Abigail Forbes
Abigail Forbes
Demi-Soloist
ABIGAIL FORBES was born in Northern Michigan and began dancing at the age of three. Throughout her training, she studied extensively in the Vaganova method while developing a strong foundation in both classical ballet and contemporary dance.
Abigail competed nationally and internationally, earning numerous awards and scholarships. She placed at Youth America Grand Prix on multiple occasions, including Third Place in the Senior Contemporary Division and Top 12 in the Classical Division, and was a member of a First Place ensemble at the semi-finals level.
She continued her pre-professional training with Oklahoma City Ballet under the direction of Rachel Nye and later trained with Fort Wayne Ballet and Grand Rapids Ballet. Abigail has also attended summer programs at Sarasota Ballet, Ballet Rhode Island and Elite Classical Coaching under the direction of Catherine Lewellen.
Abigail joined Ballet Spartanburg as a member of the Corps de Ballet in 2025 and was promoted to Demi-Soloist in 2026.
Most recently, Abigail performed the Dawn Variation in Coppélia. Her repertoire with Ballet Spartanburg also includes Marzipan and Columbine Doll in The Nutcracker. She has also performed in Giselle and Ballet, Bourbon, and Blues.
Her additional repertoire includes works by Val Caniparoli, Ryan Jolicoeur-Nye, James Sofranko, Septime Weber and Marius Petipa, including roles in The Nutcracker, The Sleeping Beauty, Romeo and Juliet, Peter Pan and Paquita.
Carlos Agudelo, 2023 SC Governor's Award for an Individual
Ballet Spartanburg's Artistic Director, Carlos Agudelo, was awarded the South Carolina Governor's Award from the South Carolina Arts Commission on May 23, 2023, at the Chapman Cultural Center. The award was presented by Mr. David Platt, Executive Director of the South Carolina Arts Commission. "We recognize the unparalleled energy, enthusiasm, devotion and love for dance that Carlos has gifted to our community out of his passion for all to experience the arts for the past 32 years. We are overjoyed that Carlos has been recognized by the South Carolina Arts Commission, " Teresa S. Berline, Executive Director. "The South Carolina Arts Commission is an extraordinary organization in our state which promotes and advocates opportunities in the arts which values equality, access, diversity and inclusion. Ballet Spartanburg is honored by the support of the South Carolina Arts Commission and the recognition of Carlos Agudelo."