Meet the Team
Paul Craig, Photo by Jake Knight
Artistic DirectorPaul Craig
Paul Craig, a principal dancer with Boston Ballet, is the co-founder and Artistic Director of Ballet Coast to Coast. He has over a decade of teaching experience in schools across his home state of Michigan, Boston Ballet School, Harvard University, The St Paul School, Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, Checcetti Council of America, and in Camp Harbor View, a nonprofit outreach program in Boston. He has also choreographed for Boston Ballet 2, The St Paul School, Cirio Collective, and The Conservatory of Dance Manistee. Craig holds a Core Certificate of Arts Management from Umass Amherst, has served as a union representative for the American Guild of Musical Artists, and has been on the union negotiation bargaining committee for the past 15 years.
Debora Knight, Photo by Jake Knight
Executive DirectorDebora Knight
Debora Knight is a former owner and director of The Conservatory of Dance in Manistee and the Great Lakes Dance Academy in Petoskey. She also serves as Co-Director of Dance Break 231 and has served as Dance Director at Concord Academy Boyne. With over 40 years of experience, Ms. Knight has dedicated her career to sharing her passion for dance and mentoring young artists. Her former students have gone on to achieve success with organizations such as the Boston Ballet, on Broadway stages, and as owners of their own dance-related businesses.
Lia Cirio, Photo by Gabriel Lorena
Assistant Artistic DirectorLia Cirio
Lia Cirio, a principal dancer with Boston Ballet, is the co-founder of Cirio Collective, a Boston based contemporary dance company, where she serves as the Assistant Artistic Director, as well as a dancer. Cirio has over a decade of teaching experience in schools across the country including Boston Ballet School, Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, Next Generation Ballet in Tampa, and Orlando Ballet. She has choreographed for numerous prestigious schools and companies, some of which include Boston Ballet, Boston Ballet School, Ballet Academy East, Ballet Rhode Island, Cirio Collective, and The Rock School.
The Knight Family Legacy
Founded in 1987 by Jason and Deborah Knight, The Knight Family Legacy is devoted to supporting and preserving excellence in dance. Rooted in a deep love for ballet, their mission continues to uphold and celebrate the artistry of all things dance, ensuring the legacy thrives for generations to come.
The Knight Family, Photography by Ron
Contact Us
Whether you have a question, an idea, or just want to say hello, feel free to reach out.