Central Florida Ballet Announces New Events Manager and Core Instructor

ORLANDO, Fla – March 27, 2025 – The Central Florida Ballet announced today that Ms. Charmaine Hunter has been appointed as Events Manager and Core Instructor, effective June 1, 2025.

Ms. Hunter joins the Central Florida Ballet after most recently serving as the Community Enrichment Director for the Sarasota Ballet and Orlando Ballet.

“We are thrilled to welcome Ms. Hunter to our team,” says Central Florida Ballet Executive Director, Kailey Klopfenstein. “Her extensive expertise, experience, and strong community connections will play a crucial role as we continue to grow and deepen our engagement with local audiences. Furthermore, Charmaine’s passion for the arts and commitment to serving the community will further elevate our organization and inspire future generations of artists, helping us to make an even greater impact.”

A former Principal Dancer with Dance Theatre of Harlem, Charmaine Hunter is best known for her iconic portrayals of The Firebird, choreographed by John Taras of American Ballet Theatre, and Medea, by Michael Smuin of San Francisco Ballet.

Beyond her dancing career, she has dedicated herself to providing arts access to underserved communities. Charmaine played a pivotal role in launching Dancing Through Barriers, Dance Theatre of Harlem’s flagship outreach program in South Africa, and later expanded it across the USA and internationally. Her career spans many roles, including Director of The Lion King in Toronto, Talent Scout for Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas, Co-Founder of Las Vegas Contemporary Dance Theater, and Upper School Principal with Texas Ballet Theater.

Returning to Orlando, Charmaine served as Director of Community Enrichment at Orlando Ballet, where she worked closely with Artistic Director Robert Hill and School Director Phillip Broomhead to manage arts education and community initiatives, while teaching at the Orlando Ballet Academy and its professional training division from 2017 to 2024.

Prior to joining Central Florida Ballet, Charmaine held the position of Community Engagement Director for Sarasota Ballet. Ms. Hunter is profoundly grateful for the many opportunities that have shaped her career, particularly the recent honor of serving as a guest teacher at the 2025 International Association of Blacks in Dance event.

To learn more about the Central Florida Ballet and Academy, please visit www.centralfloridaballet.com or call 407-849-9948.