David Otto- Artistic Director/ Ballet Master David Otto started his training at School of American Ballet at the age of eight. He graduated from the North Carolina School of the Arts in
1979 and joined the New York City Ballet the same year as an apprentice. Taken into the corps de ballet in 1980, David began working with
such notable choreographers as George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, Peter Martins and Twyla Tharp. He became a soloist for New York
City Ballet in 1986 performing many soloist and principle roles. David danced in several Dance in America television shows for PBS. He also
appeared in print ads, television commercials and music videos throughout his career. David left the company to open his own studio the
Albany Dance Institute in 1990. He created the Capital Ballet Company in 1993. In 2005 became the Artistic Director of the Saratoga Ballet
Academy. David has choreographed numerous ballets, and a full length Nutcracker. He has guest taught at several colleges and
Universities. He joined the faculty of Skidmore College as a lecturer in 2012. In 2017 David opened the Dance Works of Troy to better serve
the dance community of the Capital District. His current project is Dance Works of Wilton. He still guest teaches at several area schools and
studios throughout the Capital District.
Christine Otto - Studio Manager/ Ballet and Jazz instructor
Ballston Spa native, Christine Miller Otto, brings her expertise and experience in professional jazz dance to the studio. Trained locally, she
danced with the Jazz Project at the Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival and was awarded a full scholarship to train with Hubbard Street Dance
Chicago, one of the most well-known and original forces in contemporary dance. Returning to the Capital District, Ms. Otto performed
with the Capital Ballet Company. She has taught jazz and ballet master classes at several local dance studios. Ms. Otto has also served as
the school manager of the Albany Dance Institute and the Saratoga Ballet Academy before and Dance Works of Troy. She is now bringing her talents to Dance Works of Wilton
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