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Grethel Domingo Raypon, a former principal dancer with Ballet Philippines and companies in the United States, has returned to the Philippines after three decades abroad. The balikbayan, 52, recently opened the Northeast Ballet Academy in Quezon City, sharing her extensive dance experience.

Meanwhile, Angie started taking ballet classes with Grethel Raypon. Raypon, a dancer and choreographer from the Philippines, teaches a variety of ballet classes at The Dance Studio of Fresno. Hillery said Angie learned discipline from Raypon — shaping her into a well-rounded dancer.

“When I first choreographed it, the cast was the cream of the crop,” Vida said. “They were very seasoned. Despite the tight schedule, they got it. The dancers knew my style and sense of humor.”

Shannon: After high school, I moved to Fresno to dance for Martha Kelly-Fierro’s company MKF Altered Modalities. I attended CSU Fresno, where I also studied theatre. At the same time, I was training with former ABT Principal Melinda Cordell and [former San Jose Cleveland Ballet Principal] Grethel Domingo — now Grethel Raypon. Grethel was a big reason why I started getting serious about classical ballet. Eventually, I dedicated all of my time to studying with Grethel and training with Joffrey Ballet and ABT New York in their summer intensive programs.