2023 turning pointe guest

Jarina Carvalho

A native of Brazil and American citizen as of 2011, Jarina Carvalho’s early training was with the “Ballet Vera Bublitz” school in Porto Alegre. She moved to the United States to complete her classical ballet training on full scholarship at the School of American Ballet in New York City. She then danced with the Dance Theater of Harlem’s Dancing Through Barriers Ensemble, formally joining the Dance Theatre of Harlem (DTH) in 2000. While at DTH, Carvalho performed lead roles in The Four Temperaments, “Meditation” from Thais, Holberg Suite, and South African Suite. Also, dancing in Apollo, Serenade, Concerto Barocco, and other classical and contemporary ballet repertoires.

In 2004 she moved to New Orleans and performed with New Orleans Ballet Theater, The Sandra Organ Dance Company (during her stay in Houston after Hurricane Katrina), and Chard Gonzalez Dance Theater. In 2009, she received a Bachelor of Science degree in biological sciences magna cum laude from the University of New Orleans.

Carvalho has been teaching in New Orleans for 18 years in various schools and as a master teacher. Most notably, NOCCA (New Orleans Center for Creative Arts), and Tulane University Department of Theater and Dance.

In 2015 she opened her own dance school, Live Oak Dance, and in 2019 Live Oak Dance became the official school of the Marigny Opera Ballet. Due to the pandemic of 2020, Carvalho opted to close the physical school; however, she continues to coach ballet students in town and worldwide (via zoom).

While teaching and directing Live Oak Dance, Carvalho took a position as the Rehearsal Director at the Marigny Opera Ballet in 2017. Subsequently, she was promoted to Company Director. The Marigny Opera Ballet has been pivotal in Carvalho’s opportunities to grow in her beloved field of dance. She is especially delighted to be able to transition into a career focused on directing dancers and choreographing for them.