Eli Diersing is a native of Bloomington, Indiana, where he started dancing at a small, local studio. After discovering his love for ballet, he continued more serious training with private instruction and with Indiana University’s Pre-College Division. He continued to further his training at Interlochen Arts Academy under the direction of Joseph Morrisey; while at Interlochen, Eli performed soloist and principal roles in works by Marius Petipa, Vasily Vainonen, Merce Cunningham, Martha Graham, and Loni Landon, as well as awarded a Fine Arts Award in ballet. After graduating, Eli attended Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music with a Premiere Young Artist award, from where he recently obtained a Bachelor of Science in Ballet with an Outside Field in Education.

While at IU, Eli had the privilege of of studying under esteemed faculty such as Chair Sarah Wroth, Kyra Nichols, Carla Korbes, Michael Vernon, and Christian Classens. He was also able to perform principal and soloist roles in ballets such as George Balanchine’s Agon and Donizetti Variations, Justin Peck’s In Creases, Sarah Jane’s Chaconne, Antony Tudor’s Dark Elegies, and Michael Vernon’s The Nutcracker.

Eli has augmented his training by attending summer intensives with Miami City Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Orlando Ballet, and Indiana Ballet Conservatory. He is also passionate about ballet education and has shared his love for the art form with students ages 7-18 years in the Indiana University Pre-College Department. Eli is eternally grateful to his family, teachers, and community who have helped him get where he is today.

Sponsor: Jennie Deem