Gelsey Kirkland Ballet, New York

As a dancer, Gelsey Kirkland was legendary. Not only did she jeté her way into the roles of principal dancer for the New York City Ballet and American Ballet Theatre, she inspired major choreographers such as George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins to create new works especially for her. As a teacher, Gelsey Kirkland is equally great. From coaching at the American Ballet Theatre, Royal Ballet School, and English National Ballet, she opened her own academy, where she works with a dedicated staff to revive the art of dramatic storytelling in ballet.