Diana Lasso-Lomax

Born in New York City, Diana began her Classical Ballet training at the age of 6 studying the Vaganova technique under former soloists of the Finnish National Ballet. She received a full Merit Scholarship to Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in New York where she received rigorous training in classical ballet, pointe, classical jazz and the Horton and Graham techniques. Diana then went on to enjoy an 18-year professional career in dance traveling with companies all over the world.

In addition to bringing her professional experience, training, and leadership abilities, Diana has a tremendous wealth of positive energy and enthusiasm to continue Napa Valley Ballet into the future. Diana's goals are to grow and develop the school into a solid foundation in the Napa dance community and to provide a special place for students to gain an education in classical dance.

Diana teaches Classical Ballet as well as Conditioning, Teen/Adult Ballet, and Classical Jazz.

Jeannette Allyn Petrick

Jeannette trained and danced at San Francisco Ballet under Lew Christiansen. She was a ballet instructor for several years at Maria Tallchief’s Chicago City Ballet as well as Resident Choreographer. She choreographed for prima ballerinas Suzanne Farrell, Maria Tallchief, and Paul Mejias. She ran her own school, American Festival Ballet, which toured over 40 states including New York and the Kennedy Center. She has been a guest instructor and Director for companies all over the world. She has set such ballets as Swan Lake, Coppelia, Nutcracker, Romeo and Juliet and Les Sylphides.

She teaches Classical Ballet to students of all ages as well as Teen/Adult Ballet.

Angela Taylor

Angela was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She was trained as a Ballet dancer as well as a Ballet teacher of the Russian method developed by maestro Prokofiev (teacher and choreographer of the Mariinsky Theatre).

After a few years of performing with two of the Ballet Companies in Buenos Aires, Angela decided to focus principally on teaching. She traveled around South America, working with beginners and professionals and preparing advanced students to join some of the main companies in Argentina, such as Teatro Colon and Teatro Argentino de la Plata.

In 2001, she moved to California, where she has been expanding her experience and love for teaching.