Kimberly Smiley

Kimberly Smiley received her early classical training with Tulsa School of Ballet’s former Ballet Russe dancers, Moscelyne Larkin and Roman Jasinski. She was the recipient of a Ford Foundation Scholarship to George Balanchine’s School of American Ballet in NYC.

Miss Smiley joined the Cincinnati Ballet Company in 1980 and rose rapidly through the ranks to perform principle roles in Swan Lake, Giselle, Sleeping Beauty, Coppelia and The Nutcracker, as well as numerous Balanchine ballets including Serenade, Concerto Barocco, Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux, Raymonda Variations, Scotch Symphony and Donizetti Variations. Kimberly also had the wonderful opportunity to work closely with another famed Ballet Russe dancer, Frederic Franklin, who re-staged many original Ballet Russe pieces and was the resident guest choreographer of CBC.

Upon her return to Tulsa Ballet Theatre in 1985, Miss Smiley danced principal roles to critical acclaim and assumed the responsibilities of Ballet Mistress for the company. During this time she was featured on the cover of Dancemagazine and profiled in Elle Magazine.

After moving to Portland in 1992, Miss Smiley guest performed with James Canfield’s Oregon Ballet Theatre, then transitioned into teaching with the company. She joined the faculty of The School of Oregon Ballet Theatre in 1993 and worked under the guidance of Haydee’ Gutierrez / School Director for the following 10 years.

Kimberly continues to enjoy teaching as School Director with Portland Festival Ballet and it’s Artistic Director, John Magnus. She has found the perfect balance living in the Northwest, a professional career in the arts and an active lifestyle with her husband and two sons.