TEXAS METROPOLITAN BALLET

Raised in Philadelphia, Randall Marks began training on scholarship at Tidewater Ballet with Susan Boree, Irtha Kitt, Edward Villela, Gene Hammet, Pat Sorell and Robert Steele. His natural talent was featured in Graduation Ball, Concerto Borrocco, Spanish Rhythms, Don Q Pas De Deux, and Copellia. Mr. Marks then studied with Joffrey Ballet, Washington Ballet and accepted an apprenticeship with Pennsylvania Ballet where he trained with Lupe Serano and Benjamin Harkave. As soloist with Ballets Elan and then Principal with Atlantic City Ballet his distinctive grace was acclaimed performances of the Green Boy in Les Patineurs, the Prince in Swan Lake, George Balanchine’s  Valse Fantasie, August Bournonville’s Flower Festival Pas de Deux, and Stuart Hodes’ Abyss. Mr. Marks was invited to dance at the Jacobs Pillow Dance Festival and with Finis Jung’s Chamber Ballet USA in New York City. As principal dancer with Ballet Austin, Dance Magazine described him as “a cocky young Gene Kelly, hoofing his heart out.” Featured roles included Allegro Brillante, The Fairy’s Kiss, Rhythmetron, Triangles, House of Bernarda Alba, and Promises. He toured internationally with New York City’s Dennis Wayne’s Dance Company then accepted a position with New York City Metropolitan Opera Ballet Company ad guest starred with Connecticut Ballet Theater and Garden State Ballet. After several invitations, Mr. Marks returned to Ballet Austin in ballets including Other Tangos and Elektra. Eager to expand his versatility in dance styles and looking for a choreographic outlet, Mr. Marks accepted the position of resident choreographer/principal dancer with Tapestry Dance Company. His Stepping Over the Line, A Tango Perhaps, and Toward the Within were received with praise. Joining forces with (now wife) Jeanne Marie, he began a partnership that has taken him across the country and on board some of the finest six-star cruise ships performing many of the classic pas de deux. His dancing has taken him to over 62 countries and has always sparked excitement in audiences. Mr. Marks has judged for the American Ballet Competition and has taught, choreographed, and coached throughout the U.S. including Atlantic City Ballet, Richmond Ballet, as well as teaching for the Joffery summer program. Mr. Marks was director of ballet for the Austin School for the Performing and Visual Arts, and now owns and directs Texas Metropolitan Ballet in Killeen Texas.