Student Achievements

Maggie Pezzeminti – Dancer Biography

Maggie began her ballet training at Brevard Ballet Academy in 2014. She has performed numerous roles in The Nutcracker Ballet, including Kissy Doll, Spanish, and Clara. At just 14 years old, she made history as the youngest Sugar Plum Fairy in Brevard Ballet Academy history, performing alongside Russian guest artist Alexey Minkin. Beyond The Nutcracker Ballet, Maggie's repertoire includes lead and featured roles in Brevard Ballet Youth Company productions such as My Christmas Dream and Cinderella. In Swan Lake,she showcased her versatility by performing both the intricate Dance of the Little Swans and the elegant Pas de Trois. A dedicated and accomplished competitor, Maggie represents BBA in international ballet competitions and was invited to the prestigious UBC finals in 2024. Her commitment, artistry, and technical excellence continue to distinguish her as a rising talent in the ballet world.

Sophia Close – Dancer Biography

Sophia joined Brevard Ballet Academy in 2021, seeking to refine her ballet technique. Despite having no prior pointe experience, her dedication and rapid progress led to her promotion to BBA's Pre-Professional Division within just one year. Since then, Sophia has taken on both principal and soloist roles in numerous Brevard Ballet Youth Company productions. Most notably, she performed as the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker Ballet, sharing the stage with guest Russian artist Alexey Minkin. A committed and accomplished competitor, Sophia is a member of BBA's international competition team. In 2024, she advanced to the finals at UBC, and in 2025, she earned two Outstanding Achievement awards at the ADC/IBC regionals, earning her an invitation to ADC/IBC Finals. Her exceptional talent was further recognized when she was invited to join the internationally renowned Harid Conservatory in Boca Raton in 2025 to continue her ballet training at an elite level.

Daisy Thies – Dancer Biography

Shortly after moving to Brevard County, Daisy joined Brevard Ballet Academy at the age of 10. Since then, she has brought a variety of characters to life on stage, performing as the Forest Fairy in Cinderella; Mirliton, Arabian, Spanish, and Mouse Queen in The Nutcracker Ballet; and Spanish and Big Swans in Swan Lake. She is eagerly anticipating her upcoming role as a Stepsister in Cinderella. Daisy has been accepted into numerous prestigious summer intensives across the country and attended the Nashville Ballet Summer Intensive in 2024. She is a dedicated student in Brevard Ballet Academy's Pre-Professional Day Program while also attending Melbourne High School, where she is an active member of the French Honor Society and First Priority. Beyond dance, Daisy regularly volunteers in the children's program at her church and enjoys playing guitar, painting, and spending time with friends and family.

Phoenix Pangerl – Dancer Biography

Phoenix's journey in the world of ballet began in 2017 when she began training at Brevard Ballet Academy (BBA). Her talent and potential were immediately recognized by Academy Director Elena Shokhina, who saw in Phoenix the unique combination of grace, strength, and discipline necessary to thrive as a dancer.

As Phoenix advanced in her training, it became clear that she was destined for a significant future in ballet. Her commitment and passion for the art led her to join Brevard Ballet Academy's pre-professional division, where she quickly became a key member. Throughout her time with the Academy, Phoenix has demonstrated not only technical prowess but a deep artistic expression that has earned her numerous roles in the Brevard Ballet Youth Company's productions.

Notable performances include her captivating portrayal as the Pa de Trois soloist in Swan Lake, as well as her roles as Merliton and Toy Soldier in the beloved Nutcracker Ballet. In 2023, Phoenix was honored with the prestigious role of Clara in the Nutcracker Ballet, a testament to her exceptional skill and dedication to the craft.

Shalev Weber – Dancer Biography

Shalev began his dance journey at Brevard Ballet Academy in 2022, immersing himself in the world of classical ballet. He has since performed in prominent roles, including the Mouse King and Russian Dancer in The Nutcracker Ballet, as well as the Jester in Swan Lake.

Alongside his passion for dance, Shalev is currently pursuing a degree in Classical Piano Performance at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY. His ballet training played a pivotal role in enhancing his musicality, stage presence, and posture, allowing him to connect more deeply with both the music and his audience. The discipline and artistry developed through his ballet studies have enriched his piano performances, fostering a unique synergy between the two art forms.

Taylor Webb – Dancer Biography

Taylor has been a dedicated student at Brevard Ballet Academy since 2019, where she has honed her skills and developed a deep passion for classical ballet. Throughout her training, Taylor has demonstrated exceptional talent and artistry, earning numerous opportunities to perform in prominent roles. Her experience includes standout performances as Kissy Doll, Chinese, and Russian in The Nutcracker Ballet, where her precision and poise captivated audiences. Additionally, Taylor shined as a Little Swan in Swan Lake, bringing elegance and grace to one of the ballet's most iconic scenes. She also had the honor of dancing as part of the corps de ballet in Cinderella, contributing to the enchanting ensemble with her technical skill and expressive movement.

Taylor's commitment to her craft and her ability to embody a wide range of characters reflect her versatility and dedication to the art of dance. As she continues her training, she looks forward to future performances and further refining her artistry on the stage.

Madelyn Domkowski – Dancer Biography

Madelyn embarked on her ballet training at Brevard Ballet Academy in 2017 at the age of nine. She has been a dedicated performer in The Nutcracker Ballet every year since, taking on roles such as Chinese, Russian, and Spanish. In the spring productions of Brevard Ballet Youth Company, Madelyn has showcased her versatility in roles including the Bride in Swan Lake and the Spring Fairy in Cinderella. She has also demonstrated a strong commitment to her craft by attending Brevard Ballet Academy's Summer Intensives each year to continue her training. Outside of ballet, Madelyn enjoys crocheting, reading, and cherishing time spent with her family. Her dedication to both her art and personal pursuits makes her a well-rounded and passionate individual.

Indira Weber – Dancer Biography

Indira was a dedicated student at Brevard Ballet Academy beginning in 2022. She showcased her talent in the academy's annual production of The Nutcracker Ballet, where she performed as Mirliton Soloist, Snowflake, and Flower Waltz. Indira also danced in BBA's second and third productions of Swan Lake, taking on the roles of both a Bride and a Swan. In the summer of 2023, Indira expanded her training by attending prestigious intensives at Interlochen Center for the Arts and Orlando Ballet. Her commitment to the art of dance is matched by her passion for classical piano, which she balances along side her ballet studies. After relocating to New York, she continues her ballet development.

Desi Xirouchakis – Dancer Biography

Desi discovered her passion for ballet at the age of six. Before moving to Florida, her family carefully researched ballet schools and chose Brevard Ballet Academy, recognizing its excellence in training. Since joining BBA in 2018, Desi has performed in numerous full-scale productions and is now a member of the Academy's prestigious Pre-Professional Program. Her soloist roles include Mouse Queen and Jester in The Nutcracker Ballet, as well as corps de ballet performances in Snow, Russian, Spanish, and Flowers. She also earned a soloist position as a Season Fairy in Cinderella, performing at the King Center for the Performing Arts in Melbourne, FL, where she also appeared in Swan Lake. In 2024,Desi was invited to join BBA's competition team, earning a coveted invitation to the UBC finals. Beyond her training at BBA, Desi spends her summers in Greece studying under renowned instructors at Dance Athens, further honing her technique and artistry.

Taylor Miles – Dancer Biography

Taylor began her ballet training with Brevard Ballet Academy in 2019. Through her tenacious work ethic and passion for dance, she quickly rose to prominence as a soloist in Brevard Ballet Youth Company productions. Her standout performances include Snow Queen and Clara in The Nutcracker Ballet, Spanish, Forest Fairy in Cinderella, and Pas de Trois and Big Swan in Swan Lake. Beyond ballet, Taylor is a talented visual artist with a passion for painting, drawing, and video production. Her artistic abilities have earned her top honors in student art contests, showcasing her creativity across multiple disciplines.

Olympia Weber – Dancer Biography

Olympia's grace, strength, and discipline earned her notable soloist roles in The Nutcracker Ballet, including Russian and Mirliton. She also performed in Swan Lake with Brevard Ballet Youth Company appearing as both a Bride and a Swan, showcasing her versatility and artistry on stage. In the summer of 2023, Olympia was accepted into the prestigious ballet intensive at Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan, where she performed in their summer showcase. She also trained at Orlando Ballet's three-week summer intensive, further refining her technique. In 2024, Olympia's family relocated to New York, where she continues to train. Beyond ballet, Olympia is an accomplished classical pianist, competing at both state and local levels in the Florida Federation of Music Clubs competitions. Her dedication to both dance and music highlights her exceptional artistic talent and commitment to the performing arts.

Enola Fortin – Dancer Biography

Enola's passion for ballet began in 2015 when she started training under the direction of Elena Shokhina. Her dedication and hard work led her to become a teaching assistant at the Academy in 2023, further demonstrating her commitment to the art and her community. Enola has performed in numerous Brevard Ballet productions, bringing to life roles in Swan Lake, The Nutcracker Ballet, and Cinderella. She has taken on soloist roles, performing Soldier Doll, Jester Doll, Mirliton, and Pas de Trois with grace and technical precision. As a dedicated competitor, Enola has achieved significant recognition on the ballet competition circuit. She was named one of the top 12 in Classical Balletat the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) Tampa regionals and reached the finals at both the American Dance Competition/International Ballet Competition (ADC/IBC) and the Universal Ballet Competition in 2024. In 2025, she placed among the top 24 at YAGP and earned 3rd place in both the Classical and Contemporary Junior divisions at ADC/IBC regionals, securing an invitation to the prestigious ADC/IBC 20th Anniversary Finals.

Celeste Castillo – Dancer Biography

Celeste joined Brevard Ballet Academy in 2024 following her acceptance into the American Ballet Theatre's prestigious summer intensive. Recognizing her exceptional talent, Academy Director Elena Shokhina placed her in the Pre-Professional Division upon her arrival.

In her first audition for The Nutcracker Ballet, Celeste earned soloist roles as Snow Queen and Arabian, while also performing in the corps de ballet for the beloved Flower Waltz. In the spring of 2025, she continued to shine on stage, earning a solo role as a Forest Fairy in Cinderella, performed at the King Center for the Performing Arts. Beyond ballet, Celeste is an accomplished pianist, having studied since 2014. She has consistently received Superior ratings at Piano Federation competitions, showcasing her dedication to the arts. Academically, she is a high-achieving student, dual enrolled at Eastern Florida State College and earning a place on the President's List for maintaining straight A's.

Bella Liby – Dancer Biography

Isabella "Bella" has been a dedicated member of Brevard Ballet Academy since 2015 and Brevard Ballet Youth Company since 2018. Over the years, she has graced the stage in numerous performances, taking on several roles in iconic productions such as The Nutcracker Ballet,Cinderella, and Swan Lake.

Most recently, Isabella had the honor of portraying the role of Clara in The Nutcracker Ballet, a performance that showcased her ability to bring a character to life and beautiful artistry.

In 2023, Isabella joined the Brevard Ballet Academy competition team, where she earned an invitation to the UBC finals in 2024, further demonstrating her skill and determination in the competitive dance world.

Beyond dance, Isabella is actively involved in Art, Yearbook and News Production at school, showcasing her creative talents in multiple areas. Isabella continually excels academically and, in her community, volunteering efforts, demonstrating a strong work ethic and commitment to excellence in all aspects of her life.

Havi Domkowski – Dancer Biography

Havi commenced her ballet training at Brevard Ballet Academy in 2018 at the age of six. She quickly made an impact, performing solo roles in The Nutcracker Ballet, including Toy Soldier and Kissy Doll.

In 2025, Havi earned a solo role in Brevard Ballet Youth Company's production of Cinderella, further showcasing her talent and versatility. As a member of BBA's competition team, Havi has enjoyed great success in her first two years of competing. In her debut season, she achieved top finishes at ADC/IBC, YAGP, and UBC regionals, and earning an invitation to the UBC Finals. In her second year, she placed in the Top 12 at YAGP regionals for classical ballet and the Top 24 for contemporary and was invited to ADC/IBC Finals. In addition to her competition success, Havi was offered a scholarship to attend the prestigious Ballet West Academy's Summer Intensive in Salt Lake City, Utah, under the direction of Artistic Director Adam Sklute, marking a significant milestone in her ballet journey.

Audrey Rozwood – Dancer Biography

Audrey is a talented and dedicated dancer who joined Brevard Ballet in 2023. She has quickly become an integral part of the Brevard Ballet Youth Company, showcasing her skills in the company's full-length ballet productions. Audrey's recent performances include the roles of Pas de Trois and the Toy Soldier Doll in The Nutcracker Ballet, as well as the Fruit Maiden in Cinderella.

In addition to her stage performances, Audrey actively participates in ballet competitions, where she has been consistently challenged and has grown as an artist. Her competition achievements include 5th place in Primary Competitive Classical and 8th place in Primary Competitive Contemporary at UBC (2023), 8th place in Primary Classical at ADC/IBC (2024),and a Top 12 finish in Pre-Competitive Classical at YAGP Regionals (2024). Audrey's passion for ballet and dedication to her craft are evident both in the studio and on stage, as she continues to evolve as a dancer.

Ava Liby – Dancer Biography

Ava has been a dedicated member of Brevard Ballet Academy and the Brevard Youth Company since 2018,where she has honed her skills and performed in several prestigious productions, including The Nutcracker Ballet, Cinderella, and Swan Lake. Ava recently joined the competition team, where she achieved outstanding results at ADC/IBC Regionals. With a 4th place finish in Classical and 7th place in Contemporary, she earned an invitation to the finals.

Outside of the studio, Ava is an active participant in various extracurricular activities. She is involved in News Production, Chorus, Orchestra and Art Club, showcasing her versatility and commitment to the arts. Additionally, she is a member of Safety Patrol, and the National Elementary Honor Society (NEHS), where she excels in both leadership and academic achievement.

Ella Simon – Dancer Biography

Ella has trained in ballet since 2017 and joined Brevard Ballet Academy in 2023. Her passion for ballet extends beyond the studio, as she has been competing in classical ballet competitions for the past three years. Most recently, Ella placed in the Top 12 of Classical Ballet at the 2025 regional YAGP, secured a Top 3 placement for both Classical and Contemporary at the 2025 ADC/IBC regionals, and ranked in the Top 10 for both Classical and Contemporary at the 2024 UBC regionals. In 2025, Ella was honored with a scholarship and invitation to attend the prestigious John Cranko Summer Intensive and International Contemporary Masters programs, along with acceptance into the Miami Ballet Young Dancer Intensive. She has also been invited to compete at the YAGP and ADC/IBC Finals (2025) and previously participated in the UBC Finals. Ella has cherished her many corps roles in Brevard Ballet's productions of Swan Lake and The Nutcracker Ballet. In 2024, she had the special opportunity to perform as the "Jester Doll" soloist in The Nutcracker Ballet. Beyond ballet, Ella excels academically, earning First Honor Roll at school.

Hailey Simon – Dancer Biography

Hailey has been dancing since 2018 and joined Brevard Ballet Academy in 2024 to dedicate herself to classical ballet. Before shifting her focus to ballet, she trained and competed in jazz and pom-style dance for three years. In 2025, Hailey competed in the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) Regionals for the first time, and placed in the top 10 at the prestigious ADC/IBC regional competition for both classical and contemporary dance. That same year, she was honored with a scholarship and invitation to attend the John Cranko Summer Intensive and International Contemporary Masters' program. Hailey brought her passion for performance to Brevard Ballet's 2024 production of The Nutcracker Ballet, where she danced as a Party Scene Girl and a Guardian Angel, blending her natural dramatic flair with technical artistry.

Sophia Symeonides – Alumna

Sophia began her ballet training at the age of four under the guidance of Elena Shokhina, Artistic Director of Brevard Ballet Academy. Recognizing her talent and dedication, Ms. Elena awarded her multiple soloist roles in The Nutcracker Ballet, including Chinese, Russian, and Spanish dances. Sophia also performed as a Little Swan in several productions of Swan Lake, showcasing her grace and technical skill.

Her passion for ballet led her to prestigious summer intensives, where she trained at Master Ballet programs in Chicago, IL, and Tampa, FL. In 2024, Sophia's dedication to her craft earned her acceptance into the University of Florida's esteemed dance program, where she continues to pursue her love for dance at a collegiate level.

Vivien Levine – Alumna

Vivien began training with Brevard Ballet Academy at the tender age of 9. Vivien trained under Ms. Elena Shokhina for 9 years and at Brevard Ballet Academy for 8 seasons. At only 17 years old, Vivien already has multiple principal roles under her belt. She debuted her first principal role of Cinderella in Brevard Ballet Youth Company's production of Cinderella in 2019, making it her first partner role, with guest dancer Arcadian Broad. Her repertoire also includes the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker Ballet and the intricate dual role of Odette/Odile in Swan Lake. She is a shining example of dreams coming true through dedication, loyalty, and discipline. Vivien is currently a trainee at Ballet Palm Beach in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

Alexis Low – Alumna

When Academy Director, Elena Shokhina, says she can offer scholarship opportunities, she means it! Upon graduating from Brevard Ballet Academy (BBA), student Alexis Low received the Kosove Scholarship to the University of South Florida (USF) following submission of her package with a letter of recommendation by Miss Elena. The scholarship was all-inclusive covering tuition, textbooks, materials, housing/meal plan, education abroad, academic conference travel, specialty equipment and funds for research internships. Alexis trained with Miss Elena for 5 years.

Mykenzie Hughes – Alumna

From an early age, Mykenzie knew she wanted to be involved with dance. She had trained with several ballet schools in Georgia and Brevard County before coming to Brevard Ballet Academy in 2015. Because of her dedication, discipline, and abilities, Miss Elena awarded her several solo roles in Brevard Ballet Youth Company productions. She has also gained extensive teaching experience while assisting our professional dance educators. Mykenzie applied to several college programs with the University of Florida (UF) at the top of her list. She was informed in the spring of 2019 that she had been accepted at the University of Florida's School of Theatre and Dance BFA (Bachelors of Fine Arts). Brevard Ballet Academy is proud of her loyalty, dedication, and achievements!

Katerina Schweitzer

Katerina Schweitzer is currently a company trainee with Nebraska Ballet and guest company member with Ballet Vero Beach. Prior to receiving her training with Gelsey Kirkland in NYC, Katerina trained with Miss Elena for four years. We love watching her grow as a professional dancer and wish her the best in her dance career. She is always welcome to visit us again at Brevard Ballet Academy!

Savannah Elmer

We knew that BBA student, Savannah Elmer, was something special when she performed Kissy Doll in BBA's Music Box 2014, and later as a Cupid in The Classical Ballet Celebration 2015. Imagine the excitement we felt as a dance family when later that year Savannah was selected for the title role in the Royal Shakespeare Company's (London England) Broadway tour of the award-winning musical Matilda. Savannah debuted as the lead role of Matilda at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC in December of 2016. Her BBA family saw her national tour at the Straz Center for Performing Arts in Tampa, FL.

Monika Haczkiewicz

Monika Haczkiewicz trained with Miss Elena while at the Nevada Ballet Academy. Monika competed in the Youth America Grand Prix, where she ranked second place in the Senior Division of the Las Vegas semi-finals and performed at NYC's Lincoln Centre in the finals of 2015. Monika is now a featured company member at Atlanta Ballet. We are hoping to have her join Brevard Ballet Academy's productions as a guest principal dancer in the near future.