The Story Of
David
I am a performing arts creative with over 40 years of experience choreographing ballets and operas, directing ballet companies and schools, and creating opportunities for the arts to inspire individuals and communities. My work aims to evoke emotions and captivate audiences, and to contribute to the cultural enrichment of society.
Dance / Theatrical
Experience, Education, Training
Professional:
Artistic Director: Ballet Wichita, 2021-2024
Executive Artistic Director: Northwest Arkansas Ballet Theater, 2019-2021
Founding Artistic Director: American Repertory Ensemble, 2004-2013
Artistic Director: Dance Repertory Theatre, cyclical 2003-20014
Producer: DMC New Works Festival, 2004-2015
Associate Professor: UMKC Conservatory of Dance and Music, 2014-2019
Associate Professor of Dance: UT Austin Dep. of Theatre and Dance, 2003-2016
Principal Dancer: Birmingham Royal Ballet, 1995-2003
Soloist Dancer: San Francisco Ballet, 1989-1995
2nd Co: Boston Ballet, 1988
Education:
Masters Degree, Education: U. of Birmingham (UK), 2000
Shakespearian Theatre: Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (UK), 2002
ABT Teachers Certification, all levels, 2009
Collaborative Course for Choreographers and Composers: U. of Edinburgh, 1998
Training
School of American Ballet, 1986
San Francisco Ballet School, 1985
Ballet West, 1984
Dallas Metropolitan Ballet, 1975-1988
Sailing
Experience, Education, Skillsets
I am an enthusiastic 54-year-old sailor, married for 34 years, seeking opportunities to build my skillsets and accumulate sea service days in order to ultimately gain my OUPV / Six-Pack Captains License. My professional background is extremely detail oriented in form, function and safety working as an elite athlete artist with San Francisco Ballet, Boston Ballet and Birmingham Royal Ballet (UK). I am not completely immune to sea sickness, but I am able to manage it when others find themselves feeding the fish. I do not drink alcohol or do drugs. I will raise a glass of water, tea or coffee and toast with others when circumstances make it safe to do so.
CERTIFICATIONS:
Marine Diesel Mechanics Course
OCC Sailing Center, Newport Beach, CA June 2024
American Red Cross Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED
Nation’s Best CPR expires March 2026
American Sailing Association
101 Basic Keelboat Sailing, March 2009
103 Basic Coastal Cruising, March 2010
104 Bareboat Chartering, March 2010
105 Coastal Navigation, Sep 2024
106 Advanced Coastal Cruising, Sep 2024
118 Docking Endorsement, June 2024
PADI Open Water Certified, June 1988
SKILL SETS:
Detailed planning and logistics, Cooking, Knots, Rough and finish carpentry, Navigation (inland, coastal, open ocean), Orienteering (land based), basic marine electrical, basic marine diesel maintenance, leadership / followership, line handling
EXPERIENCE:
I am currently a member of Modern Sailing Club and School in San Francisco Bay, but I grew up with family-owned power boats and day sailing with my uncle, Colonel J.A. Holmes, on Chesapeake Bay. I owned 21’ Supra Wakeboard boat in Austin TX from 2004 to 2010 where I captained on Lake Austin and Lake Travis. In 2009 I started renewing / rebuilding my sailing skillsets on a 26’ Colgate (On Belay) in regional waters of Trinity Bay and Galveston Bay, TX. In 2010 I went further to build sailing skills in the Texas coastal waters of the Gulf of Mexico sailing between Houston TX and South Padre Island TX on a 36’ Catalina (Tranquility). Life took me to Kansas (away from the water) for 10 years, and my practical sailing experience stalled but I do own a 30’ off grid capable camper trailer with complex operating systems. And my sailing passion continues to grow. I am now back in the San Francisco Bay area and am determined to make sailing a large part of my life. As a member of Modern Sailing Club and School I have already passed ASA 118 Docking and ASA 105/106 Coastal Cruising in September 2024. Additionally, I am the Owner/Captain of SV EVERLOVIN’, a 2002 Oyster 47’. Since August of 2024, crew and I have sailed her over 2,700 N.m. from Narragansett Bay, RI to (and through) the Panama Canal, where she now awaits the next journey.
