Raymond Rodriguez is the Dean of the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School. He began his dance training at age 6, attended the High School of Performing Arts in Manhattan, and later studied classical ballet at the American Ballet Theatre (ABT) School on a full scholarship. Rodriguez later joined ABT as an apprentice before moving to Cleveland Ballet (Ballet San Jose), where he rose to the rank of principal dancer.

During his tenure with Cleveland Ballet/ Ballet San Jose, Rodriguez also assumed numerous leadership and artistic roles, including rehearsal assistant, répétiteur, régisseur, principal ballet master, associate artistic director, and managing director. In 2016, he relocated to Chicago to join The Joffrey Ballet as Head of the Studio Company and Ballet Trainee Program. He was promoted to Academy Director in 2019.

Under Rodriguez’s leadership, the Joffrey Academy of Dance achieved significant milestones, including the expansion into new studio facilities in Chicago’s South Loop, the creation of a Contemporary Ballet Trainee Program, and the launch of Rita Finds Home, a new family-friendly ballet. He also spearheaded the formation of the BIPOC Academy Committee, fostering greater support and advocacy for students of color and their families. During his tenure, numerous Academy students were promoted to The Joffrey Ballet Company, while others joined professional ballet companies worldwide.

As a principal dancer, Rodriguez performed a wide range of classical and contemporary roles and has successfully staged ballet productions internationally. He has appeared in film and television and currently serves as a judge and Master Teacher for Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) and the Universal Ballet Competition (UBC), among others. He is a member of the advisory board of Pointe Magazine and previously served as co-chair of Dance/USA’s School Directors Affinity Group.

Rodriguez is an ABT® Certified Teacher and an international guest instructor. He earned an MFA in Dance from Hollins University in 2018. His honors include an Isadora Duncan Award (Izzie), recognition as a Crain’s Chicago Business Notable LGBTQ Executive, and the National Association of Latino Arts and Culture’s Outstanding Achievement in the Arts Award. Raymond Rodriguez’s career is a testament to his passion for dance and his enduring impact on the ballet community.