Sandra Carlino

Sandra (“Sandy”) Flader Carlino has been a force of classical ballet in the central Pennsylvania region for over 35 years.  Our small, converted church in Enola serves as the home of Pennsylvania Regional Ballet, a pre-professional ballet studio founded by Sandy nearly 30 years ago.  Thousands of young aspiring dancers have received training through Artistic Director Carlino at Pennsylvania Regional Ballet – a school “known for its heralded company of dancers and the ability to produce well rounded young adults.” (1)

Sandra Flader Carlino began dancing at age nine in Norfolk, Virginia. Her eight years of study at the Norfolk Civic Ballet included six years of performing experience with the pre-professional company.

From 1974-1977, she was awarded full summer scholarships at American Ballet Theatre, School of American Ballet and Joffrey Ballet School. In 1977, she was offered a trainee position with Joffrey, where she studied for three years.

Ms. Carlino has an extensive repertoire of classical, modern and contemporary works. She has danced leading roles in numerous ballets, such as Paquita, Raymonda, Spring Waters, Graduation Ball, La Bayadére, and Swan Lake, as well as other major classical and contemporary productions.

Ms. Carlino then turned her attention to dance instruction, concentrating on teaching and coaching for pre-professional and professional companies and festivals.

Prior to joining Pennsylvania Regional Ballet, Ms. Carlino was selected for positions with numerous renowned programs, including the Joffrey Ballet Summer Intensive, Virginia Governor’s Magnet School, Virginia Ballet Theatre (formerly Norfolk Civic Ballet), Baltimore School for the Arts and has served as Interim Artistic Director for Harrisburg Ballet and Interim Ballet Mistress for Cedar Lake Ensemble’s Premiere Touring Season.

Ms. Carlino began her association with Pennsylvania Regional Ballet (then Cumberland Dance Company) in 1989, being appointed Ballet Mistress in 1991.  She was named Artistic Director in 2000. Under her direction and coaching, Pennsylvania Regional Ballet was honored to have its choreography chosen as the final work to be performed at Regional Dance America’s National Festivals in 2007 and 2012.  In addition, PRB was selected by the Northeast Region to perform in the RDA Showcase at the International Ballet Competition in Jackson, MS in both 2006 and 2014.

Her enthusiasm for all dance disciplines has made her a popular choice as an adjudicator for internationally recognized ballet and dance competitions. In addition to her work as Artistic Director, Ms. Carlino serves as a Master Teacher and Rehearsal Coach throughout the United States and Europe.

Sandy’s prestigious resume of ballet accomplishments is complemented by a legacy of talented dancers directly influenced by her training.  Those who have danced within the walls of the studio over the last 30 years have been inspired, have refined their technique, and have acquired a discipline they would have never discovered elsewhere.  While many have gone on to successful careers in ballet, choreography and other related disciplines (for example, Victoria Silva, Taryn Kaschock, Kristen Weiser, Allegra Inch, Haley Baker, Joan Kilgore, Rosemary Forte, Elaine Blank, Jamie Thompson and Christy Aumiller), many additional graduates have been empowered by their dance training to excel in their chosen pursuits and become the best versions of themselves.

(1) Business Woman, December 2006