Ava Gray Bobbitt
Ava Gray Bobbitt
Principal
AVA GRAY BOBBITT was born in Orlando, Florida and began her ballet training at age nine with Dimitri Kulev in Southern California. She continued her training with Charlotte Ballet, Orlando Ballet and the School of American Ballet, where she studied for six years after being invited to the year-round program following her first summer intensive on full scholarship.
Upon graduating from the School of American Ballet in 2024, Ava Gray joined Ballet West II for the 2024–2025 season. She joined Ballet Spartanburg as a Demi-Soloist in 2025 and was promoted to Principal Dancer following her first season with the company.
Most recently, Ava Gray performed Dew Drop in The Nutcracker and Zulma in Giselle. Her repertoire with Ballet Spartanburg also includes Dawn and Friends in Coppélia, Snow in The Nutcracker and Friends in Giselle.
During her training, Ava Gray performed with New York City Ballet and the School of American Ballet at the David H. Koch Theater, appearing in works including Justin Peck’s Ballet in the Creases, Christopher Wheeldon’s Scènes de Ballet and the world premiere of Lauren Lovette’s Tendu.
Ava Gray has attended summer programs at Chautauqua School of Dance, School of American Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Miami City Ballet and Ballet West.
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."