BERNADETTE TORRES

ACADEMY PRINCIPAL

Bernadette Mirentxu Torres began her ballet training at the age of six in San Diego,
California. She furthered her studies through prestigious summer intensives, including American Ballet Theatre, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Houston Ballet—where she was awarded a year-round scholarship—and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. She was also offered a trainee position with Joffrey Ballet. As a pre-professional dancer, Ms. Torres competed in Youth America Grand Prix, advancing to the New York Finals, and the World Ballet Competition Finals.

At 17, Ms. Torres received her first professional contract with San Diego Ballet. She later rose to the rank of Principal dancer with California Ballet by the age of 22. Early in her professional career, she was invited by the Artistic Director to begin teaching within the school, where she discovered her passion for education.

Expanding her artistic career, Ms. Torres worked as a freelance dancer, collaborating with
international directors, choreographers, and artists throughout the United States and Europe. She performed in numerous international galas and was honored in Italy with the “Riconoscimento al Talento” and “Riconoscimento alla Carriera” awards. She also enjoyed a decade-long tenure with the San Diego Opera as a dancer, dance captain, and assistant choreographer, performing in productions including Tannhäuser, Aida, Romeo and Juliet, Rigoletto, Turandot, Samson and Delilah, Un Ballo in Maschera, Don Quixote, La Traviata, and La Cenerentola.

In addition to her performing career, Ms. Torres continues to appear on stage as a character artist with the Colorado Ballet, bringing depth and artistry to a variety of roles.

In parallel with her performing career, Ms. Torres built a strong reputation as an educator known for her individualized approach, technical precision, and effective communication. She has choreographed original classical and contemporary works for various companies and schools, with her choreography earning Top 6 and 12 recognitions as well as 2nd and 3rd place awards at Youth America Grand Prix. She is also an esteemed adjudicator for leading competitions, including the National Ballet Competition and the World Ballet Competition, among others. She is a sought-after guest master teacher for schools, summer intensives, and professional companies.

In 2020, Ms. Torres expanded her professional scope into entrepreneurship. She founded and owned Happy Hour Pilates and Wellness, driven by her passion for Pilates, anatomy, and holistic well-being. Later that year, she established and owned the Torres Di Dio Ballet Program (TDBP), where she served and Artistic Director. Under her leadership, the program gained recognition in San Diego for its high-caliber training, individualized student focus, and innovative approach to dance education. Her students have earned top placements at major competitions, received scholarships to prestigious institutions, and been accepted into nationally recognized BFA programs.

Ms. Torres is deeply committed to lifelong learning. She holds an Associate of Arts in
Accounting with honors from Southwestern College and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration—Management from San Diego State University. Her certifications include Progressing Ballet Technique, Royal Ballet School Teacher Training (Continuing Education), BASI Pilates and BASI Pilates Masters, Pilates for Dancers, Pilates for Pregnancy and Beyond, Pilates for Injuries and Pathologies, and NASM-CPT. She regularly attends conferences in dance, Pilates, and business, reflecting her commitment to continued professional growth.

Ms. Torres is honored to be part of the Colorado Ballet Academy, where she is dedicated to helping shape the next generation of artists.