“I am pleased to announce the promotions for these talented and versatile artists,” says Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen. “Each has demonstrated exceptional growth, dedication, and capacity for progression while tackling the wide-ranging and demanding repertoire we present. Through their commitment to technical excellence, musicality, and expressive performance, they have continued to elevate their work onstage and contribute meaningfully to the strength of the Company.”
Principal Dancers
Sangmin Lee of Seoul, South Korea trained at Korea National University of Arts from 2016–2019. He has received many awards including the gold medal at Vaganova Prix in 2016, fourth place at the Moscow Ballet Competition in 2017, the gold medal at Youth America Grand Prix in 2018, and silver medal at the USA International Ballet Competition in 2018. Lee joined Boston Ballet as an artist in 2019. He was promoted to second soloist in 2023, followed by soloist in 2024.
“I am truly honored and very happy to greet you all as a principal dancer. I have always been someone who is deeply influenced by others—both in dance and in life. Through the inspiration I receive, I continue to learn, grow, and shape it into my own voice, enjoying every moment on stage,” Lee said.
Second Soloists
Alexandria Heath of Gilbert, Arizona trained at Ballet Etudes under the guidance of Sharon Meko. She attended summer programs at The School of American Ballet and Houston Ballet School on full merit scholarships. She further developed her skills at Houston Ballet Academy’s year-round program on full scholarship. Heath joined Houston Ballet II under the direction of Claudio Muñoz and toured with the company to Tokyo in 2022. Heath joined Boston Ballet as an artist of the Company in 2023.
“My heart is full of gratitude for this incredible opportunity. Boston Ballet has become my artistic home. I am excited to continue growing as a dancer while sharing my love and passion for this art form, both in the studio and on stage. I feel inspired by my colleagues’ dedication and artistry and am deeply grateful for the support and guidance of my family, coaches, and artistic staff. I am overwhelmed with joy and appreciation and look forward to everything that lies ahead,” Heath said.
Emma Topalova of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania trained at Pittsburgh Ballet House and continued her studies at Canada’s National Ballet School on scholarship. Topalova has garnered numerous awards and accolades at several Youth America Grand Prix competitions, including the Hope Award. She was the recipient of the Wallace F. McCain Award from 2018–2023 and the Peter Dwyer Award and Christopher Ondaatje Prize in 2023. She joined Boston Ballet as an artist of the Company in 2023.
“Younger me could only dream of this. I love this job so much and I can’t wait to keep dancing every day and growing. Thank you to my family and everyone at Boston Ballet who help me be the best version of myself every day. I am filled with so much gratitude,” Topalova said.
Schuyler Wijsen of Berkeley, California began his ballet education with Paula van der Zwaan. He continued training at Oakland School for the Arts under the direction of Reginald Ray Savage and Allison Hurley, as well as San Francisco Ballet School. Wijsen joined Boston Ballet as an artist of the Company in 2021.
“I am beyond grateful for this recognition of my work at Boston Ballet. I have seen myself grow so immensely in my time with the company—both in artistry and community. Now, I feel more driven than ever to push my work to the next level and cannot wait for all that is in store in the coming seasons,” Wijsen said.
Alexis Workowski of Orlando, Florida trained at Orlando Ballet School and continued at Florida’s Ballet Conservatory at Skyra. She began her professional career at United Ballet Theatre and BalletMet. In 2024, Workowski worked with English National Ballet as a guest dancer. Workowski joined Boston Ballet as an artist of the Company in 2024.
“Getting promoted is such an honor that I hold dearly. I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunities, the support, and the journey that has brought me here. I’m especially grateful to all the dancers and artistic staff who inspire and support me every day,” Workowski said.
Alexandria Heath of Gilbert, Arizona trained at Ballet Etudes under the guidance of Sharon Meko. She attended summer programs at The School of American Ballet and Houston Ballet School on full merit scholarships. She further developed her skills at Houston Ballet Academy’s year-round program on full scholarship. Heath joined Houston Ballet II under the direction of Claudio Muñoz and toured with the company to Tokyo in 2022. Heath joined Boston Ballet as an artist of the Company in 2023.
“My heart is full of gratitude for this incredible opportunity. Boston Ballet has become my artistic home. I am excited to continue growing as a dancer while sharing my love and passion for this art form, both in the studio and on stage. I feel inspired by my colleagues’ dedication and artistry and am deeply grateful for the support and guidance of my family, coaches, and artistic staff. I am overwhelmed with joy and appreciation and look forward to everything that lies ahead,” Heath said.
Emma Topalova of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania trained at Pittsburgh Ballet House and continued her studies at Canada’s National Ballet School on scholarship. Topalova has garnered numerous awards and accolades at several Youth America Grand Prix competitions, including the Hope Award. She was the recipient of the Wallace F. McCain Award from 2018–2023 and the Peter Dwyer Award and Christopher Ondaatje Prize in 2023. She joined Boston Ballet as an artist of the Company in 2023.
“Younger me could only dream of this. I love this job so much and I can’t wait to keep dancing every day and growing. Thank you to my family and everyone at Boston Ballet who help me be the best version of myself every day. I am filled with so much gratitude,” Topalova said.
Schuyler Wijsen of Berkeley, California began his ballet education with Paula van der Zwaan. He continued training at Oakland School for the Arts under the direction of Reginald Ray Savage and Allison Hurley, as well as San Francisco Ballet School. Wijsen joined Boston Ballet as an artist of the Company in 2021.
“I am beyond grateful for this recognition of my work at Boston Ballet. I have seen myself grow so immensely in my time with the company—both in artistry and community. Now, I feel more driven than ever to push my work to the next level and cannot wait for all that is in store in the coming seasons,” Wijsen said.
Alexis Workowski of Orlando, Florida trained at Orlando Ballet School and continued at Florida’s Ballet Conservatory at Skyra. She began her professional career at United Ballet Theatre and BalletMet. In 2024, Workowski worked with English National Ballet as a guest dancer. Workowski joined Boston Ballet as an artist of the Company in 2024.
“Getting promoted is such an honor that I hold dearly. I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunities, the support, and the journey that has brought me here. I’m especially grateful to all the dancers and artistic staff who inspire and support me every day,” Workowski said.
Artists
Boston Ballet II dancers Natalia Cardona, Sophia Jones, Pavel Kulev, and Alexander Mockrish have been promoted to artists of the Company.
Natalia Cardona of Phoenix, Arizona began her ballet training under the direction of Hagop Kharatian and Irina Abramyan. She continued her studies with the Washington School of Ballet before joining Premier Ballet Conservatory in Gilbert, Arizona. In 2023, she joined Ballet Arizona’s Studio Company and received many opportunities to perform with the main company. Cardona joined Boston Ballet II in 2024.
“I’m thrilled to be continuing with Boston Ballet as an Artist next season; this is truly a dream come true! I am so excited for this next chapter, and so incredibly grateful for all of the opportunities and guidance I’ve received with Boston Ballet II,” Cardona said.
Sophia Jones began her early ballet training at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Texas. She joined Feijóo Ballet School in 2016 under the direction of Lorna Feijóo and Nelson Madrigal. She attended summer dance programs with Feijóo Ballet School, Paris Opera Ballet School, and Boston Ballet School.
“This promotion comes with such deep gratitude. The journey of BBII has paved the way for this new and amazing opportunity. I am so thankful for all the artistic staff and dancers who have been instrumental in helping me grow these past two years and especially grateful for the support and mentorship of Joan Boada and Kathleen Mitchell. Thank you to Mikko Nissinen and Boston Ballet’s artistic staff for believing in me. I am excited for what lies ahead,” Jones said.
Pavel Kulev of Laguna Niguel, California trained with his parents Dmitri and Jennifer Kulev at Dmitri Kulev Classical Ballet Academy (DKCBA). He joined Houston Ballet II for the 2023–2024 season. In 2023, he was a finalist at Youth America Grand Prix and a 3rd round finalist at the USA International Ballet Competition. Kulev was a Los Angeles Music Center Spotlight Award Semifinalist in 2023 and 2024. Kulev joined Boston Ballet II in 2024.
Alexander Mockrish of Danderyd, Sweden trained at the Royal Swedish Ballet School in Stockholm before continuing his education at the American Ballet Theatre Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School in New York. He was a finalist at the Prix de Lausanne 2023, receiving the Contemporary Dance Award. In 2025, he won the Prix Young Creation Award for his original piece Extinction. Mockrish joined Boston Ballet II in 2025.
“I’m incredibly honored and grateful to be joining the Company. I’m beyond thankful for my teachers, who have offered steady support and guidance throughout the year. Excited to keep learning and pursue my passion further. Truly grateful for this opportunity and can’t wait for next season,” Mockrish said.
Featured Image: Viktorina Kapitonova and Sangmin Lee in Jewels. Choreography by George Balanchine © The George Balanchine Trust. Photo by Liza Voll.
