Local Youth Reaches His Goal

Fairfax County resident Philip Smith-Cobbs, a 2009 graduate of the Classical Ballet Theatre, has accepted a professional contract with Atlanta Ballet, located in Atlanta, GA and directed by John McFall.

At age eight, Philip began his training with the renowned faculty of the Classical Ballet Theatre (CBT), located in Herndon, VA.  His training included ballet technique, contemporary movement, athletic conditioning, stretch technique, and repertoire.  As a teenager, Philip trained specifically with        Alisher Saburov, a former principal dancer with the Bolshoi Ballet and the current Artistic Director of CBT.  Known for his dedication, musicality, and physical commitment to the art form, Philip trained intensively every day while also attending Westfield High School.  In 2008, he was awarded a scholarship by the Council for the Arts of Herndon to continue his training at the Atlanta Ballet School, the official training center for the Atlanta Ballet Company.  In 2009, he participated in the national Youth America Grand Prix ballet competition.  Upon graduating from high school and CBT's Pre-Professional training program, he moved to Atlanta, GA to join the Atlanta Ballet Company.