Jackson Kettell began his ballet studies under the direction of Andrew Guilfoil in Clearwater, Florida at the age of 11. In high school, he moved to Tampa where he continued his training at Howard W. Blake High School’s dance program and at Next Generation Ballet at the Patel Conservatory. After graduation, Jackson accepted a full-merit scholarship from Jacksonville University where he earned a BFA in Dance. While a student at JU, he performed original works by Jennifer Archibald, Stephanie Martinez, and Jennifer Muller and represented the University in Shanghai, China.
After college, Jackson began his professional career as a soloist with the Ballet Theatre of Maryland. During his three seasons with BTM, he rose to the rank of principal dancer and performed roles in Swan Lake, Romeo and Juliet, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream as well as the male lead in Aladdin, Snow White, and The Nutcracker. During his time at Ballet Virginia, he has performed various works by Lydia Roberts Coco as well as principal roles in the Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty.
Jackson is looking forward to his third season with Ballet Virginia.