The Academy Leadership and Faculty

Brooke DiFrancesco was born in Providence, Rhode Island where she currently resides. She received her early ballet training at the Brae Crest School of Ballet in Lincoln, RI and later at the Boston Ballet School. Brooke furthered her ballet education by attending many prestigious summer programs such as, American Ballet Theatre, School of American Ballet, and Miami City Ballet.

Beginning in 2009, Brooke began dancing professionally with Newport Contemporary Ballet where she is currently a company dancer. While dancing with NCB, Brooke has been given the opportunity to tour with the company both nationally and internationally.  She has been featured in several leading roles with NCB, including “Lucy” in Dracula, “Wendy” in Peter Pan and one of her favorites, the “Sugar Plum Fairy” in the Nutcracker.

Brooke began her teaching career at 18 years old and since then has been teaching ballet, pointe and contemporary to all ages. In her 15+ years of teaching, she has taught in many schools throughout Southern MA and RI and has been with several schools for well over a decade. Read more of Brooke’s Bio. 

Danielle started her training with Miki Ohlsen at Newport Academy of Ballet [now The Academy at Newport Contemporary Ballet], and went on to study with the Boston Ballet School, Houston Ballet Academy, and North Carolina School of the Arts. Danielle danced with Hartford Ballet under the direction of Kirk Peterson and then became Principal Dancer with New York Theatre Ballet. She appeared as a guest artist with companies both nationally and internationally including Ballett St. Polten, GleichDancesNY, Providence Ballet Theatre, Spindle City Ballet, and Connecticut Concert Ballet.

Danielle danced with Island Moving Company [now Newport Contemporary Ballet] for many years, originating roles in various works. The Board of Directors appointed Danielle to lead the company as Artistic Director at the start of its 41st season, in September of 2022. Read more of Danielle’s bio.