Ballet de Catalunya is proud to announce the promotion of four new company members to the rank of Apprentice, marking an important milestone both for the dancers and for the artistic vision of the company. These promotions reflect Ballet de Catalunya’s firm commitment to nurturing talent from within and recognizing dedication, artistic growth, and stage readiness.
Under the direction of Artistic Director Leo Sorribes, the following dancers have been promoted directly from the Trainee Program, after demonstrating outstanding commitment, professionalism, and artistic development throughout the season.
Camilla Pont
Camilla Pont, originally from Italy, joins the company as an Apprentice following a strong formative background in European ballet training. She has studied at prestigious institutions in Italy and France, including advanced professional programs and international summer intensives. Camilla has performed classical and contemporary repertoire on stage and has shown notable musicality, technical consistency, and artistic maturity. Her promotion follows her recent stage appearances with Ballet de Catalunya, where her evolution and dedication have been clearly evident.
Shiori Kimura
Originally from Japan, Shiori Kimura brings a refined classical foundation combined with strong pas de deux and contemporary skills. She trained extensively in Japan and was a member of the Goh Ballet Youth Company in Canada before joining Ballet de Catalunya as a Trainee. Shiori has performed leading and soloist roles in classical repertoire, including The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, and Don Quixote. Her promotion recognizes her musical sensitivity, technical clarity, and growing stage presence.
Barbara Almeida
Originally from Portugal, Bárbara Almeida has distinguished herself through competition success and solid academic training. She has earned awards at international ballet competitions and has performed a wide range of classical roles, including Coppélia, La Bayadère, and The Nutcracker. Bárbara’s technical precision, consistency, and disciplined work ethic have made her a clear choice for promotion within the company structure.
Ruben Mariner
Rubén Mariner, from Spain, has an international training background that includes The Royal Ballet School, The Joffrey Academy, and Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. His experience spans classical corps and soloist repertoire, with performances in works such as The Nutcracker, Romeo and Juliet, and Serenade. Rubén’s promotion follows his strong adaptability and professionalism, particularly demonstrated during last-minute stage replacements, confirming his readiness for company responsibilities.
The Artistic Direction of Ballet de Catalunya confirms that for the 2026–2028 seasons, promotions to the company will be made exclusively from the Trainee Program. This decision reinforces the belief that the Trainee group is not a separate entity, but an integral part of the company, actively involved in productions, rehearsals, and stage experience.
The Trainee Program is designed as a real bridge between professional training and company life, offering dancers meaningful stage opportunities, daily interaction with the company, and a clear pathway for artistic growth.
At Ballet de Catalunya, we believe in developing talent from within, investing in people, and building the future of the company together—one dancer, one stage, and one opportunity at a time.
More info about the Traine Programe Here.