Dedication. Artistry. Athleticism.

Meet our MYB Company Members

Annika Quiñones

Annika Quiñones is a homeschooled senior and will have been a member of the Makaroff Youth Ballet school for thirteen years come January, 2026. This is her fourth year in the company. Ballet is something that Annika has adored and appreciated in its entirety ever since she discovered it. She feels that it’s one of, if not the most rewarding art form, as you take away not only the skill of dance, but also attributes that you’re able to utilize in everyday life. She takes the discipline, strength, wisdom, challenge, love, and passion she’s learned with her wherever she goes. Apart from the art form itself, Annika cherishes the people who’ve turned into family at MYB. Although she’s excited to graduate and go further into the world of dance and music with the intent to teach and choreograph, she knows that this will be one of the hardest goodbyes, so she gives many thanks to those who pushed her to turn her childhood dream into reality. In the meantime, she’ll keep singing and acting, playing piano, spending time with her loved ones and pets, reading four books at once and trying to write one, lingering outdoors, praising God, and being picky about coffee. Annika loves a lot of things, but ballet will always hold one of the most special places in her heart.

Aleksandra Resch

Aleksandra Resch is a freshman at Xavier High School. She began ballet at the age of two in Sioux Falls, SD, and joined the Makaroff School of Ballet in the Fall of 2015. Since the Winter of 2022, she has been a member of the Makaroff Youth Ballet (MYB). Aleksandra is passionate about the challenge, artistry, discipline, and grit that ballet demands, and considers it her greatest love.

Her performance experience includes dancing the roles of "Clara", "Chinese", and "Russian" in The Nutcracker, as well as the Duck in Peter and the Wolf, along with other featured roles in MYB productions. For the past three summers, she has had the privilege of attending the prestigious Joffrey Ballet Academy Summer Intensive. Her dream is to one day perform the role of the "Black Swan" or "Esmeralda". Outside of ballet, Aleksandra plays the violin, enjoys rock climbing, baking delicious treats, staying active, and spending time with her family and friends.

MYB company members are dancers who...

Have attained an advanced skill level in ballet technique, musicality, and artistry as determined by our Artistic Director.
Have a passion for dance.
Persevere through challenges.
Make healthy personal choices.
Possess a kindness of heart, a sense of good sportsmanship and a desire for camaraderie among company dancers.
Understand that everyone’s success is a victory for the entire company.
Have respect for themselves, their Artistic Director, other company dancers, MYB volunteers & staff.
Are supportive of the Artistic Director, company dancers, the Board of Directors, and all others in MYB.
Are dedicated to pursuing the best interest of MYB.