Daniel Blake

Biography

Daniel Blake began his ballet training at the age of nine at The Grand Rapids Ballet School in Michigan under Robert Estner and Charthel Arthur. After relocating to Texas, he continued his studies in Austin with Arletta and John Logan, Terri Lynn Wright, Ann Cole, Stephen Mills, William Piner, and Michelle Martin.

In 1996, Daniel attended the Virginia School of the Arts on full scholarship under the direction of Petrus Bosman and David Keener. While there, he received additional instruction from Keith Lee, László Berdo, and Natalie North.

Wishing to be closer to family, Daniel returned to Texas to study at Ben Stevenson’s Houston Ballet Academy, also on full scholarship. His primary instructors included Steven Brule, Claudio Muñoz, Clara Cravey, and Priscilla Nathan-Murphy. During this time, he shared the studio with renowned artists such as Carlos Acosta, Yin Le, Lauren Anderson, and Dawn Scannell. Daniel was also honored to be an original cast member in Ben Stevenson’s Five Poems.

Upon graduation, Daniel joined Dance Connecticut (formerly The Hartford Ballet), where he performed as Benvolio in Jean Grande-Maître’s Romeo and Juliet and received further coaching from Alla Osipenko, Peggy Lyman, and Adam Miller. He also performed at Jacob’s Pillow, earning praise from The New York Times.

Daniel went on to dance with The Kansas City Ballet under the direction of William Whitener, James Jordan, and Karen Brown. There, he was coached by Todd Bolender and performed numerous leading and soloist roles, including James in La Sylphide, Totem Ancestor by Merce Cunningham, It Starts with a Step by Lotte Goslar, Jewels in Janek Schergen’s The Sleeping Beauty, Balanchine’s Allegro Brilliante, Zuzu Lounge by Margo Sappington, and Three Courtesies by David Parsons.

In 2003, Daniel joined The Minnesota Ballet as the Prince in Cinderella and remained with the company for five seasons. During that time, he performed a wide range of leading and soloist roles in both classical and contemporary works, including Dear John by LilaAnn White and Continuo by Antony Tudor.

After retiring from full-time performance in 2008 to focus on fatherhood, Daniel transitioned into directing and teaching. Though officially retired from the stage, he was invited by James Sewell to perform as a guest artist in Do Be Do, marking a meaningful final chapter in his professional performing career.

Teaching & Directorial Experience

BalletCorps
Owner & Director (2025–Present)
Directs the school’s complete ballet curriculum and artistic programming.

Ballet Blake
Co-Owner & Director (2014–2024)
Co-directed the academy and oversaw full curriculum design and instruction.

Minnesota Youth Ballet Academy
Primary Instructor (2012–2014)
Led instruction across a full ballet curriculum.

Myles Reif Center
Ballet Director (2008–2012)
Developed and taught a full ballet curriculum.

Minnesota Ballet
Faculty Member (2003–2008)
Taught intermediate, advanced, and company classes.

Atlanta Ballet Summer Program
Guest Instructor (2002)
Taught beginner, intermediate, and adult ballet classes.

Legacy School of the Arts
Instructor (2001–2002)
Taught intermediate and advanced ballet levels.

Houston Ballet Academy
Instructor (1998–1999)
Taught Level 1 academy classes under the supervision of Priscilla Nathan-Murphy.