Cornelia Sampson, Artisitc Director of Michigan Ballet Theatre, began her training in Detroit with Violette Armand. She was trained and examined the National Academy of Ballet syllabus. She continued her studies at Les Grands Ballet Canadienne in Montreal, in New York at the School of American Ballet and as a scholarship student at the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo where she was accepted into the company.

Ms. Sampson has taught master classes for many organizations including, Interlochen Arts Academy, American Ballet Theatre, Oakland University and Burklyn Ballet Theatre, founded the Rochester School of Dance and Cornelia’s School of Dance and Michigan Ballet Theatre. She has staged and choreographed many works for MBT including a TV version of The Nutcracker that aired prime time on national TV.

Her Students have been accepted into major companies including American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, the Joffrey Ballet Co, Pacific Northwest Ballet Co, Miami City Ballet and Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. As a private coach, her dancers have won numerous 1st place awards and medals in recognized competitions. In 2007, she was named Outstanding Choreographer for her piece entitled “After the Ball” which placed 1st at the Youth America Grand Prix Competition and her school was named “Outstanding School”.