Marlena Marshall Abaza began her teaching career in New York City at the prestigious Ballet Academy East, specializing in classical ballet and pre-ballet for children. While teaching in Manhattan, she worked alongside top teachers in the ballet community, and become the ballet director for both the Greenwich House Music School, (located in historic Greenwich Village) and the Roosevelt Island Cultural Center of NYC. She taught students of all ages in classical ballet, pointe, variations, character, and creative movement.

Ms. Abaza was the Founder and Artistic Director of Sarasota Dance Theatre from 2007-2011, teaching children and adults of all abilities. The studio developed a thriving adult program for the community and was one of four schools in FL to be accredited with the Royal Academy of Dance. From 2011-2020 she was a faculty member of the Sarasota Ballet School, under the direction of Iain Webb. During her nine seasons she taught in the children’s division, middle-upper school, summer intensives, and founded a successful RAD program. After being promoted to head of Middle School, Ms. Abaza created syllabuses for various levels, choreographed/directed annual school performances, and oversaw all aspects of the department. Her original summer camps were also recognized by Family Living Magazine as ‘Best Summer Camps’. As a choreographer, some of her work includes Aladdin, Peter Rabbit, The Magic of Nutcracker, Peter and the Wolf, Alice in Wonderland, Neverland, a children’s version of Cats, and numerous original ballets.

Her ballet training began at the age of 8 in East Hartford, CT and later with Ballet Florida, under the direction of Marie Hale. She was a founding company member at 15 with their acclaimed civic ballet company, performing throughout southeast Florida. Ms. Abaza’s summer training included the School of American Ballet, Hartford Ballet, and on full scholarship with Ballet West. She was also the recipient of scholarships to the University of Utah, Shenandoah Conservatory, Burlington Ballet, Princeton Ballet, and The Bourneville Academy of Denmark. She’s had the honor of working with such teachers as David Howard, Michael Maule, Arnold Sporh, and Jacques d’Amboise, who selected her at 16 to take company class with NYCB during their Florida tour.

After graduating on scholarship from the Hartford Ballet’s 2 Year Trainee Program, Ms. Abaza danced professionally with the Omega Dance Company, Dances Patrelle, the Metropolitan USO, and was a guest artist for numerous productions; including dancing at the historic Shubert Theatre. Over the years her ballet roles included: The Nutcracker (Spanish, Snow Queen, Dew Drop Fairy), Coppelia, Cinderella (Fairy Godmother), Spartacus (Helena), Peter & the Wolf, Romeo & Juliet, Graduation Ball, A Christmas Carol, Raymond Variations, a special duet from Slaughter on Tenth Ave., and the world premiere of The Yorkville Nutcracker with Jack Soto and Lourdes Lopez of New York City Ballet. She made her Broadway debut in A Tribute to Angela Lansbury, with Lauren Bacall, Nathan Lane, and Jennifer Holliday. Marlena also performed at the Miss America Pageant as Miss Connecticut, and was coached by the legendary David Howard.

Ms. Abaza completed the Royal Academy of Dance’s 3-year teaching program with honors (LRAD) and is an ABT® National Curriculum certified teacher (Pre-Primary-Level 3). She graduated from the University of Central Florida’s Knights of Distinction program and holds a BS in Psychology. She’s also a licensed Silver Swans teacher and certified BeMoved instructor for adult and senior students. Recently, Marlena was on faculty at the Orlando Ballet School – teaching in their Children, Teen & Adult Division, and outreach programs. She also led the Come Dance With Us! (CDWU) program for students with special needs and holds a Rhythm Works certification for this area of dance education. Ms. Abaza was awarded a National Dance Foundation Scholarship, in recognition of her teaching and in 2024 she was a Top 4 Finalist at the Royal Academy of Dance’s Teacher of the Year Award. Marlena is currently on faculty at the Atlanta Ballet School and enjoys teaching students of all levels to reach their individual goals. She’s also a rehearsal director for students in Atlanta Ballet’s annual The Nutcracker and Atlanta Ballet 2’s The Swan Princess and Cinderella.