Jesse Joiner
Jesse Joiner
Principal
JESSE JOINER was born in Atlanta, Georgia and began his ballet training at Atlanta Academy of Ballet and Dance. In 2018, he joined Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School on full scholarship, where he trained under the direction of Marjorie Grundvig, Christopher Budzynski and Janet Popeleski. He also attended summer programs at Kansas City Ballet, Charlotte Ballet and the HARID Conservatory.
Jesse joined Ballet Spartanburg as a member of the Corps de Ballet in 2024. He was promoted to Soloist in 2025 and to Principal Dancer in 2026.
Most recently, Jesse performed Albrecht in Giselle. His repertoire with Ballet Spartanburg includes Prince Siegfried in Swan Lake, Franz in Coppélia, Cavalier in The Nutcracker and a Baseball Player in Mighty Casey. He has also performed the Chocolate and Trepak Dolls in The Nutcracker.
During his training, Jesse performed leading roles including Cavalier in Terrence S. Orr’s The Nutcracker and both principal male roles in George Balanchine’s Serenade. He also performed alongside Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre in productions including Swan Lake, Diamonds and Dracula.
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."