Master Ballet Instructor Natalia Magnicaballi

Photo credit: © Randy Pacheco Photography

 Natalia Magnicaballi born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, has achieved a remarkable feat in the world of ballet, becoming the only principal dancer ever to lead two major ballet companies in the United States simultaneously for nearly two decades. She led The Suzanne Farrell Ballet from its inception in 1999 until 2017, while also leading Ballet Arizona from 2002 to 2018. 

A graduate of Teatro Colón, Natalia attained the status of principal dancer at the early age of 19. Her professional journey has taken her across six continents, where she has performed in over 400 venues, ranging from main houses to opera theaters and arenas. From the illustrious Paris Opera Garnier, and the breathtaking Odeon of Herodes Aticus 

Theatre to the historic Mariinsky Theatre, Natalia's talent and versatility have captivated audiences worldwide, earning acclaim from international media. Renowned for her mastery of 38 Balanchine ballets and the most beloved classical works, she has also left her mark on premieres by esteemed choreographers globally. Notably, in Europe, Natalia created and performed principal roles with the revered Italian company Aterballetto for two seasons. 

Natalia has built a widespread reputation for herself as a sought-after master ballet instructor and artist coach since an early age (2005), continuously for over 19 years now, while simultaneously performing as a principal dancer. Holding an MBA and master’s degrees in psychology and coaching, including Behavioral Psychology, Personal Coaching, Sports Coaching, and Child, Youth, and Family Psychology from CLEA, Natalia's educational journey also includes educational psychology studies at Stanford University. Her expertise and ongoing research and studies in educational psychology have informed her comprehensive teaching method, which she has crafted to emphasize not only technical and artistic proficiency but also the holistic development of her students, providing them with essential tools for their physical, psychological, and emotional growth both on stage and in life. 

Artist Coach – Master Ballet Instructor 

Natalia Magnicaballi’s exceptional journey in ballet education and coaching is marked by her unique blend of professional excellence, early commitment to teaching, and dedication to holistic student development. Starting at a notably early age, Natalia began teaching in the U.S.A. in 1999, becoming a master ballet instructor in 2005, while simultaneously excelling as a prima ballerina. Her strong formal education, including master’s degrees in psychology, educational psychology, and sports coaching, enables her to integrate advanced psychological and high athletic performance principles into her teaching methods. Natalia was motivated to start teaching early because she recognized the common lack of attention to personal growth and development in ballet studios (both at 

schools and professional companies) globally. She observed that this neglect often led talented students to quit their training and professional dancers to leave their hard-earned careers, many times leaving them with lifelong impacts. 

Mentoring: A Lifetime Commitment to Holistic Development 

Determined to change this and make all the many positive aspects of a career in ballet prevail, Natalia committed to providing her students with the tools needed not only to progress in their dance careers and transition into professional life but also to succeed in their personal lives. She has mentored hundreds of dancers who have become both successful and fulfilled ballet professionals under her tutelage or achieved significant scholarships at prestigious universities, leading to rewarding careers outside the artistic realm as doctors, military personnel, lawyers, biologists, engineers, and more. 

Master Ballet Instructor 

Since 2005, Natalia has been a revered master ballet instructor at top academies such as Tempe Dance Academy, Premier Ballet Conservatory, Tucson Dance Academy, Studio R., and Dance Fusion. Her ability to teach diverse age groups—from children to older adults (65+)—demonstrates her versatility and commitment to fostering inclusive, nurturing environments. Natalia’s classes focus not only on technical and artistic proficiency but also on the psychological and emotional growth of her students, ensuring their holistic development. 

International Masterclasses, Balanchine Workshops, and Intensives 

Natalia’s expertise is sought after nationwide and internationally, as she has been invited annually since 2006 to teach masterclasses, Balanchine workshops, and intensives. Her extensive experience includes engagements with prestigious ballet academies and professional companies in various parts of the world like Rocky Mountain School of the Arts, Tucson Dance Academy, Brandon Ballet, Dance Connection 2, Youth American Ballet Co., Scottsdale School of Ballet, MLDA, Ballet Etudes, Diamond Dance Works, Artistic Fusion Dance Academy Ballet Nacional de Paraguay, Ballet del Teatro Colón in Argentina, Aterballetto in Italy, Ballet Contemporáneo del Teatro General San Martín, Danzaria in Peru, and Ballet Flamenco Español in Spain, to name a few. Natalia’s masterclasses, workshops, and intensives are known for their high artistic training standards, offering students in-depth knowledge and firsthand guidance. 

Artist Coach 

Natalia has been coaching dancers internationally since 2011, positively impacting their professional lives. She provides a comprehensive toolbox, including ballet techniques, musical awareness, acting, and historical context. Her coaching goes beyond technical skills, focusing on building emotional strength, self-esteem, motivation, and stage confidence. Natalia´s coaching has led many of her mentees to secure contracts with major ballet companies, such as Ballet Arizona, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, Alonzo King LINES Ballet, The Suzanne Farrell Ballet, Ballet Dortmund, Birmingham Royal Ballet, Houston Ballet, Boston Ballet II, and Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo. Her mentees have also succeeded in other artistic genres, including Broadway musicals, So You Think You Can Dance, the Radio City Rockettes, and Cirque du Soleil. Additionally, Natalia has guided young dancers to receive scholarships from prestigious institutions like the School of American Ballet, The Juilliard School, The European School of Ballet, Pace University, University of Michigan, University of Arizona, Arizona State University, Oklahoma City University, Florida State University, Adelphi College, Mercyhurst University, Montclair University, Dean College, Marymount Manhattan University, and Point Park University. 

Holistic and Balanced Development Philosophy 

A significant aspect of Natalia’s teaching philosophy is her commitment to students' mental health and well-being. Complementing her artistic and teaching knowledge, Natalia holds an MBA and master’s degrees in psychology and coaching, including Behavioral Psychology, Personal Coaching, Sports Coaching, and Child, Youth, and Family Psychology. Her ongoing research in educational psychology informs her teaching methods, emphasizing a balanced approach to physical, psychological, and emotional development. 

Championing Quality and Access in Ballet Training 

Natalia’s dedication to providing high-quality training in fast-growing communities and outskirt areas where ballet training is minimal highlights her commitment to broadening access to ballet education. Her long-term dedication to dancers' well-being and holistic development sets her apart, making her a transformative figure in ballet education and coaching. 

For more information, visit nataliamagnicaballi.com. Although the website is currently under redevelopment, you will find useful links to learn and see much more about Natalia.