Oakland Ballet School Staff

Joral Schmalle, Artistic Director
Born and raised in Northern California, Joral began his early training in Ukiah with his mother and Nuria Lovett-King. At age eight he received a full scholarship to the San Francisco Ballet School. He also studied at the School of American Ballet, Ballet Celeste International, and American Conservatory Theatre. He Joined Oakland Ballet in 1983, was named Associate Director in 1997, and served as Acting Artistic Director 1999-2000. He has appeared in numerous lead and title roles with the Company, including Billy the Kid (Billy), The Secret Garden (Archibald Craven), Romeo and Juliet (Romeo and Tybalt), Giselle (Albrecht), The Green Table (Death), Scheherazade (The Golden Slave), L’apres-midi d’un faune (the Faun), Le Tren bleu (Beau Gosse) Carmina Burana (principal male), and Coppelia (Franz). In 1993 he was a finalist in the prestigious New York International Ballet Competition. During his career he appeared extensively as a guest artist and was also a member of Smuin Ballet, the Lawrence Pech Dance Company & the San Francisco production of Phantom of the Opera.

Denise Schmalle, Associate Artistic Director
Born in San Francisco, CA, Denise received her ballet training at the Oakland Ballet Academy, under Ronn Guidi. At the age of 16 she was asked to join the Oakland Ballet Company as an apprentice. The following year she joined OBC as a company member. Denise had the opportunity to perform in the company’s historically significant repertoire Billy The Kid, Les Biches, Tenderland, and Bolero, and in Ronn Guidi’s Romeo and Juliet, Secret Garden, and the Nutcracker (Marie, Snow Queen, Sugar Plum Fairy). While dancing with the Company, Denise earned a B.A. from UC Berkeley in International Development Studies. She’s also proud to be an ABT Certified Teacher. Miss Denise is the primary teacher of the Oakland Ballet School and enjoys teaching all levels, from Pre-Ballet to the Adult Program!