INSTRUCTORS AND STAFF
The training methods at Metropolitan Ballet are based on the Vaganova Russian school and are supplemented with instruction from other styles of training such as the Bournonville, French, and Cecchetti methods. Dancers are encouraged to reach their fullest potential by developing a strong and graceful athletic physique as well as learning ballet terminology and being familiar with the music and variations from classical ballets.
ERIK J SANBORN - Artistic Director, Founder and Master Instructor
Erik Sanborn, Founder/Artistic Director of Metropolitan Ballet, has been teaching in the fine arts of music and ballet for nearly 30 years. Erik has performed several principal roles including the Basilio in Don Quixote, Albrecht in Giselle, Prince Charming in Cinderella, Nutcracker Prince, Sugar Plum Cavalier, Arabian Prince, Snow Cavalier, Blue Bird Pas de Deux, Head Rancher in Rodeo, Prince Florimund in Sleeping Beauty, Prince Siegfried in Swan Lake, Fall Pas de Deux in Cinderella and the male lead in CAAM’s Butterfly Lovers by world renown Chinese Choreographer, Shen Pei.
He trained in ballet with Nancy Bielsky, David Howard, Wihelm Burmann, Farbrice Hauralt, Bonnie Mathis, Lirena Branitsky and Tatiana Berenova among many others both nationally and internationally. His careers have taken him to 26 countries and his directorship has included choreographing and staging several works including Giselle, Don Quixote, Nutcracker, Cinderella, Romeo & Juliet, Paloma, Swan Lake, Don Quixote, Amadeus the Ballet, Dracula and Sleeping Beauty.
Erik brings his enthusiasm and gift for teaching, choreography and artistic direction to the academy. He dedicates his career and life to the fine arts in honor of his late daughter Anna.
KARENA CASEY - Executive Director and Instructor for Youth Ballet Program
Karena brings her passion for classical ballet, years of training and teaching to enrich the lives of young dancers. She has been dancing with Metropolitan Ballet since 2015 performing in Swan Lake, Nutcracker, Giselle, Sleeping Beauty, Romeo & Juliet and Cinderella. Earlier, she trained at Savanich School of Dance in classical ballet. As the Executive Director, Karena works with dancers and their families on enrollment, advancement and opportunities to perform with the Company.
BRENNA FRIESEN - Instructor for Youth Ballet II
Brenna’s interest in ballet started when she was about 3 years old when, after a karate class, she looked into the window where other girls were dancing. "I kinda wanna try that!" And so she did. Now she's been dancing for 19 years. Brenna ventured into competitive dance, and after many years and she started teaching.
Brenna has been dancing with Metropolitan Ballet since 2022 and has performed solo roles with the Company, including a doll in Nutcracker and a fairy in Sleeping Beauty, among many others. Brenna has also performed the leading role in Nutcracker, as Sugarplum Fairy , with a small studio in Hutchinson.
VIOLET WILSON - Instructor for Youth Ballet I
Violet Wilson was born with her toes pointed and twirling from the very start. She began her ballet journey at age three and has trained with North Ballet, Creo Arts and Dance, and Metropolitan Ballet, where she has been a dedicated dancer since 2023.
Violet has danced a solo role in The Nutcracker as a doll, demonstrating her technical skill and stage presence. Additionally, she has performed in iconic ballets such as Swan Lake and Giselle. One of the highlights of Violet's young career was performing alongside Daniil Simkin and Skylar Brandt at the University of Minnesota, an experience that further ignited her passion for dance. Violet dreams of dancing forever, going wherever dance takes her.