Joshua E. BrooksherJoshua E. Brooksher

Mr. Brooksher grew up in Mesa, AZ where he received his early training at Ballet Etudes and Jeanne’s School of Dance. At the age of 13 he left Mesa for Washington D.C. to attend, on full scholarship, the Universal Ballet Academy (now Kirov Academy of Ballet), one of the premier ballet school in the world.  Mr. Brooksher graduated with high honors from their comprehensive program.

During his illustrious dancing career, Mr. Brooksher performed a wide repertoire, from all of the great classic story-ballets and Balanchine masterpieces to some of the most cutting edge contemporary choreography, and is world renowned as one of his generation's greatest partners.   Mr. Brooksher has worked with some of the world’s most successful teachers and coaches.  Ruodolf Kharatian, Ludmilla Morkovina, Alla Sisova, Nikolai Morosov, Yelena & Oleg Vinogradov, Vladimir Kolesnikov, Bruce Marks, Anna Marie Holmes, Natalia Dudinskaya, Irina Koplakova, Oleg Briansky, Cynthia Gregory, Gelsey Kirkland, Suzanne Farrell, Trey McIntyre, Terry Orr, Kevin O'Day, and Dwight Rodin are some of those who have given Mr. Brooksher his extensive knowledge and insight as a premier male dancer, partner, teacher, and coach.

After dancing professionally for over a decade with The Kirov Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Indianapolis Ballet Theatre, Boston Ballet, and Texas Ballet Theater, Mr. Brooksher returned home for a season with Ballet Arizona before embarking on his mission to pass on all of his knowledge to the next generation of dance artists.  

Mr. Brooksher is the co-founder and Artistic Director for Southwest Classical Dance Institute (click for available classes or to read more About Us) as well as a Guest Faculty member at The Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts in CT.   He also serves as the Chairman of the State Representatives of Classical Dance Alliance, and Ballet Master for Novaballet in Phoenix.  Mr. Brooksher has also created several critically acclaimed original chographic works.  He shares his passion for dance and for life with his wife Natasha and son Ian.  Click to download a copy of Mr. Brooksher's biography and resume.  You can also read what Mr. Brooksher's  students have to say…

Natasha L. BrooksherNatasha L. Brooksher

Mrs. Brooksher grew up in Woodbury, CT receiving her training at Nutmeg Ballet.  She graduated Valedictorian of her class, both in ballet and academics. Mrs. Brooksher received honors in competition at the ARTS Recognition and Talent SearchNew York International Ballet Competition, Paris International Ballet Competition, and the Prix de Lausanne

Mrs. Brooksher  enjoyed a long  professional career with Boston Ballet, Texas Ballet Theatre, and Ballet Arizona, where she worked with leading choreographers such as Paul Taylor, Twyla Tharp, Lyla York, & Trey McIntyre, performing leading roles in American Classics such as Rodeo, Billy the Kid and Company B.   Her extensive classical repertoire includes all the great story-ballets as well as many Balanchine masterpieces.  Mrs. Brooksher has worked with some of the world’s greatest instructors and coaches including; Sharon E. Dante, Anna Marie Holmes, Natalia Dudinskaya, Sergei Berejnoi, Bruce Marks, Eleanor D’Antuono, Tatiana Legat, Igor  Youskevitch, Suki Schorer, Vladimir Kolesnikov, Suzanne Farrell, Terry Orr, Tatiana Terekhova, Vicki Simon, Ben Stevenson, Francia Russell,  Sandra Jennings, Denise Warner, Caroline Llorca and Elise Borne.  Each of whom made an enormous impact on her stylistic sensibilities, especially in the classical repertoire.

Mrs. Brooksher has extensive teaching experience, having taught for Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts and the New York International Ballet Competition. Most recently, she is co-founder and Artistic Director for Southwest Classical Dance Institute (click for available classes or to read more About Us), and is a Guest Faculty member at The Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts. Mrs. Brooksher also serves as the AZ State Representative of Classical Dance Alliance, and is currently Ballet Mistress for Novaballet in Phoenix. She shares her passion for ballet and her life with her husband Joshua and two year old son Ian.  Click to download a copy of Mrs. Brooksher's biography and resume.  You can also read what Natasha’s students have to say…