New Haven Ballet Welcomes Renowned Ballet Educator Maria Terezia Balogh as Director of Curriculum Development

NEW HAVEN, Conn. — September 14, 2026 — New Haven Ballet (NHB) is pleased to announce that Maria Terezia Balogh, former principal ballerina, acclaimed ballet educator, and curriculum developer, has joined the school's leadership team as Director of Curriculum Development. The newly created one-year position reflects NHB's ongoing commitment to providing thoughtful, progressive, and exceptional classical ballet training for students of all ages.

Following an extensive search this summer, Balogh will work closely with Artistic Director Lisa Kim, Children's Division Director Timothy Fountain, and faculty members to further develop and strengthen NHB's curriculum. She will observe and teach classes, meet regularly with faculty, support pedagogical reflection and implementation, and lead the development of a unified, codified curriculum tailored to the New Haven Ballet community.

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"We are delighted to welcome Maria into this new leadership role," said Emily Coates, President of the New Haven Ballet Board of Directors. "The Board created this position to support and expand upon the excellent work already taking place at New Haven Ballet. Maria brings an extraordinary depth of experience as a dancer, teacher, and curriculum builder, and we are fortunate to benefit from her expertise and wisdom this year."

Balogh brings more than two decades of professional ballet experience to NHB. During her 22-year career as a professional ballerina, she was a principal dancer with the Lyric Opera Ballet, later known as Chicago City Ballet, and the Fort Worth Ballet. She performed in seminal works by George Balanchine and originated roles in ballets by Paul Mejia and other choreographers. Alongside her performing career, she taught at the official schools of both companies.

Following her retirement from professional dancing, Balogh continued her career as a ballet educator and became the Founding Director of Dance at All Saints' Episcopal School in Fort Worth, where she taught students from early childhood through 12th grade. She has devoted her career to helping young dancers develop not only strong technique, but also a lasting love of ballet and an appreciation for the discipline, artistry, individuality, and community that dance can foster.

"Maria brings an extraordinary perspective to our school," said Lisa Kim, Artistic Director of New Haven Ballet. "Her knowledge of classical ballet and her years of working with students and teachers make this a very special opportunity for our entire community. I am excited for our students and faculty to learn from her experience as we continue to pursue the highest level of training and excellence for our students."

Kim added, "Our goal is to continually build upon the strong foundation we have created at NHB and provide students with the very best and most thoughtfully aligned ballet education we can. Maria's expertise will help us refine our curriculum, challenge ourselves to keep growing, and ensure that our students have the support they need to develop as dancers and as young people."

Balogh's career is deeply connected to the history and tradition of American ballet. She often speaks of her mentor, legendary Balanchine ballerina Maria Tallchief, and of the enduring value of classical ballet training. Her husband, Paul Mejia, a former dancer with New York City Ballet and former artistic director of Fort Worth Ballet, will also guest teach at New Haven Ballet this year. Their son, Roman Mejia, and daughter-in-law, Tiler Peck, are principal dancers with New York City Ballet.

Balogh's appointment comes at an exciting time for New Haven Ballet, which for more than 40 years has provided high-quality classical ballet education to students ages 3 through adult. NHB offers a progressive training path from early childhood through advanced and pre-professional levels, with instruction in classical ballet, pointe, partnering, repertory, contemporary, and conditioning and stretch. The school's comprehensive program is designed to help students develop technique, artistry, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for dance.

Performance is an important part of the NHB experience. Each December, students take the stage at New Haven's historic Shubert Theatre for a full-length production of The Nutcracker, followed by a major spring production. Students also participate in free community performances, giving dancers meaningful opportunities to share their work with audiences throughout the region.

NHB's mission extends beyond the studio and stage. The school provides free dance training to children in New Haven Public Schools, offers workshops for disabled artists, and provides intensive summer training through a residential summer program in partnership with Fairfield University. New students are warmly welcomed and begin with a placement class to help determine the level and training pathway best suited to their development.

"We are thrilled that Maria will continue working with the New Haven Ballet community in this new capacity," Kim said. "She is looking forward to seeing our students, meeting with families, and working alongside our faculty. We are excited for everything this year will bring."

For more than four decades, New Haven Ballet has sought to create a place where dancers can be challenged to reach their potential while feeling welcomed, supported, and inspired. Whether taking a first ballet class or pursuing advanced training, students at NHB have the opportunity to learn from accomplished teachers, perform on a professional stage, and grow within a community that believes deeply in the transformative power of dance.

About New Haven Ballet

For more than 40 years, New Haven Ballet (NHB), a nonprofit classical ballet school in New Haven, Connecticut, has welcomed dancers ages 3 through adult into a joyful, supportive community centered on excellence in dance education. NHB offers progressive training from early childhood through pre-professional levels, exceptional performance opportunities, and programs that bring the benefits of dance to the wider community. At every level, NHB is committed to inspiring a lifelong love of dance while helping each student discover their own artistry and potential.

For more information about New Haven Ballet programs, classes, and registration, visit newhavenballet.org or contact administrator@newhavenballet.org.