* * * ARTISTIC DIRECTOR * * *

(c) Rafael Pires Kopie

Sandra Castro-Mühlbauer is the artistic director of the Mont Royal Ballet Academy. She isan internationally renowned guest artist, choreographer, and ballet teacher.

Sandra received her ballet training in the Vaganova style at the Conservatory in Vienna, under the guidance of international ballet star Karl Musil and Prima Ballerina Evelyn Teri. Graduating with exceptional distinction, she has achieved remarkable success throughout her career. Sandra has won numerous prizes at prestigious international ballet competitions, including the Nureyev Competition, the Serge Lifar Competition, ÖTR Contest, and Fouette Artek. At the age of 15 she was also a finalist at the renowned Prix de Lausanne, where she received a soloist contract offer from the Ballets de Monte Carlo. However, Sandra chose to accept a corps de ballet contract with the Vienna State Opera Ballet to remain close to her family and her beloved ballet teacher, Evelyn.

Throughout her career, Sandra has collaborated with esteemed artists and choreographers such as Edouard Lock, Vladimir Malakhov, Patricia Neary, Diana Vishneva, Rafael Avnikjan, Renato Zanella, and Jan Durovcik. She has performed for renowned companies like Lalala Human Steps, the Slovak National Theatre, and the world-famous Lido. Sandra’s favorite roles include Odette and Odile in Swan Lake, Gamzatti in La Bayadère, Myrta in Giselle, and Aegina in Spartacus.

In 2017, Sandra and her husband opened the Mont Royal Ballet Academy in Montreal. Since then, she has been traveling internationally as a guest teacher and adjudicator at ballet competitions. Sandra is also the founder and director of Elegance, the 1st International Online Ballet & Contemporary Dance Competition. Her passion and dedication continue to shape the future of ballet and contemporary dance.

* * * MANAGING DIRECTOR * * *

© Ilia Khodos

Diego F. Castro is the managing director of the Mont Royal Ballet Academy.

As a former principal dancer and international guest artist, Diego’s journey in the world of dance began in Cali, Colombia at Incolballet, where he received his initial ballet education. Inspired by his passion for the art form, he pursued further training in Cuba. Seeking new opportunities and growth, Diego decided to move to the United States. He had the privilege of studying at prestigious ballet schools such as the renowned American Ballet Theatre School (ABT), Joffrey Ballet School, Nutmeg Conservatory, and the School of American Ballet (SAB). Throughout his career, Diego had the privilege of collaborating with esteemed artists who have made significant contributions to the world of ballet. He had the honor of working alongside the legendary Mikhail Baryshnikov, the esteemed Elena Tschernischova, and the talented Eleanor d’Antuono. These collaborations not only enriched his artistic development but also provided him with valuable insights and guidance.

Diego’s talent and dedication led him to perform with internationally acclaimed companies, including Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, Lalala Humansteps, the Joffrey Ballet, and Miami City Ballet, among others. His repertoire includes a wide range of roles, but his favorites include the iconic cavalier in „The Nutcracker,“ the enchanting Prince in „Swan Lake,“ and the captivating Slave in „Le Corsaire.“

In 2017, Diego embarked on a new chapter in his career by opening the Mont Royal Ballet Academy in Montreal, together with his wife Sandra. This endeavor allowed him to share his wealth of knowledge and expertise with aspiring dancers, nurturing their talent and guiding them toward their artistic journeys. The Mont Royal Ballet Academy has quickly become a reputable institution, known for its commitment to excellence and the cultivation of well-rounded dancers.