In Brief
Justin Valentine is a former member of Graham II & an Apprentice with the Martha Graham Dance Company. Previously he was a Lead Principal Dancer at Columbia Classical Ballet after being a Resident Artist and performing classical pas de deux and new contemporary works internationally. Many teachers have generously given of themselves to develop Justin’s sense of life and the art of dance. It began with Sabina Starr in a small rural town who then introduced him to Julia Vorobyeva and Konstantin Dournev. Those three instilled a love of expression through dance. The teachers at Saugerties Ballet Center led by Scarlett Fiero provided a foundation in technique. There Justin met Victoria Rinaldi who added her unique perspective to his training and encouraged broader experiences. She introduced him to study with Charles Askegard through the ABT summer program in NYC and Valentina Kozlova. Martine Van Hamel provided several summers at Kaatsbaan. Then the international world opened where he received training from others, especially Sergei Soloviev and later, Nikolai Tsiskaridze at Vaganova Academy. Nina Mireille Buisson for the last several years has been a consistent influence in both contemporary dance and his development as an artist. Presently Justin is receiving education from several amazing teachers in the Graham technique under the guidance of Virginie Mecene at Graham II.
Justin has won a dozen medals in International Ballet Competitions including senior division gold medals. It was during competitions that Justin met Radenko Pavlovich, and also was invited to the Vaganova Academy. While at the Vaganova Academy, Justin had the honor of dancing a solo role on the iconic stage of the Marinsky Theatre on Christmas day. He has performed in galas in New York, Connecticut, Virginia, Brussels, South Africa, Sochi, Helsinki, St. Petersburg Russia, Italy, Seoul, Ecuador, Croatia and Mexico. Justin has judged in competitions in Ecuador, Paraguay and Mexico, also teaching master classes there, and coaching students preparing for competition.
Justin’s other skills include Tanztheater and digital music composition.