Cornelia Sampson,  Artistic Director Emerita, Michigan Ballet Theatre

Cornelia Sampson, Artistic Director Emerita of Michigan Ballet Theatre, began her training in Detroit with Violette Armand. She was trained and examined in the National Academy of Ballet Syllabus. She continued her studies at Les Grand Ballet Canadienne in Montreal, in New York at the School of American Ballet, official school of New York City Ballet, and as a scholarship student at Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo where she was accepted into the company. Ms. Sampson has taught master classes for many organizations including, Interlochen Arts Academy, American Ballet Theatre, Oakland University, Flint Institute of Music and Dance and Burklyn Ballet Theatre. She founded the Rochester School of Dance, Cornelia’s School of Dance and Michigan Ballet Theatre. Ms. Sampson has staged and choreographed many works for MBT including a TV version of the Nutcracker that aired prime time on national TV. Her students have been accepted into major companies including American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, the Joffrey Ballet Co. Pacific Northwest Ballet Co., Miami City Ballet and Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. As a private coach, her dancers have won numerous 1st place awards and medals in recognized competitions. Ms. Sampson was named Outstanding Choreographer for her piece titled “After the Ball” and received the awards for Best Teacher and Best School at the Youth America Grand Prix competition.

     Jennifer Ristoski,            Artistic Director,       Michigan Ballet Theatre

Jennifer Ristoski, Artistic Director of Michigan Ballet Theatre, began her journey in dance at the young age of four with the Rochester School of Dance and at the age of 12, was accepted into Michigan Ballet Theatre under the direction of Cornelia Sampson. During her six-year tenure, Jennifer performed numerous soloist roles in full length ballets including Sleeping Beauty, Le Corsaire, Paquita and The Nutcracker Ballet. Ms. Ristoski also received additional training at summer intensives with American Ballet Theatre and Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. After graduation, Jennifer continued her professional career at North Carolina Dance Theatre working directly with artistic director Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux, Patricia McBride and Mark Diamond.  Jennifer has been on faculty at the Rochester School of Dance for the past 13 years, is a certified teacher with American Ballet Theatre’s National Training Curriculum and is currently the Director of Michigan Ballet Theatre.  Ms. Ristoski has choreographed several original works that have competed at YAGP and local competitions, receiving great accreditation and multiple overall wins. Under her coaching, students have placed Top 24 and Top 12 at YAGP regional competitions, high placings at World Ballet Artistic Competitions, hope awards and scholarships to prestigious summer intensives.