Leanne van der Hilst

Dancer

Bio

Leanne van der Hilst joined the Royal Winnipeg Ballet as an Apprentice in 2025. Born in Portland, Oregon, she began her training at Sultanov Ballet Academy, where she performed in productions of Nutcracker and the academy’s summer showcases. She later continued her studies at the European School of Ballet in Amsterdam under Jean-Yves Esquerre, training extensively in both classical and contemporary repertoire.

During her four years at the European School of Ballet, van der Hilst danced works by choreographers including August Bournonville, George Balanchine, Frederick Ashton, William Forsythe, Maurice Béjart, Goyo Montero and David Dawson. Career highlights include performing Metamorphosis 2 by David Dawson, staged by Christiane Marchant, and Monade by Goyo Montero, staged by Macarena González. She is also a multiple first-place award recipient at the Youth America Grand Prix Seattle Semi-Finals (2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021).

Outside of the studio, she enjoys baking, crafts, and spending time with friends.