Executive Director & Company Member
Lissa has been dancing professionally for twenty-two years and has trained across New England including programs at Boston Ballet, Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet and Burklyn Ballet Theatre. She holds a comprehensive certification in classical Pilates from Peak Pilates. In 2013 she graduated with a double major B.S. in Kinesiology: Exercise Science and B.A. in Theatre and Dance from the University of New Hampshire. Under direction of Larry Robertson, former Boston Ballet soloist, Lissa took the leading roles in Paquita, Scenes dan un Salon, and Echoes of the Highlands with the University of NH’s Ballet Company.
She was a principal ballerina with Northeastern Ballet Theatre since 2005 taking on leading roles such as Lucy in Dracula, Belle in Beauty and the Beast, Laurencia in The Pirate and the Gypsy, the Evil Queen in Snow White, and main/title roles in Sleeping Beauty, The Snow Queen, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, and The Nutcracker. She is also an accomplished choreographer and has choreographed more than ten full length musicals for Portsmouth Christian Academy.
Through the Miss NH organization Lissa became a spokesperson for her platforms (breast cancer awareness and distracted driving), volunteer, fundraiser, and advocate for many non-profit organizations across NH which won her community service awards, recognition and support from the Governor of NH on multiple occasions; a copy of her work is in the Congressional Record. Currently, Lissa is a sought after advocate, performer, and key note speaker against sexual violence after going public with her story. Be BRAVE is not only her personal mantra, but has become a movement encouraging other survivors to speak out.
Company Member
Jane Hannon grew up in Salem, NH, and began dancing at the age of 3. She trained for 16 years in Massachusetts and New Hampshire at New England Civic Ballet, Northeastern Ballet Theatre, and Northeast School of Ballet. She has had numerous summer intensives throughout New England, including the American Academy of Ballet at SUNY Purchase, Charlotte Ballet, and The Washington Ballet. Upon graduating high school, she was invited to train in the Pre-Professional Program for the 2018-2019 school year at Kirov Academy of Ballet in Washington, D.C. For the 2019/2020 Season, she accepted a Trainee Contract with Ballet Hartford. Since 2019, Jane has loved performing with Safe Haven Ballet in their productions of The Nutcracker, Don Quixote, Cinderella, Romeo & Juliet, Aladdin, A Charlie Brown Christmas, and The Grinch. Favorable roles have included Dew Drop Fairy, Snow Queen, Arabian and American (The Nutcracker), Flower Seller (Don Quixote), Euphronia (Cinderella), Magic Carpet (Aladdin), Snoopy (Charlie Brown Christmas), and Cindy Lou Who (The Grinch). In addition to performing, she has been professionally teaching ballet to students ages 1 to adult for the last 7 years throughout New England.
Jane holds an Associate of Science in Human Services from Northern Essex Community College and graduated with High Honors in 2025. She was also accepted into the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society. Currently, she is pursuing a dual degree at Lesley University: a Bachelor’s degree in Expressive Arts Therapy and a Master’s degree in Dance/Movement Therapy. Jane is ecstatic to return as a Company Member with Safe Haven Ballet for the 2026/2027 Season!
Company Member
Karolina is a Polish ballerina with over a decade of professional experience. She began her formal training at Ogólnokształcąca Szkoła Baletowa, a prestigious ballet boarding school in Gdańsk, Poland, where she spent nine years refining her technique and competing at national and international levels, earning several first-place awards. Upon graduation, Karolina joined Moravian Theater Olomouc in Czechia, advancing to Soloist and performing lead roles in productions such as Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Don Quixote, Romeo and Juliet, and The Nutcracker. After five years, her career took her to Osaka, Japan, and later to Sydney, Australia, where she continued to dance in renowned productions. In 2022, Karolina moved to New York City and performed with Jersey City Ballet, American Swiss Ballet, Metropolitan Ballet, and Albany Berkshire Ballet.
For the past year, Karolina has been based in New Hampshire, performing with Safe Haven Ballet in productions such as The Nutcracker, A Charlie Brown Christmas and Don Quixote. She is thrilled to return to Safe Haven Ballet for another season, continuing to share her passion and artistry with audiences across New England.
Company Member
Before joining Safe Haven, Katharine danced professionally with the renowned South Carolina Ballet and US International Ballet. In addition to her performance career, she has extensive experience teaching ballet and ballet-inspired fitness classes across the country. Katharine also holds a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology and works in private psychotherapy practice while continuing to pursue professional ballet. She is thrilled to be entering her second year with Safe Haven Ballet!
Company Member
Martin began his training in Canton, Michigan primarily focusing on the Cecchetti Ballet syllabus. He went on to study Musical Theatre Performance at Western Michigan University, and most recently Dance Performance at Grand Valley State University. Martin has had the opportunity to work with and perform works created by Lizzie MacKenzie Pontarelli, Eddy Ocampo, Brian McSween, Calin Radulescu, Erica Fischback, Autumn Eckman, Becca Lemme, and Amy O'Neil. He has performed with the Grand Rapids Opera Company, Ballet Fleming, Brandywine Ballet, and Dance Del Bello, Arch Contemporary Ballet, Columbia City Ballet and Alabama Ballet. Martin is currently dancing with Palmetto City Ballet.
Company Member
Company Member & Instructor
Maylu was born in Caracas, Venezuela, where she received her Diploma
in Classical Ballet from the National School of Dance (ENDANZA) at
Teatro Teresa Carreño after completing the Vaganova training program.
While also training internationally at the Académie de Danse
Montparnasse in Paris and the National School of Cuba through two
international ballet festivals, and attended summer intensives on
scholarship at Joffrey Ballet Chicago, Joffrey Ballet New York, and
Gelsey Kirkland Academy, as well as The Art of Classical Ballet, City
Ballet of San Diego, and Master Ballet Academy.
After receiving a full scholarship to train with Metropolitan Ballet
in Minnesota under Tatiana Berenova, Maylu moved to the United States
and later joined Continental Ballet Company under the direction of
Riet Velthusien. She progressed from apprentice to soloist, performing
leading roles including Clara, Snow Queen, and Flower Queen in The
Nutcracker, Cinderella, Kitri, Carmen, Medora, Swanhilda, Giselle, the
Flames of Paris Pas de Deux, and many other works. She also danced
with the Cuban Classical Ballet of Miami and guested and trained with
Adiarys Almeida and Taras Domitro at Hollywood Ballet Academy, as well
as performing and coaching throughout the US.
As an educator, Maylu has taught pre-professional ballet at North
Ballet Academy, Larkin Dance Studio, Northwest Rhythmic Gymnastics,
Dance Empire, E&S Entertainment, and Milwaukee Ballet School &
Academy, where she taught ballet as part of one of the nation's
leading professional ballet academies. Alongside her dance career, she
earned a Bachelor's degree in Nutrition from the University of
Minnesota. Having struggled with an eating disorder during her youth,
Maylu became passionate about helping others develop a healthier
relationship with food and their bodies while preventing the
challenges she once faced herself. Today, she combines both
professions by helping dancers optimize performance, recovery, energy
availability, injury prevention, and long-term health through
evidence-based nutrition and a mindful approach to fueling the body.
She also created a senior ballet program called SitFitBallet. And has
been featured in Lavender Magazine, La Prensa, HOLA Magazine
Venezuela, The Pioneer Press, Telemundo Wisconsin, and other local
publications throughout the Midwest.
Company Member & Instructor
Niamh Rollins is a dancer and choreographer from North Shore Massachusetts. She graduated with BFA in Dance and BA in Art and Environmental Studies from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in the spring of 2023.
Over the years, she has had opportunities to develop as a choreographer, setting several works on dancers within the UMass Dance Department and on members of the Joppa Jazz Dance Company (Newburyport MA). In 2022, she was selected from her university to present choreography and research at the Wesleyan University Symposium in the Arts and Humanities.
In 2023, she joined New Ballet in San Jose CA, where she danced for two seasons and performed in several classical and contemporary ballets. While with New Ballet, she had the opportunity to set an original contemporary ballet piece on the company that premiered in their contemporary showcase Fast Forward in March 2025.
Niamh completed the 25/26 season with Ekklesia Contemporary Ballet, performing lead roles throughout the company’s repertoire. In May 2026, she was selected to choreograph a work for Neville Dance Theatre. Her work, entitled Four Voices premiered May 2026 at the On Pointe Dance Festival in NYC.
Company Member
Taylor Brett grew up in Massachusetts and began dancing at a young age, training and competing extensively throughout her childhood. Her early training in the competitive dance world helped shape her versatility and dynamic performance quality. Over time, she developed a passion for both classical and contemporary forms, leading her to pursue dance at a professional level.
She continued her training at The Hartt School at the University of Hartford, where she earned her BFA in Dance Performance in 2024. While at Hartt, Taylor trained in Graham, Limón, ballet, and contemporary techniques, working with artists such as Miki Orihara, Stephen Pier, Nina Watt, and Hilda Morales. She also expanded her movement research through summer intensive programs, including an international study in Amsterdam.
Taylor has performed professionally as a company member with Jo-Mé Dance Theatre and Mystic Ballet, collaborating with choreographers such as Joe Gonzalez and Goran Subotic. Her performance experience includes works by Norbert De La Cruz III, Jacqulyn Buglisi, Stephen Melendez, and José Limón, where she has held featured and principal roles. In addition to performing, Taylor is a choreographer and educator who values collaboration and continues to explore her artistic voice through movement. She is thrilled to begin her journey with Safe Haven Ballet!
Company Artist II
Anna Grace Kolodny began her dance training at the age of four in Massachusetts. She studied ballet at Jose Mateo Ballet Theatre, where she also performed in The Nutcracker for several years. Her training continued at Walnut Hill Community Dance Academy and the Acton School of Ballet. Over the years, Anna Grace performed in The Nutcracker for eleven seasons, as well as productions including Beauty and the Beast and The Nightingale.
Anna Grace performed with her college dance company and took on leadership roles with the Regis College Dance Company, During the 2024-2025 season she was the choreographer and teacher for ballet and contemporary. Anna Grace also served as the social media manager for RCDC from 2023-2025. At Regis College Anna Grace studied nursing and outside of dance she is a practicing registered nurse.
Anna Grace enjoys teaching dance. She teaches Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Pre-Ballet, and classes in the Youth Summer Dance Camp at Main Street Dance Center in Waltham MA.
Anna Grace performed in The Nutcracker and Don Quixote with Safe Haven Ballet during the 2025-2026 season and is thrilled to be joining Safe Haven Ballet II.
Company Artist II
Avalon Proctor began dancing at the age of 3. She has trained in a variety of dance styles, with ballet being her primary focus. Throughout her training, she has had the honor of performing in numerous full-length ballets in Oregon and New Hampshire, including The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, Aladdin, and Romeo and Juliet. Avalon has also performed the role of Clara in The Nutcracker for two consecutive years. She has participated in ballet competitions such as Youth America Grand Prix in Boston, Massachusetts, and San Diego, California, as well as other local dance competitions throughout New England. Most recently, she was awarded First Place Overall at the Etoile Dance Competition while studying as a Trainee at Safe Haven Ballet. Avalon has attended summer dance intensives at Eugene Ballet in Eugene, Oregon, and Mercyhurst University in Erie, Pennsylvania. She is passionate about continuing to grow as an artist and looks forward to new performance and training opportunities.
Company Artist II
Elisa Verdi is a Seacoast native, and has been dancing and moving since she could walk. She
began her dance training in Eliot, ME at the John F. Hill Grange Hall, before moving to Great Bay
Academy of Dance in Portsmouth, where she studied for 10 years. Along with ballet, Elisa has
received training in tap, jazz, modern, and Irish stepdance. She has had the honor of dancing in
“The Nutcracker” at the Music Hall in Portsmouth, and has performed in dozens of productions
throughout the Seacoast. After a serious injury sidelined her for the last five years, Elisa is so
grateful to finally be able to dance again. She holds her bachelor’s degree in Communication
from Saint Anselm College, and when she is not dancing, she is working fulltime as a journalist.
This is Elisa’s first season at Safe Haven Ballet, and she is thrilled to be able to continue her
dance training and education with such a dedicated group of people.
Company Artist II
Mary was born and raised in Manchester, New Hampshire and has been dancing and performing for 25 years. She received her Associates of Arts in Dance through Dean College’s Palladino School of Dance, and has trained in many other styles in addition to ballet. Mary has danced professionally with City Ballet of Boston in the Urban Nutcracker and joined Safe Haven Ballet in 2025 after being a Company Apprentice for the previous two seasons. Some of Mary’s previous roles with Safe Haven Ballet include Thursday’s Child in Beauty and the Beast, Francine in The Nutcracker, Chinese in The Nutcracker, Spanish in The Nutcracker, and many more. When not dancing Mary is a scare actor at Canobie Lake Park for their annual “Screeemfest” event during Halloween. She also volunteers with the Miss New Hampshire Scholarship Program and is an amateur artist.
Trainee
Claire Boysen is excited to begin her second year as a trainee with Safe Haven Ballet. She has been dancing since the age of three and, while ballet remains her first passion, she has also trained in tap, musical theatre, lyrical, and contemporary styles.
Claire has performed in Safe Haven Ballet productions of The Nutcracker and Aladdin, as well as in local productions of The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Giselle, Sleeping Beauty, and Cinderella. She has competed successfully in both solo and ensemble categories at local and regional dance competitions.
Her training includes masterclasses with Ballet Bloom, Broadway Dance Center in New York City, and the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall. In addition to dance, Claire has appeared on stage in local theatrical roles as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, Lillian in The Secret Garden, and as a member of the ensemble in The Addams Family.
Outside of the studio and stage, Claire enjoys writing stories and poetry, reading, singing, and playing both the trumpet and piano.
Trainee
Madelyn’s passion for dance began at the age of 2, when she started her journey at Fusion Dance Academy in Dover, NH, under the guidance of Jaime Gagner. Her natural love for the stage was undeniable, and by the age of 4, she competed in her first solo. Madelyn’s dedication to dance expanded as she trained in various genres including jazz, tap, hip hop, and contemporary with Savana and Serena Petruzello at Zello Dance Studio in Peabody, MA.
Although she enjoys exploring different styles, ballet holds a special place in her heart. Since the age of 6, Madelyn has been part of Safe Haven Ballet, where she has honed her skills under the mentorship of Lissa Curtis. She has performed in numerous Safe Haven Ballet productions, including The Nutcracker, The Grinch, Cinderella, Don Quixote, Sleeping Beauty, and Beauty and the Beast. For the past two summers, she has dedicated her time to furthering her technique and artistry by training at Burklyn Ballet. This past summer, Maddie spent 5 weeks training at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet. Her commitment to dance and unwavering passion make her a bright and talented young performer.