Michelle McMillan

Michelle has been part of the Youth Ballet family since 2008 and assumed the role of Artistic Director in 2013.

Her passion for dance drives Michelle's dedication to sharing her knowledge with the students of Youth Ballet. She received training in various dance forms, with a primary focus on the Vaganova style of classical ballet. Michelle studied near her hometown in Southern California under inspiring instructors, including Tania Lichine, one of George Balanchine’s original “baby ballerinas”.

At 18, Michelle earned an apprenticeship at the prestigious Kirov Ballet Academy. Following this, she danced in regional ballet companies in California before transitioning to a career in Musical Theatre. Her versatile training in Jazz, Tap, and Vocal Music enabled her to perform extensively across the United States and Europe. Notable credits include five years as a Radio City Rockette, roles in Equity productions such as The Will Rogers’ Follies and Annie Get Your Gun, performing as a fire-eater with Penn & Teller in Las Vegas, and featuring in an adage specialty act combining pas de deux and acrobatics. Michelle’s most cherished role led her to meet her husband.

In 2009, Michelle became a certified Stott Pilates method instructor, strongly advocating its benefits for conditioning. The method not only enhanced her strength and balance as a dancer but also facilitated her recovery from dance-related injuries.

Michelle served on the Board of Directors for Dance Saskatchewan Inc. and currently contributes to the Board of the Lumsden branch of Inclusion Saskatchewan. She is enthusiastic about expanding her knowledge, fostering a love for dance in others, and supporting youth in pursuing their aspirations.

For inquiries, you can reach Michelle at artisticdirector@youthballet.com