Artistic Leadership
Erica Chipp-Adams
Co-Artistic Director
Though originally from Gardnerville, Erica left at the age of 14 to attend the prestigious ballet school,The Harid Conservatory, where she received her formal Vaganova training. In 2004 she began her professional career with Festival Ballet Providence, where some of the notable roles she danced were in Cinderella, Rodeo, Scheherazade, Carmen, Don Quixote and various Anthony Tudor and George Balanchine ballets. In 2010 she moved to San Francisco to join Smuin Contemporary Ballet where she has been featured in works by Jiri Kylian, Val Caniparoli, Ma Cong, Trey McIntyre, Helen Pickett, Amy Seiwert and many ballets by Micheal Smuin. Throughout her professional career, Erica has worked with world-renowned choreographers, toured to various countries and performed at The Joyce Theater in NYC. As a guest artist, Erica has danced the principal roles in Giselle, Coppélia, Romeo & Juliet, and Cinderella with Sierra Nevada Ballet. She has also performed the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy in Pinkerton Ballet Theater's, The Nutcracker, recently seen performing with her husband, Oliver-Paul Adams. Erica's vast career has also led her to be a part of an Audi campaign and a featured performer and Emmy winner on NBC’s BaseBallet, Into the Game.
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Oliver-Paul Adams
Co-Artistic Director
Originally from Stoke-On-Trent, England, Oliver trained at the Birmingham Royal Ballet School. During this time Oliver performed with the Paris Opera Ballet, English National Ballet and the Birmingham Royal Ballet at venues including the Royal Opera House, The London Coliseum and the Royal Albert Hall. During his graduation year Oliver danced in Japan and the USA as well as dancing for the Royal Family. At age 17, Oliver started his professional career with the Birmingham Royal Ballet where he danced in many of the major classical ballets. Adams joined the Slovak National Ballet in 2007 as a Soloist before going on to perform leading roles with the Sacramento Ballet, Diablo Ballet and Smuin Ballet, San Francisco, dancing principal and soloist roles in Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty, and works by JiÅ™í Kylián and George Balanchine to name just a few. Oliver has performed at the World Ballet All Stars Gala in both Prague and Bratislava. He has also danced in contemporary works from some of the most important choreographers from around the world. Adams has choreographed for Sacramento Ballet, Sierra Nevada Ballet, Smuin Ballet and the San Francisco Symphony.
Alexander Cain Biber
Ballet Master
Alexander Cain Biber's journey in the performing arts began at a young age, in a family deeply rooted in theater and performance. His passion for the arts led him to embark on a path of professional arts training and exploration, starting at the age of 14 under the guidance of Gina Kaskie Davis at the Western Nevada Performing Arts Center. There, he immersed himself in jazz, tap, and musical theater, laying the foundation for his future in dance.
In 2003, Alexander began his professional career as an apprentice dancer at Sierra Nevada Ballet where his dedication and skill quickly earned him a promotion to company dancer in 2006. He international experience by traveling to Australia to dance with the Tasmanian Classical Ballet.
Alexander joined the esteemed Sacramento Ballet in 2007, where he became an integral part of the company's repertoire. Throughout his tenure, he graced the stage in iconic productions such as Ron Cunningham’s "The Nutcracker," "Carmina Burana," "Romeo & Juliet," "Dracula," and "Peter Pan" (as Nana), among others. His versatility and talent were showcased in works by renowned choreographers such as Twyla Tharp, Trey McIntyre, Lila York, and George Balanchine.
Beyond performing, Alexander found joy in choreographing original works for Sacramento Ballet's annual 'Beer & Ballet' program, showcasing his creativity and innovation. Additionally, he is a founding member of Sacramento favorite Capital Dance Project. Creating some of his favorite ballets Murder at the Crest, Triquetra, and Titan.
After his tenure with Sacramento Ballet, Alexander returned to his roots in Nevada, where he performed as ballet master and resident choreographer for Sierra Nevada Ballet for three years. Working closely with artistic director Rosine Bena helping stage Ballets Swan Lake, Gisele and the Last Unicorn. As well as working with the annual Brew Brought and Ballet program working closely with choreographers running rehearsals, cleaning, and maintaining ballets after they were set.
With a commitment to giving back to the communities that nurtured his artistic journey, Alexander shapes the future of dance and inspiring the next generation of performers. Alexander currently works with studios in Nevada including Western Nevada Performing Arts, Sierra Nevada Ballet and Dance Workshop.
Recently Alexander has been promoted to Ballet Master with Nevada Dance Company. Having the joy of portraying Uncle Drosselmeyer in their annual production of The Nutcrackerand in the spring re staging one his favorite ballets As Time Goes By.
Production Team
Ashley Smith – Producer & Stage Manager
Larae Lamb - Rehearsal Assistant