wayne-burritt-dance

WAYNE BURRITT

Ballet Master • Vaganova Specialist • Choreographer

CONTACT

828-699-0590
Naples, FL
wayne@wayneburrittdance.com
wayneburrittdance.com

BIOGRAPHY

Download

Wayne studied at Orlando Ballet School and San Francisco Ballet. He danced professionally for Naples Ballet Theatre and Demetrius Klein Dance Company. He taught professionally for Ballet Conservatory of Asheville, Elite Dance Center, Naples Ballet and Bristol Ballet among others.

Wayne’s students have advanced to professional companies including American Ballet Theatre, Finnish National Ballet, Ballet Tucson, and Carolina Ballet. Others have trained at School of American Ballet, San Francisco Ballet School, and The Royal Ballet School, and enrolled in university programs at Indiana, Butler, and University of Oklahoma.

Wayne has choreographed The Nutcracker, Giselle, Coppelia, La Fille Mal Gardee, Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, A Midsummer’s Night Dream and many other classical works. Wayne has also created numerous contemporary works.

Wayne successfully completed the entire Vaganova Teacher Training Program (Years One through Five) directed by U.S. Vaganova expert John White as well as two-year Professional Ballet Teacher Training with nationally acclaimed pedagogue Ruth C. Petrinovic – “the ballet teacher’s teacher.” He holds an MBA in Arts Management from Golden Gate University and a BA in English and Philosophy from Indiana University. Wayne makes his home in Naples, FL with his wife Debi.

TESTIMONIALS

Wayne Burritt offers the world of professional dancers, and people taking their very first dance classes, the opportunity of a lifetime. Wayne is the epitome of a professional.

Donna

Wayne has the ability to push each student beyond what she may believe her limits are, whether beginning or advanced, seeing in each individual dancer the possibilities that the dancer herself may not.

Andrea

Through his patient, gifted teaching and personal love of the dance, Wayne has shared and inspired my daughter to the wondrous possibilities of Ballet.

Leslie

Wayne’s knowledge of ballet and the way he so eloquently teaches is vast and wonderful. He is devoted to his work and his students. The passion he has to teach others about the wonderful world of ballet is so evident and heartfelt. Wayne truly is an exceptional ballet teacher and colleague.

Angel

Wayne is an excellent ballet teacher. He recognizes each students strengths and pushes them to reach their fullest potential. His passion for ballet is contagious to those around them.

Loretta

RESUME

Download

Classically trained ballet master with 25+ years teaching and choreographing pre-professional dancers in the Vaganova method. Students have advanced to professional companies, trained at elite U.S. and international pre-professional schools, and enrolled in top collegiate ballet programs.

Professional Experience

Ballet Master | Naples, FL | 2025–Present

• Taught ballet, pointe, and variations for Elite Dance Center, Naples Ballet, and SWFL Ballet.
• Trained pre-professional students using the Vaganova-based curriculum.

Ballet Master | Jonesborough, TN | 2021–2025

• Taught ballet, pointe, and variations for Kingsport Ballet, Bristol Ballet, Central Ballet School, and Johnson City Arts Center.
• Prepared advanced students for summer intensive auditions and placement using the Vaganova-based curriculum.

Ballet Master | Ballet Conservatory of Asheville, Asheville, NC | 2009–2016

• Co-founded and built the pre-professional program from 0 to 54 dancers while the school grew to 400+ students.
• Taught Vaganova-based technique across 4 pre-professional training levels for dancers ages 10–17. Classes included ballet, pointe, men’s class, and variations.

Choreography Highlights

• Choreographed Nutcracker, Giselle, Coppelia, La Fille Mal Gardee, Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, a Midsummer Night’s Dream, and original contemporary works. Student Placement Highlights
• Pre-professional: Placed students into ABT JKO School, School of American Ballet, San Francisco Ballet School, Boston Ballet School, Miami City Ballet School, and Royal Ballet School.
• Collegiate: Placed students into Indiana University, Butler University, University of Oklahoma, University of Utah, Florida State University, and NYU Tisch.
• Professional: Placed students into American Ballet Theatre, Finnish National Ballet, Kansas City Ballet, Ballet Tucson, Carolina Ballet, Charlotte Ballet, and Nashville Ballet.

Performing Experience

• Company Dancer

  Demetrius Klein Dance Company

  Lake Worth, FL

• Soloist

  Naples Ballet Theatre

  Naples, FL

Education

• Master of Business Administration in Arts Management, Golden Gate University, San Francisco, CA
• Bachelor of Arts, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
• Vaganova Syllabus Training Years 1-5, John White, Bryn Mawr, PA
• Ruth Petrinovic Ballet Teacher Training, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
• Ballet training: San Francisco Ballet School and Orlando Ballet School

CHOREOGRAPHY

Download

• A Midsummer Night’s Dream (2015) Classical Ballet, 1 hour Music by Felix Mendelssohn. First presented by Ballet Conservatory of Asheville on May 29, 2016 at the Diana Wortham Theatre, Asheville, North Carolina. With Julia Fleming as Titania, Gregory Taylor as Oberon, and Avery Sund and Caroline Roberts as Puck.

• She Walks in Beauty (2015) Classical Ballet, 17 Minutes Music by Chad Lawson. First presented by Ballet Conservatory of Asheville on March 7, 2015 at the Diana Wortham Theatre, Asheville, North Carolina. With dancers from the Pre-Professional Division and composer Chad Lawson as accompanist.

• Swan Lake (2014) Classical Ballet, 2 hours Music by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. First presented by Ballet Conservatory of Asheville on May 30, 2013 at the Diana Wortham Theatre, Asheville, North Carolina. With Sarah London as Odette/Odile and Addul Manzano as Prince Siegfried.

• Sleeping Beauty (2013) Classical Ballet, 2 hours Music by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. First presented by Ballet Conservatory of Asheville on May 31, 2013 at the Diana Wortham Theatre, Asheville, North Carolina. With Sarah London as Princess Aurora, Beg Ingel as Prince Florimund, and Blair Chamberlain as the Lilac Fairy.

• La Fille Mal Gardee (2012) Classical Ballet, 1½ hours Music by Ferdinand Herold. First presented by Ballet Conservatory of Asheville on June 1, 2012 at the Diana Wortham Theatre, Asheville, North Carolina. With Sarah London as Lise and Addul Manzano as Colas.

• Coppelia (2011) Classical Ballet, 1½ hours Music by Leo Delibes. First presented by Ballet Conservatory of Asheville on June 2, 2011 at the Diana Wortham Theatre, Asheville, North Carolina. With Sarah London as Swanhilda, Miles Sollars-White as Franz, and Christopher Lynn as Dr. Coppelius.

• Giselle (2010) Classical Ballet, 2 hours Music by Adolphe Adam. First presented by Ballet Conservatory of Asheville on June 3, 2010 at the Diana Wortham Theatre, Asheville, North Carolina. With Cassie Woods as Giselle, Miles Sollars-White as Albrecht, and Sarah McGinnis as Myrthe, Queen of the Wilis.

• The Nutcracker (2009) Classical Ballet, 2 hours Music by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. First presented by Ballet Conservatory of Asheville on December 22, 2009 at the Diana Wortham Theatre, Asheville, North Carolina. With Cassie Woods as The Sugarplum Fairy and Christopher Lynn as Drosselmeyer.

• Sleeping Beauty (2009) Classical Ballet, 1 hour Music by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. First presented by the Mountain Ballet Company on June 6, 2009 at the Haywood Community College Theater, Clyde, North Carolina. With Carlie Coates as Aurora, Daniel McGinnis as Prince Florimund, and Emily Craig as the Lilac Fairy.

• Trio (2007) Modern Dance, 24 minutes Music by Debussy, Walton, Thievery Corp., Banda Sonora. Costume design by Star McGinnis. Lighting design by Erik McDaniel. First presented by Wayne Burritt Dance on Friday, August 31, 2007 at the Diana Wortham Theatre, Asheville, North Carolina. With Sarah McGinnis, Amy Strickland and Cassie Woods.

• Illumination (2003) Modern Dance, 32 minutes Music Design by Matt Friel. Video Design by Wayne Burritt and Matt Friel. Costume and lighting design by Wayne Burritt. First presented by Millennium Dance Syndicate on Saturday, March 15, 2003 at the Willow Theatre, Boca Raton, Florida. With Rebecca Cannan and Amanda Bowen.

• Transformed (2002) Modern Dance, 10 minutes Music Design by Matt Friel. Costume design by Wayne Burritt. Lighting design by Travis Neff and Patrick Ryel. First presented by Millennium Dance Syndicate on Saturday, February 23, 2002 at the Willow Theatre, Boca Raton, Florida. With Rebecca Cannan and Amanda Schwanz.

• Undone (2001) Modern Dance, 10 minutes Music Design by Matt Friel. Costume and lighting design by Wayne Burritt. First presented by Millennium Dance Syndicate on Friday, May 4, 2001 at the University Center for the Performing Arts, Davie, Florida. With Rebecca Cannan as the soloist.

• Giselle (1999) Classical Ballet, 1 hour Music by Adolphe Adam. First presented by Dance 10 Ballet Company on June 11, 1999 at Dwyer High School Theatre, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. With Shanna McLaughlin as Giselle, Monique Fleming as Albrecht, Katie Kaminskas as Myrtha and Courtney Thornburg as Apparition.

• Peter & the Wolf (1999) Classical Ballet, 30 minutes Music by Sergei Prokofiev. First presented by Dance 10 Ballet Company on February 14, 1999 at Artis Gras Outdoor Theatre, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. With Megan Fleming as Peter and Katie Kaminskas as The Wolf.

• Paradise (1998) Contemporary Ballet, 20 minutes Music by Shirley Horn. First presented by Florida Dance Theatre on September 17, 1998 at The Polk Theatre, Lakeland, Florida. With Rachel Bartley, Kristin Brown, Jaime Burcham, Jennifer Jones, and Erik Gasner.

• Coppelia (1998) Classical Ballet, 1 hour Music by Leo Delibes. First presented by Dance 10 Ballet Company on June 12, 1998 at Dwyer High School Theatre, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. With Laura Cray as Swanhilda, Devon Adair as Coppelia, and Lauren Kay as Dr. Coppelius.

• Sleeping Beauty (1998) Classical Ballet, 1 hour Music by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. First presented by Vero Beach Ballet on May 31, 1998 at the Courthouse Executive Center Theatre, Vero Beach, Florida. With Keri Patrick as The Lilac Fairy, Hillary Alber as The Golden Fairy, Emily Stoeckel as The Fairy of the Enchanted Garden, and Lindsay Dorroh as The Fairy of the Crystal Fountain.

• Summer (1998) Contemporary Ballet, 7 minutes Music by Shirley Horn. First presented by Vero Beach Ballet on May 3, 1998 at the Windsor Polo Club Outdoor Stage, Vero Beach, Florida. With Lindsay Dorroh, Jason Flinn, Keri Patrick, Emily Stoeckel, Keith Votapka, and Jared Wunderlich.

• The Nutcracker (1997) Classical Ballet, 1 hour Music by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. First presented by Dance 10 Ballet Company on December 13, 1997 at the Dance 10 Theatre, Jupiter, Florida. With Laura Cray as The Sugarplum Fairy and Jessica Haley as Clara.

• Remote Control (1997) Modern Dance, 10 minutes Music by Antonio Vivaldi. Modern Dance, 10 minutes. First presented by Corps Chameleon Dance Company on November 14, 1997 at Susan Lyle Studios, West Palm Beach, Florida. With Patricia Fridrichova, Angela McDonough, and Melissa Waters.

• Drift (1997) Modern Dance, 6 minutes Music by Cassandra Wilson. Costume and lighting design by Wayne Burritt. First presented by Corps Chameleon Dance Company on November 14, 1997 at Susan Lyle Studios, West Palm Beach, Florida. With Melissa Waters as the soloist.

• Archaic (1997) Modern Dance, 6 minutes Music by Jan Garbarek. Costume and lighting design by Wayne Burritt. First presented by Corps Chameleon Dance Company on May 23, 1997 at the Florida Dance Conservatory Performance Space, West Palm Beach, Florida. With Patricia Fridrichova and Angela McDonough.

• Dances for Piano and Orchestra (1996) Classical Ballet, 8 minutes Music by Samuel Barber and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Costume and lighting design by Wayne Burritt. First presented by Florida Dance Conservatory Ballet Company on August 3, 1996 at the Florida Dance Conservatory Performance Space, West Palm Beach, Florida. With Melanie Cruz, Angela McDonough, Betheny Merola, Tara Morrone, Debbie Schocoff, Ashley Thames, Annie Turner, and Heather Williams. Co-choreographed with Kim Khachatrian.

• Five Women (1996) Contemporary Ballet, 10 minutes Music by John Cage. Costume design by Sue Stroke. Lighting design by Wayne Burritt. First presented by Florida Dance Conservatory Ballet Company on June 1, 1996 at the Kaplan Jewish Community Center, West Palm Beach, Florida. With Betheny Merola, Alicia Mullenix, Jacqueline Nesci, Annie Turner, and Melissa Waters.

• Water (1996) Modern Dance, 20 minutes Presented at the 1997 Florida Dance Festival and 2000 Duncan Theatre Dances Music by Arvo Pärt. Costume and lighting design by Wayne Burritt. First presented by Florida Dance Conservatory on March 1, 1996 at the Florida Dance Conservatory Performance Space, West Palm Beach, Florida. With dancers Rassika Bourgi, Patricia Fridrichova, Kristin O’Neal, and Patrick Ryel.

• Garden Festival (1996) Classical Ballet, 15 Minutes Music by Giuseppe Verdi. Costume design by Sue Stroke. Lighting design by Wayne Burritt. First presented by Florida Dance Conservatory on March 1, 1996 at the Florida Dance Conservatory Performance Space, West Palm Beach, Florida. With Betheny Merola, Jacqueline Nesci, Annie Turner, and Melissa Waters as the soloists.

• Debussy Trio (1995) Classical Ballet, 11 minutes Music by Claude Debussy. Costumes by Sue Stroke. First presented by Florida Dance Conservatory on June 16, 1995 at the Florida Dance Conservatory Performance Space, West Palm Beach, Florida. With Dale Dewey, Ashley Stroke, and Annie Turner.

• La Classe des Images (1995) Classical Ballet, 6 minutes Music by Delibes, Tchaikovsky, Helsted, and Paulli. First presented by Florida Dance Conservatory on June 16, 1995 at the Florida Dance Conservatory Performance Space, West Palm Beach, Florida. With Elizabeth Jenkins, Jacqueline Nesci, Mandy Pearce, and Kristen Voss. Co-choreographed with Kristin O’Neal.

• Symphony No. 3 (1995) Modern Dance, 32 minutes Music by Henryk Gorecki. Costume design by Sue Stroke. Lighting design by Patrick Ryel. First presented by Florida Dance Conservatory on June 16, 1995 at the Florida Dance Conservatory Performance Space, West Palm Beach, Florida. With Kristin O’Neal and Rachel Waldman.

• Debussy Phrases for Men & Women (1995) Modern Dance, 20 minutes Music by Claude Debussy. Costumes by Sue Stroke. First presented by Florida Dance Conservatory on February 3, 1995 at the Florida Dance Conservatory Performance Space, West Palm Beach, Florida. With Dale Dewey, Kristin O’Neal, Patrick Ryel, and Rachel Waldman.

• Consolation No. 3 (1994) Contemporary Ballet, 5 minutes Music by Franz Liszt. Costumes by Sue Stroke. First presented by Florida Dance Conservatory on September 24, 1994 at the Florida Dance Conservatory Performance Space, West Palm Beach, Florida. With Dale Dewey and Annie Turner.

• Glances Forward & Back (1994) Contemporary Ballet, 4 minutes Music by Tony Bennett. Costumes by Sue Stroke. First presented by Florida Dance Conservatory on September 24, 1994 at the Florida Dance Conservatory Performance Space, West Palm Beach, Florida. With Dale Dewey and Ashley Stroke.

This site is open source. Improve this page.