Diana McCormack | Owner & Artistic Director
Ms. Diana McCormack is the Artistic Director of both ballet schools comprising Ballet in the Country, LLC: The Medina Ballet and The Wilson Ballet, both located on the outskirts of San Antonio, TX. She is an accomplished choreographer, skilled in a plethora of different styles of dance and is in her 20th season teaching. Instructor to ages 2 through adult in ballet, tap and jazz, and hip-hop from all backgrounds of life.
Ms. McCormack has been dancing professionally since she was 9 years old. Her training started at the Nashua School of Ballet in New Hampshire. At the age of 11, she became a member of the Montgomery Ballet Company, one of the youngest company members to be accepted into their professional program.
Her latter years of training in school included the Booker T. Washington Magnet High School for Dance in Montgomery, Alabama and then the San Angelo Ballet in her college town, where performed a ballet as her talent in the Miss San Angelo Pageant. She received her dance training from Ms. Raquel Torres-Garcia, choreographer of the Spurs Silver Dancers, Ms. Donna Burke, Mr. Gary Moore, Ms. Priscilla Crommelin-Ball, Ms. Cathy Hess and Ms. Meredith Huddleston and Mr. Brener Mehl. Her most memorable experience is of Monterey, Mexico where she performed a drama-ballet musical in the Macroplaza literally on the "green"!
She has taught with the Northside ISD's The Learning Tree Program and was the Dance Team Director and Choreographer at Incarnate Word High School, where she won numerous prestigious awards for her teaching and choreography. She received a Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) certification in 2018 and integrates the PBT curriculum into every Children's and Pre-Professional division class she teaches.
Her latter years of training in school included the Booker T. Washington Magnet High School for Dance in Montgomery, Alabama and then the San Angelo Ballet in her college town, where performed a ballet as her talent in the Miss San Angelo Pageant. She received her dance training from Ms. Raquel Torres-Garcia, choreographer of the Spurs Silver Dancers, Ms. Donna Burke, Mr. Gary Moore, Ms. Priscilla Crommelin-Ball, Ms. Cathy Hess and Ms. Meredith Huddleston and Mr. Brener Mehl. Her most memorable experience is of Monterey, Mexico where she performed a drama-ballet musical in the Macroplaza literally on the "green"!
She has taught with the Northside ISD's The Learning Tree Program and was the Dance Team Director and Choreographer at Incarnate Word High School, where she won numerous prestigious awards for her teaching and choreography. She received a Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) certification in 2018 and integrates the PBT curriculum into every Children's and Pre-Professional division class she teaches.
She is continuing her education through the American Ballet Theatre Certified Teacher Program, and her goals include becoming certified in the Cecchetti Ballet method as well.
She has created her own rendition of the classical fairytales of: Cinderella (in which she was the Fairy Godmother), Peter Pan, Sleeping Beauty, Dance of the Decades (a multifaceted production that carried the 20s through today with live musicians on stage), and Alice in Wonderland (performed Spring 2020). Her school was also chosen two years in a row to be the host San Antonio school for the children’s cast of the Moscow Ballet‘s "Great Russian Nutcracker."
Her love for dance and children is evident in her teaching technique. She has infinite patience and teaches age appropriate material. She strives to provide a fun, interactive environment for each student, while building their knowledge of the Art of Dance. She has been nominated twice for Dance Teacher of the Year, sponsored by Great Mats.
She looks forward to meeting you and would love the opportunity to work with your child and help them grow in the area of dance, and also to connect the importance of classical ballet training to significantly advance one to become a well-rounded dancer in all genres of dance.
Learn More About Ms. McCormack
Below, you will find Ms. McCormack's full resume, including her teaching experience, her performance and choreography experience, and her training experience.
Read below to see where Ms. McCormack gathered her background, as well as to view the credentials she holds that qualify her to provide professional dance education to the community.
Read below to see where Ms. McCormack gathered her background, as well as to view the credentials she holds that qualify her to provide professional dance education to the community.
Owner & Artistic Director, Castroville, TX
The Medina Ballet
October 2019 - current
Instructor of ballet, tap, jazz and hip hop classes, defining students ability through emotional, mental and physical capabilities. Promoting those students thru the two division of the school; lower and upper school, continuous efforts made to communicate to the parents of their child’s aptitude, strength and weaknesses. Responsible for annual performances and choreography, costume purchases, school items for purchase, setting and arranging rehearsal schedules, contacting parents and community leaders for support, music editing, staging of props and scenery, ticket sells, and marketing for the school.
Owner & Artistic Director, Floresville, TX
The Wilson Ballet
August 2014 - current
Instructor of ballet, tap, jazz and hip hop classes, defining students ability through emotional, mental and physical capabilities. Promoting those students thru the two division of the school; lower and upper school, continuous efforts made to communicate to the parents of their child’s aptitude, strength and weaknesses. Responsible for annual performances and choreography, costume purchases, school items for purchase, setting and arranging rehearsal schedules, contacting parents and community leaders for support, music editing, staging of props and scenery, ticket sells, and marketing for the school.
Incarnate Word High School,
Dance Team Director & Choreographer
San Antonio, TX
August 2014 - November 2016
Marching Auxiliaries Regional Competition 2015: Best in Class winner, Sweepstakes Award winner, Best Team Choreography, One Superior Officer Routine, and Best Choreography in an Officer Routine; Marching Auxiliaries National Competition 2015: Jazz National Champion Title; Hip-Hop National Champion Title; Lyrical National Champion Title; Officer National Champion Title; NDA Dance Camp 2015 - Team Silver Plaque in the Custom Team Routine-eligible to attend the Buffalo Wild Wing Citrus Bowl; Team Superior Ranking in the Custom Team Routine; Team Awarded National Bid to attend National Competition in Orlando, Florida; Two NDA All American Nominees-eligible to attend the Houston Thanksgiving Parade; NDA All American; TAPPS Competition 2015: 2 teammates received All State individual TAPPS medal.
Trilogy Dance Center
Ballet/Tap/Jazz & Private Dance Instructor,
San Antonio, TX
January 2013 - July 2013
Instructor for ages 18 months-8 years old in creative movement, ballet, tap and jazz. Assisted in creating and adding to the studio’s curriculum, creator of the recital’s costume board, and newsletter. Teaching style is by example of perseverance, practice, and positive morale. Creates a stimulating and innovative environment for all children. The liaison for the parents to provide continuous communication and acknowledgement of their children progress.
Next Step Dance Studio
Ballet/Tap & Private Dance Instructor,
Frisco, T X
September 2011 - May 2012
Instructor for ages 2-4 years old; creative moment, basic ballet and tap technique and beginning classroom skills. Development with self identity and independence through using of props and music. Developed skill in all students to be instructed at the ballet barre and footwork across the studio dance floor
American Dance Academy
Ballet/Tap & Private Dance Instructor,
San Antonio, T X
August 2007 - December 2008
Ballet and tap instructor covering basic fundamental techniques: beats and counting, posture, the basic 1st-5th positions, stretching and classroom etiquette, ballet barre` demonstration, and skill, floor routines, and choreography instruction, performance preparation and as well as private dance lessons for ages 3-12
Northside Independent School District
Dance Instructor,
San Antonio, TX
August 2004-March 2005 (May 2005)
Taught through the Learning Tree Program, an after-school creative arts program for inner city children ages: -5th grade. Instructed a myriad of dance, including but not limited to: hip-hop, country and era decade movement. Facilitated all performance which were all student ran. Taught dance history, prom making, and self discipline, in conjunction with outside studios and dance teams
Heather Stolle’s School of Dance,
Hip-Hop, Jazz and Dance Team Preparation Instructor
San Antonio, TX
August 2003 - December 2003
Taught ages 11-17 technical and performance instruction along with choreography for their upcoming spring recital and performance during half time at the NBA San Antonio Spur’s Basketball Games
Studio 10
Ballet/Tap Instructor,
San Antonio, TX
January – March 2002
Instructor for Ballet, ages 2-9, and Jazz/Hip-Hop, ages 10-14
October 2019 - current
Instructor of ballet, tap, jazz and hip hop classes, defining students ability through emotional, mental and physical capabilities. Promoting those students thru the two division of the school; lower and upper school, continuous efforts made to communicate to the parents of their child’s aptitude, strength and weaknesses. Responsible for annual performances and choreography, costume purchases, school items for purchase, setting and arranging rehearsal schedules, contacting parents and community leaders for support, music editing, staging of props and scenery, ticket sells, and marketing for the school.
Owner & Artistic Director, Floresville, TX
The Wilson Ballet
August 2014 - current
Instructor of ballet, tap, jazz and hip hop classes, defining students ability through emotional, mental and physical capabilities. Promoting those students thru the two division of the school; lower and upper school, continuous efforts made to communicate to the parents of their child’s aptitude, strength and weaknesses. Responsible for annual performances and choreography, costume purchases, school items for purchase, setting and arranging rehearsal schedules, contacting parents and community leaders for support, music editing, staging of props and scenery, ticket sells, and marketing for the school.
Incarnate Word High School,
Dance Team Director & Choreographer
San Antonio, TX
August 2014 - November 2016
Marching Auxiliaries Regional Competition 2015: Best in Class winner, Sweepstakes Award winner, Best Team Choreography, One Superior Officer Routine, and Best Choreography in an Officer Routine; Marching Auxiliaries National Competition 2015: Jazz National Champion Title; Hip-Hop National Champion Title; Lyrical National Champion Title; Officer National Champion Title; NDA Dance Camp 2015 - Team Silver Plaque in the Custom Team Routine-eligible to attend the Buffalo Wild Wing Citrus Bowl; Team Superior Ranking in the Custom Team Routine; Team Awarded National Bid to attend National Competition in Orlando, Florida; Two NDA All American Nominees-eligible to attend the Houston Thanksgiving Parade; NDA All American; TAPPS Competition 2015: 2 teammates received All State individual TAPPS medal.
Trilogy Dance Center
Ballet/Tap/Jazz & Private Dance Instructor,
San Antonio, TX
January 2013 - July 2013
Instructor for ages 18 months-8 years old in creative movement, ballet, tap and jazz. Assisted in creating and adding to the studio’s curriculum, creator of the recital’s costume board, and newsletter. Teaching style is by example of perseverance, practice, and positive morale. Creates a stimulating and innovative environment for all children. The liaison for the parents to provide continuous communication and acknowledgement of their children progress.
Next Step Dance Studio
Ballet/Tap & Private Dance Instructor,
Frisco, T X
September 2011 - May 2012
Instructor for ages 2-4 years old; creative moment, basic ballet and tap technique and beginning classroom skills. Development with self identity and independence through using of props and music. Developed skill in all students to be instructed at the ballet barre and footwork across the studio dance floor
American Dance Academy
Ballet/Tap & Private Dance Instructor,
San Antonio, T X
August 2007 - December 2008
Ballet and tap instructor covering basic fundamental techniques: beats and counting, posture, the basic 1st-5th positions, stretching and classroom etiquette, ballet barre` demonstration, and skill, floor routines, and choreography instruction, performance preparation and as well as private dance lessons for ages 3-12
Northside Independent School District
Dance Instructor,
San Antonio, TX
August 2004-March 2005 (May 2005)
Taught through the Learning Tree Program, an after-school creative arts program for inner city children ages: -5th grade. Instructed a myriad of dance, including but not limited to: hip-hop, country and era decade movement. Facilitated all performance which were all student ran. Taught dance history, prom making, and self discipline, in conjunction with outside studios and dance teams
Heather Stolle’s School of Dance,
Hip-Hop, Jazz and Dance Team Preparation Instructor
San Antonio, TX
August 2003 - December 2003
Taught ages 11-17 technical and performance instruction along with choreography for their upcoming spring recital and performance during half time at the NBA San Antonio Spur’s Basketball Games
Studio 10
Ballet/Tap Instructor,
San Antonio, TX
January – March 2002
Instructor for Ballet, ages 2-9, and Jazz/Hip-Hop, ages 10-14
Choreography & Performance:
The Medina & The Wilson Ballet
Choreographed, designed, and managed the productions of Cinderella 2016; Peter Pan 2017; Sleeping Beauty 2018; Dance of the Decades 2019 and Alice in Wonderland in 2021. Performed as the “Fairy Godmother” in Cinderella and “Flora the Fairy” in Sleeping Beauty.
The Moscow Ballet Great Russian Nutcracker, San Antonio, TX
December 2017 & 2018
Partners with Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker as the host school of the city of San Antonio and its surrounding areas. Hosted open audition for all students who qualified and was responsible for all choreography for all cast members and school performed alongside with the Moscow Ballet at the Majestic Theatre for two consecutive years.
First Baptist Church, Boerne, TX
December 2013
Performed live a choreographed drama-ballet with the Celebration Choir during all Christmas performances during the 2013 Season
Played the role “Mary” during the 2013 Season, the Passion play; a drive-thru drama of the story of birth and death of Jesus Christ
Susan G. Komen for the Cure: Unmask the Cure Charity Ball, McKinney, TX
November 2011
Event producer and choreographer: Selected dancers and instructed several dance numbers in conjunction with the charity ball. Guest performers included, Cali Hoffman, David Herrera and the work of Amber Ford and the Next Step Dance Hip-Hop Crew
San Antonio NBA Spurs Silver Dancers, San Antonio, TX
June 2005
Auditioned alongside 165 candidates for a place on the 2004-2005 Dance Team. Learned and performed a jazz and hip-hop routine and made it to the 2nd to last round with 35 girls remaining.
First Baptist Church, San Angelo, TX; Monterrey, Mexico
March 2001 - Spring Break
Outreach program to college students in the city of Monterrey. Performed a multitude of performances during the week: a drama-ballet in Spanish to the public. Collectively created the drama class members and trained the drama group prior to trip the song in English to then perform in Spanish in Mexico
Miss San Angelo Scholarship Pageant 2000, San Angelo, TX
November 2000
Created choreography and performed to the music of Act II of Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” – The Spanish Dance
Northwest Community College Dance Department, San Antonio, TX
August – December 2002
Rehearsed in the annual recital class piece “All That Jazz” music by Bob Fosse.
Booker T. Washington Magnet High School, Montgomery, AL
August 1997 – May 1998
Performed in the 3rd Multi-Media Degas!
Took role as dancer and cowgirl in Roger’s and Hammerstein’s “Oklahoma!”
Accepted into and place in level 3 dance class; took classes under direction of Ms. Hess, Mr. Gary Moore. Classes taken included Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Modern, and Tap.
Montgomery Ballet Company, Montgomery, AL
September 1993 – May 1998
Performed as “soldier” and “party girl” in “The Nutcracker” in 1995, 1996 Auditioned and chosen as an apprentice to the company.
Training:
Progressing Ballet Technique Certified, San Antonio, TX August 2018 - current
A certified instructor who is qualified in the innovative program developed by Marie Walton-Mahon for students to understand the depth of training muscle memory in achieving their personal best in classical ballet. Incorporating the use of muscle memory to improve students understanding of core stability, weight placement and alignment for many decades.
American Ballet Theatre Teacher Training, New York May 2017 - present
Currently undergoing intensive training in ABT’s National Training Curriculum, a nine-level program that combines high quality artistic training with the basics of dancer health and child development.
After completion, once a ABT Certified Teacher, will be permitted to teach ABT’s National Training Curriculum with intensive training and pass a thorough examination.
5678 Danz Studio
January-June 2005
Received instruction under Raquel Torres-Garcia, choreographer to the Spurs Silver Dancers, took jazz and dance team preparation classes for the upcoming auditions to the Silver Dancers, (i.e. enter work and skills, floor drills, skills and tricks).
San Angelo Ballet, San Angelo, TX
October – December 2000
Trained along with the San Angelo Ballet Company members in ballet and jazz, received direction for the upcoming pageant ballet performance
Donna Burke Dance Studio, Ocean Springs, MS
January – May 1998
Attended ballet and jazz classes under the direction of Ms. Donna Burke.
Booker T. Washington Magnet High School, Montgomery, AL August 1997 – May 1998
Accepted into and place in level 3 dance class; took classes under direction of Ms. Hess, Mr. Gary Moore. Classes taken included Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Modern, and Tap. Performed in the annual school production of Oklahoma! as a dancer and cowgirl.
Montgomery Ballet, Montgomery, AL
June 1993 – August 1996
Performed in the annual, city-wide Performance on The Green in conclusion of the International Summer Seminar. Attended Ballet and Jazz classes under the direction of Mrs. Marylou Miller, M s. Hess, Mrs. Priscilla Crommelin-Ball & Mr. Don Steffy
Nashua School of Dance, Nashua, NH
September 1990 – March 1993
Rehearsed and performed as a soldier in the annual The Nutcracker in 1992. Student in weekly Ballet classes