Jonathan Batista: Principal Dancer, Visionary Artist, and Philanthropist
Jonathan Batista received his training at some of the world’s most prestigious ballet institutions, including the English National Ballet School and The Royal Ballet School in London, UK.
His illustrious career features performances with internationally renowned companies such as English National Ballet, Miami City Ballet, The National Ballet of Canada, Boston Ballet, Cincinnati Ballet, and Oklahoma City Ballet. In 2021, Jonathan joined Pacific Northwest Ballet as a Soloist and achieved a historic promotion to Principal Dancer in 2022, becoming the first Black Principal Dancer in the company’s 54-year history.
Beyond the stage, Jonathan is a dedicated philanthropist and community builder. He has united people for various causes, most notably spearheading a campaign to establish a ballet school in Brazil. In just 22 days, this initiative came to life, providing opportunities for over 200 children. The school has since enabled students to earn scholarships to prestigious institutions such as the Bolshoi Ballet and other international programs, creating pathways to excellence for young dancers.
A celebrated artist in the global ballet community, Jonathan has received numerous accolades, including the Dance and Music Award from the TAFT Foundation in 2021 and Seattle’s Entertainer of the Year Award in 2023.
Jonathan's artistry transcends borders, as he has performed at esteemed galas across the USA, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Jamaica, Switzerland, England, and more. Notably, he was featured in the prestigious Stars of American Ballet.
As a Seattle-based producer, Jonathan has curated and presented exceptional events, including galas at Benaroya Hall and cultural performances in partnership with The Roadhouse and Sound Transit. His upcoming project, an evening gala celebrating the great classics of ballet, will debut at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts in Olympia, WA.
Jonathan’s accomplishments have been widely recognized in prominent publications and media outlets. His work has been featured in Dance Magazine, Pointe Magazine, Dance Informa, L'Officiel Magazine, Harper's Bazaar, Essence Magazine, and Ebony Magazine. His contributions to dance have also been highlighted by major networks like CBS News and Fox News, affirming his status as a leading figure in the world of ballet.
Currently, Jonathan serves as a Principal Dancer with Pacific Northwest Ballet, where he continues to inspire audiences with his extraordinary talent, commitment to excellence, and passion for the transformative power of dance. Through his performances, productions, and philanthropic efforts, Jonathan demonstrates that the art of ballet has the power to connect, uplift, and create lasting change.
“‘The Seattle Times”
“On Saturday Night, Jonathan Batista debuted in Prodigal, to wild applause. Batista’s also a dancer of great dramatic gifts.”
“I returned Saturday night to see Angelica Generosa and Jonathan Batista bring their electric partnership to these roles; as always, they had the audience roaring.”
Peter Boal - Artistic Director, Pacific Northwest Ballet
“Offstage, I have admired Jonathan’s work as a speaker and advocate. He is thoughtful about ballet as a profession, recognizing its strengths and weaknesses.
His work to advocate for Black and Latinx artists as leaders in ballet has been inspiring.
I see him as a change-maker in our community and a role model to many others.”
Karen Kain - Former Artistic Director, The National Ballet of Canada
"Mr. Batista has fulfilled his responsibilities with us in an exemplary fashion. His performances of principal roles in our performances show great technical mastery, sensitivity as a partner, and the ability to engage an audience, even when that audience knows nothing about what ballet should be, and why it is that Mr. Batista is such a remarkable phenomenon on stage."
Russel Kaiser - Associate Director, Boston Ballet
Behind every great brand is a team of makers and doers. Let your visitors know who they are.
Subscribe
Join my mailing list community and be the first to know about the latest events, performances, and exciting news!
Whether it’s updates on upcoming shows, exclusive behind-the-scenes content, or special celebrations, you’ll have a front-row seat to all things ballet and beyond.
© 2025 Your brand name