artistic directors—Nick Mullikin of Nashville Ballet and James Sofranko of Grand Rapids Ballet—will stage new works on the dancers to perform in our mixed repertory concert Summer Breezes on August 2 and 3, 2025. This is an exciting opportunity for dancers to work closely with two talented choreographers to bring these pieces to life onstage! You don’t want to miss the Boca Raton premieres of these works this summer!
Learn more about this summer’s guest artistic directors below, and be sure to send us your video audition to our Advanced Performance Workshop today! It’s not too late to begin your professional dance journey with Boca Ballet Theatre’s exceptional summer program!
2025 Guest Artistic Directors
Nashville Ballet’s Artistic Director Nick Mullikin oversees all company productions and is the director of NB2, Nashville Ballet’s second company, and the School of Nashville Ballet, which serves over 1,800 students annually. He has commissioned over 20 new works for the second company with a focus on development of artistry and technique. He is a highly sought after guest teacher at summer programs, festivals, and schools across the United States.
James Sofranko assumed the position of Artistic Director of Grand Rapids Ballet in 2018 after an 18-year career as a soloist with the San Francisco Ballet. He received his dance training at The Harid Conservatory and The Juilliard School, where he received his BFA in dance. Since assuming the directorship of Grand Rapids Ballet, the company’s repertoire has grown to include classical and contemporary works by some of the most sought after choreographers working today. Sofranko has created 11 original works for Grand Rapids Ballet since 2018.
Mikelle Bruzina, Artistic Director of Louisville Ballet, is a graduate of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. She became a member of Louisville Ballet in 1995 and advanced to the rank of principal dancer. Upon retiring from performing in 2010, Bruzina took up the role of Ballet Mistress. As a choreographer, she has created five original works for Louisville Ballet. She now serves as Co-Associate Artistic Director and lead faculty member of Louisville Ballet.
Ballet West’s Artistic Director Adam Sklute began his training in Oakland, California, and was with The Joffrey Ballet for twenty-three years. He became Ballet Master in 1995 and was part of the team that moved the company from NY to Chicago. In 2004, he became the Associate Director of the Joffrey Ballet. Since taking over as Artistic Director of Ballet West in 2007, Sklute has expanded Ballet West’s outlook, repertoire, and visibility with exciting company premieres, increased touring, heightened public exposure, and a greater focus on the Ballet West Academy.
Nan Giordano was trained by her father and mentor Gus Giordano, who created the world-renowned Giordano Technique. Her leadership of Giordano Dance Chicago began in 1985 as Associate Director, and in 1993, she was appointed the title of Artistic Director. In the last 40 years under her direction, GDC has established a high-profile reputation for excellence in the Chicago dance community as well as in the national and international dance worlds.
It is with great pride that we welcome these artistic directors to our Advanced Performance Workshop this summer!