TEACHING ARTISTS
Cooper Everson
Cooper Everson is a New York City based freelance artist who combines his years of classical training and professional work with his adept contemporary ability. Beginning his training in his home of Northeast Connecticut, Everson studied tap, jazz, contemporary, ballet, hip hop, and partnering and earned scholarships and awards through organizations such as NYCDA, NUVO, JUMP, and Dancers Inc.
Everson shifted his focus to classical ballet after joining Orlando Ballet’s trainee program in the fall of 2015. He went on to study under the directorship of Mariaelena Ruiz and Heather Iller of the Cary Ballet Conservatory. Everson performed with the Cary Ballet Company as a principal artist in The Nutcracker and many original works. Upon completing his training at Cary Ballet Conservatory, Everson moved to Columbus, OH to join BalletMet as a member of their second company, BalletMet II. Everson performed in numerous works by the company’s then artistic director Edwaard Liang, and guest choreographers such as Alexander Ekman and Annabelle Lopez Ochoa.
Everson returned to Cary Ballet to join their staff as a contemporary coach, choreographer, and conditioning teacher. He had the absolute pleasure of coaching the students of the PTP program and Cary Ballet Academy, and created numerous works for their seasons competing at YAGP and ADC/IBC.
In the winter of 2022 Everson transitioned to living in New York City where he now performs, works in dance education, is a Certified Personal Trainer in affiliation with The American Council on Exercise, and is certified in Progressing Ballet Technique. Everson has been enjoying jumping from stage to stage performing with companies and creators such as The International American Ballet, The Lexington Ballet, American Liberty Ballet, Conflux Dance Theatre, Dance Theatre of Jacksonville, Venus Williams, Wilmington Conservatory of Fine Arts, and many more.
Elisa Toro Franky
ELISA TORO FRANKY, professional dancer, teacher, choreographer, and bilingual voice actress based in New York City, has astounded audiences worldwide in works that integrate ballet, tango, ballroom, and Middle Eastern styles. She is currently a member of SAG-AFTRA. Elisa performs as a principal dancer with FJK Dance and a featured artist with Accent Dance NYC, Christopher Caines Dance, and Dardo Galletto Dance. With FJK Dance, Elisa traveled on a 31-city tour of China in 2017 and currently performs in the company's annual seasons at New York Live Arts. In 2024, she performed with Dell'Arte Opera Ensemble in the role of Anna II in The Seven Deadly Sins. Elisa also worked as Program Director at Accent Dance NYC (2018-2020).
Born in Bogotá, Colombia, Elisa trained with mentors from the Cuban National Ballet School. She trained at the Miami City Ballet School and went on to dance with the Washington Ballet Studio Company, the Dance Theatre of Harlem Ensemble, and the New Jersey Ballet. Currently, Elisa is not only an artist but also a mother, having given birth to her daughter in February of 2025.