Our 2025 Young Artists! Hand picked by Bloch for their skill, dedication and passion for dance. 

 

USA Young Artists

Natasha Furman

Instagram: @natasha.ballerina

 

 

 

Natasha Furman, a remarkable young ballet talent from the United States. Natasha is widely regarded as one of the most promising emerging ballerinas of our time and is currently honing her craft at the prestigious Vaganova Academy in St. Petersburg. Natasha's family background is impeccable, and her accomplishments are extraordinary. At just 15, she has already won multiple prestigious international ballet competitions. Some recent achievements include 3rd place at YAGP FINALS NY 2019, the YAGP 2019 Hope Award, and 1st place Classical/Contemporary at the 2019 Jewels Festival NY.

Additionally, she serves as an ambassador for the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) and has been made an honorary citizen of New York City.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Regan Gerena

Instagram: @regan.gerena

 

Regan Gerena naturally gravitated towards dance as soon as she could walk. In 2018, the Southern California native joined Project21 Studio, where she has competed at a high level since the age of 7 and remains a proud team member under the tutelage of instructor Molly Long. Securing both national and regional titles, Regan has established herself as a versatile dancer excelling in Jazz, Contemporary, and Ballet.

Most recently, she earned the Junior Best Dancer 2024 title, further solidifying her place as a standout performer. Regan's larger-than-life personality shines both on and off stage as she exudes ebullient energy that engages audiences everywhere. When she's not competing or traveling with teammates, she expresses herself through drawing and painting while spending as much time as possible with family and friends.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pilar Gamboa

Instagram: @pilar.s.ballerina

My name is Pilar Gamboa, I’m thirteen years old, and I began dancing at the age of three. I am currently training at American Ballet Theater’s JKO School in their pre-professional division. My favorite style of dance is ballet; however, I also enjoy contemporary and Acogny technique.

I have participated in multiple ballet competitions, including YAGP, where I received the HOPE award, and ADCIBC, where I received second place at finals. My biggest achievements have been getting double cast as Clara/Ellie in Radio City’s Christmas Spectacular starring the Rockettes, being accepted to ABT JKO school, and performing with ABT company members at their 2024 Fall Gala in Lincoln Center, NY.

I am excited to be a Bloch Young Artist because Bloch is a brand that I have used since I was three years old; my feet feel the best in Bloch pointe shoes, I have received excellent service at Bloch stores, and I love the support this program provides for young artists. My future goal is to become a professional ballet dancer in NYC while continuing to enjoy life to the fullest.

 

 

 

 

McKenzie Jordan Lewis

Instagram: @mckenziejordanlewis

 

 

My name is Mckenzie Lewis, I am 17 years old, I’ve been dancing for 15 years, and I train at The Colburn School. My favorite styles include ballet, pointe, contemporary, jazz, and hip-hop.

I’m excited to become a Bloch Young Artist because it means I get to be a role model and leader to younger generations. I want young girls to be able to go to a recital and see someone like me, with darker skin and natural hair, and be able to imagine themselves on the stage, too.

One of my future goals is to open my own dance company. Owning a company means that I get to teach aspiring dancers beginning ballet, build young girls' self-esteem, and build a company that will leave a legacy. The goal is to create something that will outlast me.

 

 

 

 

 

Gwendolyn Sorel Jones

Instagram: @gwendolynsorel

TikTok: @gwendolynsorel1

My name is Gwendolyn Sorel Jones and I am 15 years old. Dancing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I have a deep passion for various dance styles such as hip-hop, jazz funk, and contemporary. I have honed my skills through industry-based classes at various studios in the LA area, such as Millennium Complex and Playground LA. Assisting renowned choreographers and being a part of Hannah Gallagher’s company have been defining experiences for me.

I have had the privilege of performing in various platforms, including my role as a dancing elf in the Fox Disney series "The Clauses" starring Tim Allen. The opportunity to work with choreographers such as Kelly Sweeney, Comfort Fedoke, Eboni Nichols, Jojo Siwa, Gilbert Saldivar and others has further enriched my dance journey. Additionally, I proudly marched in the championship parade as a member of the 2021-22 NBA champion Golden State Warriors Jr Jam Squad.

I am honored to be a Bloch Young Artist, as it aligns perfectly with my passion for dance and my aspiration to contribute through performance and choreography. The future holds endless possibilities, and I am filled with gratitude and excitement for what lies ahead.

 

 

 

 

 

Kyleigh Vickers

Instagram: @vickerskyleigh

Hi, I'm Kyleigh! I'm 11 years old and I began dancing at Wynter's Dance Empire in Brooklyn at age 7. I danced all styles but knew exactly that I wanted to be a tap dancer. I was fortunate to meet my mentor Joseph Wiggan at 8 years old and began to seriously train in tap. 

To continue my journey, I became a member of Sole Talk Youth Company and TCYE. I'm also privileged to be under the mentorship of acclaimed choreographers Jason Samuels Smith and Dormeisha Sumbry-Edwards. 

I have had the pleasure of performing in several tap shows such as; Ladies in the Shoe, National Tap Dance Day Celebration, Sounds of Black, and Duke Ellington's "The City of Jazz." I recently made an appearance in a tap dance short film 'Cut Me Summa Dat Noise' and now making my Broadway debut in the musical, GYPSY!

I aspire to be a choreographer and have a fulfilling dance career. I'm so excited and grateful to be a Bloch Young Artist. Looking forward to representing this amazing brand! 

 

 

 

 

 

William Roberts

Instagram: @williamjosephdance

 

 

 

Hi, my name is William. I am 16 years old, and I have been dancing since the age of 8. I am from the United Kingdom but I currently train at The Rock School for Dance Education in Philadelphia! Since joining the Rock School I have performed in my first Nutcracker and I am competing In YAGP this February.

I primarily train in Ballet, but I enjoy also enjoy Contemporary and Jazz. I am So excited to represent Bloch USA as a young artist for 2025. I can’t wait for what this year has to offer!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alisa Xu

Instagram: @alisa._.xu

 

Hi I’m Alisa Xu! I am 14 years old, currently attending ABT JKO school Upper 1.

I have been dancing since I was 3. I started to take ballet seriously at the age of 9. I participated in the highly reputable YAGP and I competed in every category such as solo, pas de deux, small and large ensemble. I enjoyed attending intensives in different cities and countries and making friends of many nationalities.

My favorite style of dance is ballet. My dream is to become a professional dancer with ABT. Moving to New York and training at ABT JKO school helps me to get one step closer to my dream.

I am excited to become a Bloch Young Artist and have the opportunity to represent this amazing brand!

 

 

 

 

 

 

McKenna Armwood

Instagram: @mckenna_ballerina

TikTok: @mckenna_ballerina

 

 

Hi, my name is McKenna and I am 19 years old. I have been doing ballet for 6 years. When I I took my first ballet class at 13 years old, I immediately fell in love with it! Since then, my dream has been to become a professional dancer. My main dance styles are Classical Ballet and Contemporary and I love doing them both.

I am currently a Trainee/ Second Company with Nashville Ballet and I have had the privilege to perform in The Nutcracker, Dia De Los Muertos (a world premiere ballet) and also The Nashville Dance Festival. With social media, I want to make content to inspire other dancers to pursue their dreams and to be themselves. It is never too late.

I am so excited to be a Bloch Young Artist along with all the other beautiful dancers this year and look forward to growing together. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tessa Ledbetter

Instagram: @tessaledbetter_

TikTok: @dancingtessa2.0

 

 

Hello! My name is Tessa Ledbetter, I am 17 years old and have been dancing for 12 years. I am currently in my second year of training at UNC School of the Arts High School Contemporary program. My favorite styles of dance are contemporary and ballet!

I am a former member of Tremaine’s assistant program, and traveled all over the US with their incredible faculty. My present focus is on my conservatory training and preparing for college auditions, which will hopefully lead me to a dream job with a contemporary company one day.

I am super excited and honored to be a 2025 Bloch Young Artist and for all the experiences that will come with it!

 

 

 

 

Grace Buttimore

Instagram: @gracebuttimore

I started dancing at the age of three at my local dance school back home in the UK. I did all styles including modern, jazz, acrobatics and tap however my favourite style has always been ballet. At the age of 9 I started in the Royal Ballet School junior associates programme where I was also given the opportunity to perform nutcracker with Birmingham Royal Ballet, as a party child. At 11 I made my move into full time dance training at Elmhurst Ballet School where I trained everyday and lived away from home. I performed in the school’s winter and summer shows every year for the five years I was there. During my time at Elmhurst I also started training with the very well accomplished private coach Sander Blommaert who helped me improve my technique and achieve my goals. 

At 16 I moved to New York City to train with the Joffrey Ballet School. I chose Joffrey and New York because I felt it was such a welcoming place full of opportunities, which I was right about. I recently performed in the Nutcracker with the school and am now working towards competing in YAGP and performing in the spring show.

My long term goals are to get a contract with a ballet company and perform a variety of roles and characters. My dream is to perform the roles of Odile and Odette in Swan Lake as it is my favourite ballet.

 

 

 

 

Chloe Helimets

Instagram: @chloe.helimets

TikTok: @chloehelimets

I’m Chloe and I train at Bayer Ballet Academy under the direction of my coach, Inna Bayer.  My dream is to be a professional ballet dancer and someday to perform all of the great classical ballets like Swan Lake, Giselle, Sleeping Beauty, and so many more.  I really love combining ballet technique with drama to bring a story to life on stage.  One of the highlights of my training so far has been performing the roles of both Gerda and Snow Queen in Bayer Ballet Academy’s production of The Snow Queen in 2024.  The challenge of dancing both the protagonist and the antagonist in the same ballet taught me so much.

I have also enjoyed competing with YAGP, where in 2024 I was awarded the Youth Grand Prix at the Chicago Semi-Final and placed Top 12 and won the Shelley King Award at the International Finals in New York.  In 2025 I was honored to again win the Youth Grand Prix, this time at the Seattle Semi-Final.  I have also been chosen as a Prix de Lausanne candidate for 2025 and I can’t wait to see what this experience will be like.  I’m so excited to be chosen as a Bloch Young Artist for a second year and look forward to continuing to be part of the Bloch family.

 

 

 

 

UK Young Artists

Candice Yeo

Instagram: @candiliciouscandice

Hi! I’m Candice and I’m 11 years old.  Bloch is instrumental in my ballet journey and marked every milestone in my training.

My Beginnings - were in my Bunnyhops starting with the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus.

Progressing to - Performa canvas split soles marked my milestone when I immersed deeper into ballet training, balancing schoolwork and dance and competing internationally.  I am extremely grateful to be awarded first place in ballet at the YAGP Paris 2025 regional. 

My Turning Point - was in my Bloch Balance European pointe shoes when I competed at YGP Italy 2025 en pointe and humbly received the Hope Award and an internship at the European School of Ballet in the Netherlands, where I am now studying.  I continue to train with my ballet school, Blommaert Ballet School in UK,  and will return to continue my full-time ballet training.

I am excited and humbled to represent Bloch as a Bloch Young Artist and share my ballet journey.

 

 

Lola Birtles

Instagram: @dancerlola12

 

Hi! I’m Lola and I’m 13 years old. I started dancing when I was 4 and I am currently training at The Hammond on the dance course. Dancing is my whole life, I love expressing myself in a way that words cannot.

I train 7 days a week in all dance styles but my favourites are contemporary and commercial! I have performed at Disneyland Paris, CYD?, Superweekender and have been in many musical theatre shows. I love to go to all the dance conventions around the UK. I also train with many different Associates and learn new styles and techniques each time with different choreographers.

I am so excited about being a Bloch Young Artist as I have always loved wearing their dancewear and dance shoes. My dream is to have a career in Musical Theatre and be a professional dancer.

 

 

 

 

 

Ronalee Galhena

Instagram: @ronalee_shaina

 

 

 

My name is Ronalee, I'm 19 years old and I've been dancing since the age of 4. Currently, I am a 2nd year student at Bird College and my training focusses on musical theatre and all styles of dance, which I thoroughly love!

I have performed on the Move it Main Stage, Dance World Cup, All England Finals Gala and IDO Tap World Championships.

I hope to keep growing as a dancer and as a person as I still have much to learn, especially in the musical theatre industry and I am hopeful that becoming a Bloch Young Artist will help me along this journey!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lucy Brookfield

Instagram: @lucybrookfieldddx

Hi my name is Lucy. I am 14 years old. I started taking Zoom musical theatre classes during lockdown when I was 10. I started dancing properly in 2023. I am now home-schooled and dance almost every day. I try to give myself one day a week off for rest and recuperation. I train at many different places.

During the day I train with The Dance Place Southport. In the evenings and weekends I train with many different choreographers. I am a part of many associates and companies. I am a versatile performer training in contemporary, commercial, lyrical, jazz, latin, ballet, hip hop and tap. My favourite dance styles are contemporary and commercial as I love how connected I can get to the music and how sassy commercial is! I have taken part in competitions around the UK and love to show off my medals in my home dance studio.  I have performed at Super Weekender, Can You Dance and Disneyland Paris! This year I will be performing at Move It!! As well as dancing I have just gained grade 5 in Acting, Musical Theatre and Pop. 

I am very excited to become a Bloch Young Artist because I love the brand. I will feel so proud to represent Bloch by wearing their dancewear when I attend dance classes and dance conventions. 

I hope to become a professional dancer in a musical theatre show on the West End 🩰🎭

 

 

 

 

 

Rose Clarke

Instagram: @rose_clarke_dancer

 

 

 

Hi my name is Rose, I am 16 years old and I am currently in my first year of The Brit School. I also train at Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance doing their prevocational course and at MV Academy.

My favourite styles to train in are contemporary, jazz and commercial. However I love all styles and take any opportunity to train in new styles.

When I was younger I used to compete in competitions such as hotshots and SYWTD. I aspire to one day travel around the world with my dance and hopefully create my own choreography.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lexi Lou Lancaster

Instagram: @its_lexilou_

Hi I’m Lexi Lou and I’m 11 years old. Dance is more than just a hobby for me: it’s my passion, it’s my life. I couldn’t imagine a world without dancing in it. I just love how dance can connect people, it’s like a way of speaking but without using any words. I want to use my love for dance to inspire others and encourage people to get up and dance, to move more, to be free and happy.

I believe we all have something special to share and should all embrace our unique, quirky ways. The world can be tough and for me dance is a release and a way to express my emotions. My dream is to be an international superstar. I want to dance, act, sing and perform to the world. Hopefully having a platform to share my love of dance and inspire kindness to others. I’m very passionate about being kind and embracing what makes us us.

I love all styles and everything about dance but my favourite is commercial. I’m super excited to be able to represent Bloch for another year and can’t wait to share more of my dance journey with you.

 

 

 

 

Rebecca Francis

Instagram: @rebeccafrancis_

 

 

I began my dance training when I was 3 years old and since then it has always been a major part of my life.  

I moved to Central London when I was 16 to begin my full-time vocational dance training. My training focuses primarily on ballet and contemporary, however I also study many other genres.

Living in London provides me with lots of opportunities to participate in classes and workshops and I have been fortunate to train and work with some incredible artists, choreographers and companies. I’m creative and I have a passion for choreography and enjoy creating original pieces of performance art and this is an area that I would like to develop in the future!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Skylar Blu Copeland

Instagram: @__skylarblu__

 

 

 

 

Hello, I'm Skylar Blu and I am 10 years old. I train in all styles of dance. I recently became a UK Latin champion.

I love acting and have been in some huge products! I have a huge movie coming out this year that I am very excited for everyone to see. I will be travelling all over the world this year dancing at some of the world's biggest conventions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Izzi Clarke

Instagram: @izziclarke

TikTok: @izziclarkee

 

 

 

My name is Izzi Clarke and I'm currently in my graduate year at The School of Ballet Theatre UK. I train mainly in ballet, contemporary, and jazz, but I have learnt various dance styles with a love for neoclassical work! My dream for the future is to keep doing what I love and become a professional dancer.

I had the pleasure of being a Bloch Young Artist in 2024 and participating in their Back to Dance Shoot. I’m super grateful and can’t wait to continue with their support for this year

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EU Young Artists

Nali Dobrin

Instagram: @nali_dobrin

TikTok: @nalidobrin_

My name is Nali Dobrin, I am 16 years old and I come from Romania. I study at the High School of Choreography Floria Capsali and at Casa De Balet. At the age of 5 I discovered dance, but my real passion and professional training started at 10 years old. Now I cannot imagine my life without dance. My favorite styles are ballet and contemporary.

I participated in many competitions for the fact that I love performing on stage. It’s the best feeling ever, so every time I get the chance to perform I am the happiest person. I have been awarded 3 years in a row the YOUTH GRAND PRIX at YAGP and got top 12 at the finals in 2024. I also won 1st place at contemporary duet at the YAGP finals in 2023. I have been a finalist at Prix de Lausanne in 2024.

Bloch pointe shoes help me to improve my balance and pirouettes - I just love them. I am sooo excited to become a Bloch Young Artist and to join the Bloch family. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Anastasija Dokic

Instagram: @anastasija.dokic

TikTok: @anastasija.dokic

 

 

I have been dancing since the age of three and am currently studying at the Hungarian Dance University, where I dedicate myself to classical ballet and modern dance. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of competing in many competitions such as Budapest Ballet Grand Prix, VIBE, IBCDC, EBGP and many others, where I’ve been honored as a prize winner.

I am truly grateful to have Bloch supporting me on this exciting journey, as their dedication to the art of dance mirrors my own. I strive to graduate from academy and pursue a career in ballet company, continuing to grow as an artist.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Emilia Dalmata

Instagram: @emilia_dalmata

TikTok: @emilia.dalmata

 

Hello, my name is Emilia, and I am 14 years old. I am currently a student at a ballet school in Warsaw and also attend classes at Egurrola Dance Studio. I dance ballet, jazz, modern, and contemporary on a daily basis. At school, I also have lessons in historical dance. In the past, I also practiced disco dance, hip hop, and folk dance.

I take part in many competitions, including the IDO Federation Championships. In 2024, I placed 23rd in solo jazz at the IDO competition. I also perform in school shows held at the Grand Theatre-National Opera.

I love dance because it allows me to express my emotions; I don’t have to pretend to be anyone else – I am simply myself, my best version. My dream is to travel the world and perform on many stages, where I can inspire others with my passion for dance. I hope that one day I will inspire others, just as Bloch inspires me.

 

 

 

 

 

Anouk Nevin

Instagram: @anouknevin

My name is Anouk and I am 15 years old. I started ballet dancing at the age of 3 and always wanted to become a professional dancer. 

I train at Ecole du ballet de Stanlowa in Paris, mostly in ballet but also contemporary. What I like the most is performing on stage and all the preparation and excitement that goes with it.

I am very honored to become a Bloch Young Artist for the year 2025, especially because dance teachers encourage me to express myself more and overcome my shyness. This is a great opportunity to open up about my passion and to dare showing who I am, thanks to the support of a positive network.

I think there is a place for each artist and I would like to promote this caring mindset. This year is very important for me as I plan to participate in numerous auditions and competitions thanks to the support of Bloch.  I have never ever considered anything else in my life than becoming a ballet dancer, and I hope I will soon find the company that agrees with it.

 

 

 

 

Amelia Otremba

Instagram: @ameliaotremba

TikTok: @ameliaotrembaa 

 

 

 

My name is Amelia Otremba, and I am 16 years old. My passion is dance - I started dancing when I was 3 years old, beginning with ballet. Later, I started to train Jazz Dance, Modern & Contemporary, Show Dance, and also practiced acrobatics. I also love improvising. Dance has been a part of my daily life for many years! Naturally, I plan to build my future around it.

I am a 16-time Polish Champion in styles such as Jazz Dance, Ballet, and Show Dance. I also represent Poland in European and World Championships, bringing home trophies for my country, including 4 European Championships and 2 World Championships in solo performances.

 

 

 

 

 

Olesia Chyzh

Instagram: @olesia_chyzh

TikTok: @olesiachy

I’ve been doing ballet for 10 years and studied first in Kyiv, Ukraine, later in Basel, Switzerland and now in Munich, Germany at the Ballett-academie Hochschule für Musik und Theater München, where I am at the Bachelor 2 right now. 

This is my second year as a Bloch Young Artist and I am extremely happy and grateful to continue my journey with Bloch! 

Being a Bloch Young Artist gives me amazing opportunities, such as getting the best ballet clothing and shoes, seeing and showcasing their latest collections and trying them in practice, making a lot of interesting content and being supported in doing what you love in general. 

I really like to be representing this brand, because it allows me to always feel comfortable and to look nice, when I dance or prepare my body for practice.

Thank you so much again dear Bloch, for giving me this chance once more and I cannot wait for everything that is coming soon!

 

 

 

 

Lilo van den Bosch

Instagram: @lilovandenbosch

TikTok: @lilovandenbosch

 

 

 

Hi, my name is Lilo! I'm 19 years old, and I've been dancing since I was 8. Ever since I was little, I've had one clear goal: I want to be a performer. So I started taking dance classes in as many styles as possible, as well as singing and acting classes. I'm currently studying at Lucia Marthas Institute for Performing Arts, where I've been trained since I was 12.

I've performed in musicals, movies and tv shows, and I hope to make my dream come true one day!

This is my third year as a Bloch Young Artist, and I'm so happy and grateful that I get to continue representing Bloch.