School Directors & Staff

Francesca Poznanski trained at The Academy of Dance Arts, a local studio in Red Bank, New Jersey under the direction of both Jennifer James Church and then, Shayne and Nick Mishoe. Ms Poznanski studied classical ballet and classical modern technique in the styles of RAD (Royal Academy of Dance), Vaganova, Horton, and Graham. She received “Distinction” on all RAD exams taken.

While at The Academy, Francesca had the opportunity of dancing through the ranks of Peter Anastos’s productions of The Nutcracker and The Sleeping Beauty and became a high scoring YAGP finalist multiple years in both her classical variations and contemporary work. In her final year of training, she ran The Academy of Dance Arts’ annual “Evening of Dance” charity performance where she set 10 ballet and contemporary pieces on her peers in a program that donated all proceeds to the Ode to the Moon Foundation, helping those affected by domestic violence through art.

Ms Poznanski joined the Carolina Ballet as an Apprentice her senior year of high school and danced there under the direction of both Robert Weiss and Zalman Raffael, from 2019-2021. She joined Ballet Tucson as a Senior Apprentice in 2021 and was quickly promoted to Company Member upon her arrival. In 2022, Francesca was given the rank of Demi Soloist and has had the privilege of performing many Soloist and Principal roles throughout her time here.

With an extremely diverse repertoire and a passion for the arts’ history, Ms Poznanski offers a class suited for any student with a love for dance. She enjoys using her knowledge of pilates and anatomy to enhance a dancer's technique and always hopes to bring a fun sense of humor to help build the confidence of her students.