Julie Kent (dancer) Ballet Theatre II summer school and the School of American Ballet. She took the stage name Julie Kent at the suggestion of Mikhail Baryshnikov. Kent joined American Ballet Theatre as an apprentice in 1985, became a member of the company's corps de ballet in 1986, was promoted to soloist in 1990, and to principal dancer in 1993. She is known as a skilled dramatic dancer. She was often partnered with ABT Principal Ethan Stiefel, even co-starring with him in the film Center Stage. Her roles with the Company include the Girl in "Afternoon of a Faun", the title role in
American National Ballet in Berlin, the Nashville Ballet, San Diego City Ballet, and the Columbus Ballet. After a year of guesting appearances he accepted the post as the Associate Director of the Pacific Festival Ballet, where he created ten new works and danced principal and leading roles. After two years as Associate Director, Maldonado moved to Duluth, Minnesota, and founded the American National Ballet, where he created 45 additional works. Maldonado was celebrated by "The Tribune" and critically acclaimed for his “Innovative” works, and was considered “one to watch for”. Under his direction, the American National Ballet held a Los Angeles debut and