Leonora Lima, Artistic Director
Leonora Lima is an experienced Artistic Director and Ballet Master with over 36 years of experience in dance education. She holds an international Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies from the Royal Academy of Dance, and has an academic background in Psychology with a focus on Psychomotricity and Sports Psychology. Her teaching is rooted in classical ballet, while introducing the principles of Biomechanics, GYROKINESIS®, and GYROTONIC®. She believes integrating a biomechanical approach and movement science expertise into classical ballet pedagogy supports technical development, prevents injury, and enhances artistic expression. Committed to inclusive education through community projects and social impact, she has successfully prepared dancers for international competitions and placement in renowned schools such as the Harid Conservatory, San Francisco Ballet, and École Nationale de Marseille. Leonora directed a ballet school in Brazil for 19 years, where she led a diverse team and fostered artistic excellence. Having extensive experience with creating sets, costumes, and lighting design, she has created full productions of classical and contemporary ballets, such as Giselle, The Nutcracker, Don Quixote, La Fille Mal Gardée, Fairy Doll, Chipollino, Harlequinade, Swan Lake, and more. Above all, she believes in a training approach that unites technical excellence with physical and emotional well-being, preparing dancers for impactful performances that elevate the artistic and economic value of dance. Leonora is excited to be teaching at the OBT School in Portland, as well as teaching and directing the students of Corvallis Ballet Collective!
Raechyl Rosen, Studio Ambassador/modern and jazz teacher
Raechyl began dancing at age 8 and hasn’t looked back since. Having grown up in Eugene, she took classes in tap, hip hop, jazz, ballet, pointe, contemporary, musical theater, ballroom, and was on the competitive dance teams at her studio throughout middle and high school. During high school, she was selected to be a part of a pre-professional dance team that was acknowledged for its strong technical and performance skills at numerous competitions. In her senior year, she was the captain of her dance team. Raechyl, wanting to continue her dance education, attended Pacific University and graduated in 2025 with a BA in Dance with a minor in Arts Administration. At Pacific, she found her passion for choreography and was selected to present work at the American College of Dance Associations 2025 Northwest Conference. Raechyl is excited to be teaching modern and jazz at CBC, as well as greeting students and families at the front desk!
Emily Stevenson, ballet Teacher
Emily first fell in love with dance at age 4, beginning her training in the Vaganova technique. Switching to study at the Regional School of Ballet when she was 14 years old gave her the ability to find her true love of dance and friendship. After graduating from high school, she moved to Idaho to attend college. There she received her Associates of Applied Science in Administrative Assisting and Office Management. During her time in Idaho, she attended as many ballet, modern and contemporary classes as her schedule allowed, even joining the Collegiate Dancers group for two seasons. Emily was able to be a part of the Regional School of Ballet’s production of the Nutcracker almost every year since 2012, and those are some of her fondest dance memories. She began teaching ballet in 2024 and has grown to love sharing the art of dance with her dear friends and students.
Nicole Emry, Creative Movement Teacher
Nicole Emry has been dancing since the age of 2 and brings a lifelong love of ballet to her teaching. Now 19, Nicole combines over 17 years of dance experience with a background in early childhood education, having studied child development for four years in high school. Last year, Nicole co-taught Creative Movement classes, alongside her sister Sami, where they focused on helping children build confidence, coordination, and a love for dance from the very beginning. Nicole is excited to continue inspiring the next generation of dancers through creativity, music, and movement!
Erin Palmer, Ballet Teacher
Erin Palmer began dancing at age four and has never stopped. She trained in ballet, tap, modern and jazz dance in California and Oregon. Her performance and instruction experience in California includes The Ballet Montmartre, The Newport Ballet, Capitol City Ballet, and Jazzee Dance Company at California State University Sacramento where she earned a BS in Physical Education and Dance with honors. Upon moving to Oregon, she performed with Oregon Dance and Chamber Ballet of Corvallis as well as instructed ballet at Linn-Benton Community College for 15 years, Corvallis High School Artist-in-Residence program and choreographed musicals at CHS and The Majestic Theater. She instructed all levels of ballet at Regional School of Ballet for the past 33 years. Erin looks forward to teaching at Corvallis Ballet Collective, continuing her mission of inspiring and training students in correct body biomechanics, musicality, artistry and performance in a supportive environment.