Isabele Melo Elefson

Born in Brazil, Isabele Elefson began her ballet training in the Royal Academy of Dance system and continued her studies with Halina Biernacka, a protégé of Bronislava Nijinska. Elefson danced with several companies in Brazil, including The Classical Ballet of São Paulo and Cisne Negro Cia de Dança. In the United States she was a dancer with The Ballet Theatre of Chicago. As a guest artist she has performed with Boca Ballet, The Civic Ballet of Chicago (under the direction of Mr. Larry Long), Terpsichore Dance Company among others. She has danced lead roles in Giselle, Coppélia, The Nutcracker, The Sleeping Beauty, Les Sylphides, Paquita, La Fille Mal Gardée, Cinderella, Swan Lake, “Tribute to Ruth Page” and more. Additionally, she has performed in contemporary ballets including Mr. Lou Conte’s Rodin Impressions. Elefson has choreographed several original works for Ballet Theatre Illinois for children including The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Carnival of the Animals, Alice in Wonderland and Peter and The Wolf.
Isabele has over 15 years of teaching experience. She currently teaches at Cincinnati Ballet and University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music. She is also a co-director for Dance Academy of Libertyville, IL, and Ballet Theatre Illinois. Elefson holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from FAAP University, São Paulo (Brazil) and currently lives in Mason, Ohio with her husband and son.