Kim Raymond ~ Founder and Artstic Director
In August 2004, Kim Married Jason Raymond, who was later employed as the company’s Road Manager. The couple moved to Springfield in 2007 and founded Petra Ballet Company the following year. Kim’s teaching experience includes six years at Ballet Magnificat! School of the Arts, Ballet Magnificat! Summer Dance Intensives, and workshops at Credo Dance Academy, Ozark Dance Academy, Red Door Dance Company, and Springfield Ballet. Kim guested as an instructor and choreographer on tour in the United States and internationally, including master classes in Soust, Holland and the Prague Conservatory of Dance.
As the founder of Petra Ballet Company, Kim serves as the Artistic Director and Resident Choreographer for the company, and as Director of Petra School of the Arts. Jason and Kim are the proud parents of their four children.
Lacey Pailes ~ Company Member
In 2007, Lacey attended Ballet Magnificat!’s Summer Intensive and felt God calling her to use her gifts as a dancer to glorify and serve Him. On return from Ballet Magnificat!’s Intensive that summer, she participated in several dances with her church. She began to pursue ballet more seriously. Lacey had the opportunity to receive private instruction from Stephanie Ulmer, a former Trainee with the San Francisco Ballet.
During one of the most influential periods of her training, Lacey received extensive instruction under former Ballet Magnificat! Omega Company Member and Instructor, Lydia Spano from 2008 to 2011. Here she was supported and encouraged in her pursuit of using dance to serve Christ. Lacey also continued to attend Ballet Magnificat!’s Summer Intensives from 2008 to 2010. She was accepted as a Trainee with Petra Ballet Company in 2011, promoted to Apprentice in 2012, and became a Company Member in 2014.
Elisa Friedman ~ Company Member
Elisa has been to the Ballet Magnificat! Summer Intensive and the modern company Ad Deum’s spring intensive. She has also taken summer intensives with Steve Rooks, a former principle dancer with the Martha Graham Company, where she has performed in several of his original pieces. She has played both Gabriel and Lucifer in Credo’s performances of Cosmic Christmas. She joined Petra Ballet Company as an apprentice in the fall of 2016.
Sarah Shepard ~ Company Member
Sarah performed in three productions of the Nutcracker and has also performed with United Praise Team. She participated in Overlook Theatre Company for ten years, where she acted, danced, and choreographed several pieces. She also attended Jump and Fusion dance convention and competition. Sarah participated in the spring intensive at Ad Deum in Houston, Texas, as well as summer intensives at the Orlando Ballet and Nashville Ballet. Sarah feels strongly called to dance ministry. She is excited to have the opportunity to dance with Petra and share her love for the Lord through dance.
Kaitlyn Gann ~ Senior Apprentice
Kaitlyn has performed with the Messiah Project and other local organizations. She also had the opportunity to minister through dance in Costa Rica and Guatemala. She participated in summer intensives with Steve Rooks and attended Ballet Magnificat’s summer intensive in 2018. Kaitlyn loves to choreograph original pieces for the children and youth at her church in addition to teaching Creative Worship. She is passionate about sharing the Gospel through ballet and is excited to have the opportunity to now dance with Petra.
Rebekah Brown ~ Apprentice
Hannah Logan ~ Apprentice
Keona Chole ~ Student Apprentice
Kaci Parker ~ Student Apprentice
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