FORMER ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Marcella Contessi-Smith provided her students with the opportunity to study classical ballet utilizing the Vaganova and Cecchetti methods, regardless of age or ability level. At the age of seventeen, she became a soloist with the ballet company of the Opera House Communale in Florence, Italy. She danced opera and classical repertoire and innovative ballet under the direction of Kyra Nijinsky, daughter of Vaslav Nijinsky.

She danced at the Theatre Liroco of Milano and Qurino of Rome and internationally for 26 years. She was chosen to dance for the President of Mexico, Miguel Allemand, while with these companies.

Over 40 years ago, Mrs. Smith came to Petaluma and opened her own ballet studio. She taught and choreographed many large productions including Cinderella, Hansel and Gretel, The Magic Flute, Peter Pan, and The Nutcracker. In December 2019, she directed her 40th Nutcracker performance.

Mrs. Smith passed away in April 2020. She is survived by her husband, Gary, and son.