Kyra Strasberg

Kyra Strasberg, former Boston Ballet Principal and Columbia native. At 17 Kyra traveled to Boston to dance for the summer. Years later she would return to Columbia as a Distinguished-Artist-in-Residence at the University of South Carolina. During the years in between, Strasberg ascended the ladder of professional dance, rising to the rank of Principal, retiring in Ben Stevenson’s Cleopatra. She began her training at Calvert Brodie with Ann Brodie and studied summers with Houston Ballet, School of American Ballet, and Boston Ballet. She became a member of The Ensemble, Boston Ballet’s apprentice company Ms.Strasberg got her first exposure to George Balachine when she was asked to understudy the Four Temperaments. When Bruce Marks was brought in to take the reins of Boston Ballet, she was the only ensemble member hired. While under Mark’s artistic leadership, Strasberg had the opportunity to create works with Mark Morris and Twyla Tharp. When Suzanne Farrell staged Mozartiana, Strasberg was her first choice in the leading role. She later traveled with Ms. Farrell’s company. In 2007, she joined the faculty of the then USC Dance Program. In 2011 she opened Yoga Masala, Columbia’s first hot vinyasa studio. She now teaches ballet, yoga, and yoga therapy. Kyra is a strength and trauma specialist.