Rebecca Levin ‘17 is a professional ballet dancer and an American Ballet Theatre certified teacher, having completed the ABT teacher training intensive in pre-primary through Level 3 of the ABT national training curriculum. She furthered her training at Butler University, earning a B.F.A. in Dance Performance in 2021. During her time at Butler, Rebecca served as the dance coordinator for the Butler Community School of the Arts and had the extraordinary opportunity to tour Europe with a select group of Butler ballet dancers, performing and studying under esteemed European ballet masters.
Rebecca continues to bring her passion for dance to the stage as a company artist with Confluence Ballet Company while also serving as the studio manager and a teacher at a dance studio in Pittsburgh.
How did your time at Oakwood help to prepare you for your current career, activities, friends, etc.?
I took many dance classes at Oakwood while also training for four hours each evening at the studio where I danced. Compared to the smaller studio where I grew up dancing, the spacious dance room at Oakwood felt enormous— encouraging me to step out of my comfort zone, dance more boldly, and embrace more expansive movements. Being away from my studio teachers, who were like second parents, and my childhood dance friends, I found myself dancing alongside new students and under different instructors. This experience pushed me to become more confident and comfortable in my abilities, allowing me to grow in new ways.
Did you know what you wanted to study/focus on when you graduated from Oakwood?
When it came time to start applying for college, I knew I wanted to pursue dance. While some dancers transition from high school directly to a position within a company, I did not want to miss out on the college experience. There, I would be able to have the opportunity to learn from knowledgeable professors and expand my education beyond dance, including subjects like liberal arts, dance history, music theory, choreography, and pedagogy. Dancing in college offers the opportunity to perform significant roles in full-length ballets—experiences that professional dancers often do not get until they have spent many years rising through the ranks within their company.
Together, my Oakwood college counselor and I explored universities with strong ballet programs, as neither of us had navigated this process before. Although it was a challenging journey, it was ultimately worth it to end up at Butler University in Indianapolis, IN, which ranks among the top ballet collegiate programs in the U.S.
Did you have a favorite class or teacher at Oakwood?
My favorite class at Oakwood was always Spanish, and I still love learning languages. I also took a sign language class at Oakwood, and I remember the teacher saying that he could tell I danced by the way I gracefully moved my hands to communicate. Today, I work as the studio manager at Lua Dance Club, in Pittsburgh PA, a bilingual studio where I use my language skills to talk with parents and students daily. I’ve also started learning Portuguese, inspired by the Brazilian community at the studio! I love that languages offer a unique way to express yourself and connect—just as dance allows for expression through movement.
What do you love most about what you’re doing now?
As a professional dancer, studio manager, and dance teacher, I find immense joy in my work. My ballet company, Confluence Ballet in Pittsburgh, PA, is dedicated to making dance accessible to everyone—both performers and audience members alike. Ballet has often been viewed as an elitist art form, and we are actively working to change that. By performing in both public spaces and theaters, we ensure that anyone can experience our art, and we invite individuals from diverse communities to share the stage. Our company encourages open conversations about mental health, allows dancers to wear whatever clothing they feel comfortable dancing in rather than strict uniforms, and invites dancer input in company decisions.
I teach ballet, Latin jazz, tap, acrobatics, and aerial silks at Lua Dance Studio, and I cherish every moment. I value the chance to shape and inspire future dance generations by teaching technique while instilling essential lessons in respect, discipline, and time management. I enjoy watching students build lifelong friendships along the way. Whether they see dance as a short-term hobby or a more serious pursuit, I strive to be a supportive and compassionate mentor for every student.
Managing the studio—from recitals and summer camps to year-round classes and parent interactions—has enriched my experience and provided a deep sense of fulfillment. I aspire to teach dance at a University and am currently working to complete the ABT NTC (American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum) program for teachers.
What advice do you have for young people who want to pursue a career path in the field of dance or the arts industry?
Pursuing a dance career is not an easy journey. The thrill of feeling powerful and beautiful on stage is incredibly rewarding, but there’s so much more to the art than what the audience sees. True fulfillment comes from embracing the entire creative process. As long as you find joy in technique class, keep pushing forward—because even as a professional, that foundation remains with you throughout your career.
Don’t overlook the value of a college education. Many artists believe their prime opportunity will present itself immediately after high school—but the connections, experience, and knowledge gained during those college years are irreplaceable and set you up for success beyond your performing career.
What is a professional highlight of your career?
A major professional highlight for me was performing as Clara in The Nutcracker in December 2024. It was an incredible honor to take on the lead role, especially after dancing in The Nutcracker every year since I was seven and performing every other role—except Clara. I loved mastering the technically challenging aspects of the role and the acting on stage made the experience even more exciting and fun! What made the experience truly special was dancing on stage with younger dancers from the studio where I teach. It was a dream to share the stage with my students and inspire them to keep dancing.
