Location

Originally from Catharpin, Virginia, Monica Giragosian received the majority of her training at the Maryland Youth Ballet under the instruction of Michelle Lees, Hortensia Fonseca, Rhodie Jorgenson, Julie Miles, and Christopher Doyle. While studying at the Maryland Youth Ballet, Monica also trained at the Washington School of Ballet on full scholarship for one year and at the Kirov Academy of Ballet for two years.  In addition, during her summers she attended the American Ballet Theatre Summer Intensive in New York and the Kaatsbaan International Dance Center during the summer of 2008.  As a student, she performed many notable roles including Clara, Snow Queen, and the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker, Little Swans in Swan Lake, and Three Shades in La Bayadere.  In 2008, Monica placed in the Top Twelve Women at the Youth America Grand Prix regional competition, and in 2009, she was a New York City Finalist.  Monica also received the 2009 Darcy Smith Scholarship for excellence in ballet and academics.  Upon graduating from Stonewall Jackson High School, Monica joined BalletMet Columbus as a trainee in the fall of 2009, and continued to dance there through the spring of 2011.  While a member of BalletMet, Monica performed in several productions including Swan Lake, Gerard Charles’ The Nutcracker and Cinderella, and David Nixon’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.  She is excited to be joining American Repertory Ballet for her first season as a company dancer.