Mr. Antonio Rosario

Antonio Rosario is a distinguished Dominican-born ballet artist, educator, and choreographer whose career bridges elite performance and international pedagogy. Born in San Francisco de Macorís, Dominican Republic, Antonio began formal dance training at the age of 15 at Ballet Hispánico in New York City—an unusually late start that highlights his rare talent and exceptional discipline.

In 2010, he was awarded a full scholarship to the prestigious Gelsey Kirkland Academy of Classical Ballet, where he trained under the legendary Gelsey Kirkland, Lyubov Fominih, Karina Elver, Nikolai Levitskiy and Michael Chernov. Upon graduating in 2013, he became a founding member of Gelsey Kirkland Ballet, quickly earning acclaim for his dynamic artistry and technical refinement.

While with the company, Antonio performed an extensive classical repertoire, including Pas de Trois from Swan Lake, the Peasant Variation from Giselle, Pas d’Esclave from Le Corsaire, Four Boys Dance from Raymonda, Pierrot in Harlequinade, excerpts from Sleeping Beauty, and leading roles in The Nutcracker. He also performed iconic works by August Bournonville, including La Ventana and Ballebille from Napoli.

In 2014, Antonio was awarded 2nd place in the Flamenco Certamen USA at Lincoln Center, recognizing his command of both classical ballet and flamenco traditions.

His professional career includes lead roles with Ballet Fantastique, performing original works alongside the Eugene Symphony at the Hult Center, and national tours with Ballet 5:8, appearing in esteemed venues including Chicago’s Athenaeum Theatre, Lila Cockrell Theatre (San Antonio), and The Mark O’Donnell Theater (NYC).

As a freelance artist (2019–2022), Antonio starred in roles such as Cavalier and Snow King in The Nutcracker, Lysander in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Le Corsaire Pas de Deux. He also performed in a celebrated flamenco-ballet fusion with Chicago Sinfonietta, featuring renowned artists Wendy Clinard and Nino de los Reyes.

In 2022, Antonio joined First State Ballet Theatre as a company artist, where his repertoire expanded to include lead roles in Don Quixote (Basilio, Espada), La Bayadère (Solor, excerpts), Romeo and Juliet (Mercutio), The Nutcracker (Cavalier), La Esmeralda Pas de Deux, Fairy Doll Pas de Trois, Diana and Actaeon, and contemporary works by Viktor Plotnikov (Unwound, Wings) and Zachary Kapeluck ((Contra)dance, Sélo).

In parallel with his performance career, Mr. Rosario has built a stellar reputation as an educator, with teaching credits at leading institutions including the Gelsey Kirkland Academy of Classical Ballet (NY), Hinsdale Dance Academy (IL), the School of First State Ballet Theatre (DE), and Escuela de Flamenco & Danza (Spain). He has taught across seven U.S. states and internationally, mentoring over 150 dancers and influencing students pursuing pre-professional training and professional careers alike.

Antonio is widely respected for his technical rigor, musical sensitivity, and ability to elevate dancers through a blend of classical foundation and cultural expression. His work as an educator reflects the same passion and excellence that define his career on stage.  Mr. Rosario is excited to put down roots in Kansas City and elevate classical ballet training for the young dancers who step through the doors of BAMO.