Ballet Championships of America Advisory Board
Jurors and Educators
About Us
The weekend was so much more than a competition. The organizers thoughtfully created an experience filled with coaching sessions, scholarship auditions, master classes, networking opportunities, and educational programs that allowed dancers to learn, grow, and be inspired every step of the way.
One of the highlights was attending the professional ballet production Hansel & Gretel and having the opportunity to meet and learn from the artistic leaders behind the performance. The experience gave our dancers a deeper appreciation for the artistry, dedication, and passion that go into a professional ballet career.
-Mengshu Liu
2027 BCA Exclusive Features
One on One coaching with our juror/educators prior to the competition. This personalized session offers dancers a valuable opportunity to be seen and supported ahead of taking the stage, calming nerves, building confidence, and setting the focus exactly where it belongs: center stage!
NEW Multiple Solos in all 6 Categories added for the 2027 Season!
"Artistic Performance Award" - included entry for all registered soloists.
Your all-inclusive BCA registration covers it all! Every performance photo and video, a digital program of the Championship event, and unlimited access to all sessions. Plus, dancers receive exclusive live audio commentary from our jury, offering professional insights and encouragement that turn every performance into an educational experience.
Specialized Master Class series featuring our ground breaking Pas de Deux technique class and and a complementary audition for Joffrey Ballet Summer Intensives.
What Makes BCA Different
We are not just a competition. We are a curated experience designed to grow dancers from the inside out.
Here’s how we do it:
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World-Class Juror-Educators
Our adjudicators are accomplished artists and mentors who provide real-time, recorded feedback to support each dancer’s progress. -
Focused on Technique + Artistry
We prioritize ballet’s foundational elements while nurturing expressive, storytelling-driven performance. -
One-on-One Coaching Opportunities
Dancers receive personal guidance before taking the stage, reducing anxiety and elevating confidence.
Our Educational Commitment
Every BCA event is a chance to learn, improve, and evolve. We offer:
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Technique-focused masterclasses
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In-depth feedback overlays on performance videos
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Scholarships and mentorship opportunities
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A culture that celebrates both effort and achievement
Our goal is to create a safe, inspiring space where dancers can push boundaries, refine their craft, and find their artistic voice.
Be Part of Something Bigger
At BCA, you're not just competing, you're becoming.
Join a national community of passionate dancers, educators, and visionaries who believe that ballet is a journey worth investing in. We invite you to experience a competition that values growth, honors tradition, and celebrates the future of ballet.
This is BCA. Feel Seen and Supported.
Matthew Diaz-Caldwell
Co-Owner/Founder
Matthew Diaz-Caldwell is Co-Owner and Founder of Ballet Championships of America (BCA), where he has spent 25 years building more than a competition circuit. His focus has been on creating an experience where young dancers grow as performers and as people, with competition serving as one part of a larger educational journey.
Before co-founding BCA, Matthew built a deep background in the commercial dance industry, beginning with Showbiz National Talent and later moving to Kids Artistic Revue (KAR), where he gained experience across operations, event production, and strategic growth. That foundation shapes how BCA events are run, with an emphasis on training, mentorship, and growth alongside the competitive schedule.
Matthew believes dance should teach dancers something that lasts well beyond a trophy: discipline, creativity, confidence, and self-discovery. That belief drives BCA's approach to programming, with workshops, training opportunities, and mentorship built into the events themselves, not treated as an afterthought.
He continues to push BCA toward new ideas, from updated technology to fresh partnerships, all aimed at giving dancers more than a place to compete. Matthew is known across the US and abroad for mentoring dancers, choreographers, and industry professionals, reflecting his long-term commitment to developing talent, not just scoring it.
Ward Billeisen
Co-Owner/Founder
For more than 25 years, Ward Billeisen has dedicated his life to the stage. Not only through acclaimed work as an associate director and choreographer, but most importantly as an educator and mentor committed to the growth of young dancers and their families. His creative contributions span national tours, regional theaters, and Broadway productions, where his distinctive style blends tradition with innovation, leaving a lasting impression on audiences and performers alike.
But it’s behind the scenes, where his heart working closely with students and their families, where Ward’s heart truly shines. He believes that dance is more than performance; it’s a path to self-confidence, discipline, and personal discovery. His beliefs are not just about technique, but about helping young dancers find their voice, celebrate their individuality, and carry themselves with pride both on and off stage.
Ward’s approach to teaching reflects a deep respect for the role families play in a dancer’s journey. He sees every rehearsal and coaching session as an opportunity to build community and provide support, not just for the dancer, but for the parents and caregivers walking alongside them.
As part of Ballet Championships of America,
Ward brings this passion and purpose to every event, helping create a space where education, artistry, and care for the whole dancer come first. Through his leadership, BCA continues to grow as a platform where young performers are seen, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.