PC: Sam Zauscher
Raul Salamanca
Co-Founder/Co-Director
UBC Outstanding Classical Coach Award Winner 2021
YAGP Outstanding Teacher Award Winner 2020
Raul Salamanca, Co-Founder and Co-Director of Golden State Ballet Academy, brings over 30 years of professional experience as a dancer, educator, and artistic leader. Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, he began his training at the Magda Aunon School of Classical Ballet, graduating with honors from its renowned Cuban National Ballet–based curriculum. He continued his studies on full scholarship with the Arizona Ballet School and Boston Ballet School, training under distinguished teachers from the Balanchine, Bournonville, Cecchetti, Cuban, and Vaganova traditions. As a young artist, he was recognized by the National Society of Arts and Letters and the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts and twice represented the United States at the International Ballet Competition in Jackson, Mississippi.
Raul’s professional career includes Ballet Arizona, Boston Ballet, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal, and Ballet San Antonio, where he performed Principal and Soloist roles in major classics and originated roles in new works by leading international choreographers. His stage experience spans the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, and Africa, and he has been featured in international ballet galas alongside world-renowned artists.
Beyond his performance career, Raul has held significant leadership roles in the field. As Ballet Master and Director of Education at Ballet San Antonio, he helped develop the company’s Nutcracker and established a dance outreach program in collaboration with the Boys & Girls Club. He also served as the sole U.S. stager for Boston Ballet Resident Choreographer Jorma Elo, bringing his works to companies and academies worldwide. Raul later joined Los Gatos Ballet, where he became Associate Director and then Artistic Director, helping the organization earn recognition as “Best Dance Company” and “Best Non-Profit of the Year.” He expanded the school’s programs, revitalized productions, and launched the Leaps and Bounds outreach program, which grew into a funded and widely praised educational initiative.
Raul’s students have been accepted into top pre-professional schools and university dance programs, including the Académie Princesse Grace, School of American Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, San Francisco Ballet School, Houston Ballet School, USC Kaufman, and Juilliard. He has also created numerous contemporary works and a full-length Alice in Wonderland, and has taught for institutions such as Boston Ballet School, Kansas City Ballet, Tulsa Ballet, Western Ballet, and the Academy of Classical Ballet.
Golden State Ballet Academy, co-founded with his wife Cindy Huang, reflects Raul’s commitment to excellence in classical ballet training. Under their leadership, the Academy has become a nationally recognized, award-winning school known for its strong pedagogy, artistic integrity, and dedication to nurturing the next generation of dancers. Raul also serves as the Artistic Director and CEO of Golden State Ballet Company and Foundation.