Denise Pons

As an educator, I strive to draw on my years of performing and teaching to help students launch their own career, and successfully navigate it over the many years that follow.

Denise Pons joined the Boston Conservatory in 1991 while dancing with Boston Ballet. Pons was born and raised in Metairie LA, outside of New Orleans. Drawn to dance at an early age, she went on to perform with a number of regional and national companies, culminating with the Boston Ballet. At the Conservatory, she has taught a variety of dance styles, with a special focus on contemporary ballet and technique. Additionally, she has choreographed student performances, organized outside collaborative performances, and has advised countless students over the years. 

Pons' dance career spanned 25 years, beginning with The Delta Festival Ballet in New Orleans, the San Francisco Ballet, and finishing with 12 seasons at Boston Ballet. She capped her stage career as an original member of the White Oaks Dance Project, with Mark Morris and Mikhail Baryshnikov. 

Career highlights include numerous principal roles, such as Swanhilda in Coppelia, Murtha in Giselle, and Miss Julie in Miss Julie, opposite Fernando Bujones. Other highlights include touring Europe and America with Rudolf Nureyev in Don Quixote and being directed by Agnes de Mille in Rodeo, performing the role of Cowgirl. 

Pons began studying under Joseph Giacobbe in New Orleans and performed in his company the Delta Festival Ballet from 1972-1977. She studied dance at TCU, performing with the Fort Worth Ballet prior to joining San Francisco Ballet Company. Following a year with Ballet Oklahoma she joined The Boston Ballet in 1981 under Director E. Virginia Williams. For the next 12 years, she performed under directors Violette Verdy, Bruce Wells, and Bruce Marks.  

Pons currently lives in Arlington MA with her husband David, three children, and an assortment of pets. She also teaches at the Acton School of Ballet in Acton, MA.