KBT ACADEMY
"Where artistry is nurtured, strengths are celebrated, and every dancer is inspired to reach their fullest potential."
Kentucky Ballet Theatre Academy's mission is to inspire young dancers through the art of dance. KBT serves students and families throughout the Bluegrass region by providing exceptional dance training, performance opportunities with our professional company, and enriching educational experiences. Academy programs include multiple training divisions and summer intensives, all led by a diverse faculty of professional instructors. Discipline, commitment, courage, resilience, and respect for the arts and academy staff guide every step that is taken as both skilled dancers and strong character are developed.
Classes by Division
2026-2027
Academy Registration Dates
KBT Open House
August 15th
1:00-3:30 PM
Located at KBT Studios
Meet Our Faculty
At Kentucky Ballet Theatre Academy, our faculty is dedicated to providing exceptional dance education in a positive, nurturing, and inspiring environment. Our instructors bring years of professional performance and teaching experience, helping each student build strong technique, confidence, artistry, and a lifelong appreciation for dance.
Whether your dancer is taking their very first class or preparing for a professional career, our faculty is committed to helping every student reach their fullest potential.
Rafaela Risco
Academy Director
Rafaela Risco brings decades of professional performance and teaching experience to Kentucky Ballet Theatre Academy. She is dedicated to developing strong technical dancers while fostering confidence, discipline, and artistry in every student.
CLASSES TAUGHT: Ballet, Pointe, Variations
Norbe Risco
Artistic Director
Norbe Risco has performed with world-renowned companies and brings extensive stage and choreographic experience to KBT. His passion for dance and commitment to excellence inspire students to achieve their highest artistic potential.
CLASSES TAUGHT: Men's Technique, Pas de Deux, Ballet
Sarah LaFountain
Ballet Instructor
Sarah LaFountain has been a teacher with Kentucky Ballet Theatre since 2020, instructing students of all ages and experience levels. She spent three seasons performing with KBT's professional company and is now pursuing a degree in Kinesiology at the University of Kentucky. Drawing on her performance background and academic studies, Sarah is committed to providing high-quality instruction in a disciplined environment.
CLASSES TAUGHT: Ballet, Variations, Strengthening, Modern
Lazaro Ortega
Ballet Instructor
Lazaro Ortega is a native of Cuba whose distinguished professional dance career includes performing with ballet companies in Romania before bringing his expertise to the United States. At Kentucky Ballet Theatre, he teaches Advanced Division Ballet, Pointe, and Pas de Deux, providing students with rigorous classical training rooted in professional experience. Lazaro is passionate about developing strong technique, artistry, and discipline while preparing dancers to reach their highest potential.
CLASSES TAUGHT: Men's Technique, Pas de Deux, Ballet
Danielle Ansiel
Ballet Instructor
Danielle joined the faculty of Kentucky Ballet Theatre Academy in May 2023. She is entering her third year as an instructor and currently dances as a Trainee with Kentucky Ballet Theatre's professional company. Working with students in the lower school, Danielle is passionate about building strong technical foundations while fostering artistry and each student's love for ballet.
CLASSES TAUGHT: Ballet, Strengthening, Children's Division
Alexandra Montgomery
Contemporary Instructor
Alexandra joined the
CLASSES TAUGHT: Contemporary, Choreography, KBT Choreographer
Kinley Reed
Electives Instructor
Kinley Reed is entering her second year as a faculty member at Kentucky Ballet Theatre, where she teaches Hip Hop, Acro, and Lyrical. In addition to her work at KBT, she is a fitness instructor at Pure Barre Lexington, bringing energy, strength, and a passion for movement to every class. Kinley is dedicated to creating a positive and encouraging environment where students can grow in confidence, technique, and artistic expression.
CLASSES TAUGHT: Acro, Hip-Hop, Intro to Lyrical, Lyrical, KBT Choreographer
Briley Hensley
Electives Instructor
Briley Hensley has been dancing since she was just 18 months old and is entering her second year as a faculty member at Kentucky Ballet Theatre. She teaches Tap and Jazz to KBT's Level 1 and Level 2 students, sharing her enthusiasm and love of dance with every class. Inspired by legendary performers such as Fred Astaire, Briley brings classic style, musicality, and creativity to her choreography while fostering confidence and joy in her students.
CLASSES TAUGHT: Intro to Tap & Jazz, Tap 1 & 2, Tap 3 & 4, Jazz 1 & 2, KBT Choreographer
Alisha Hill
Electives Instructor
Alisha ...
CLASSES TAUGHT: Jazz 3 & 4, Musical Theatre, KBT Choreographer
Substitute Teachers
Our substitute teachers are accomplished artists with Kentucky Ballet Theatre's professional company who provide exceptional instruction and ensure continuity of training when faculty members are unavailable.
Riley Sharp
Substitute Teacher
Company Apprentice
Lydia Payne
Substitute Teacher
Company Trainee
Office Administrator
Jennifer Reed
Office Administrator
Jennifer is the friendly face behind the scenes at
Kentucky Ballet Theatre. She oversees daily
operations, assists families, and supports students,
faculty, and staff to help keep everything running smoothly.
859-252-5245