Rocio Braggiato- Artistic Director

Mrs. Rocio was born in Mexico City and began her classical training at very early stages of her life with her mother Mrs. Paloma Zepeda Novelo. She has studied different expressions of dance such as: Mexican Folklore, Polynesian Dances, Latin Rhythms, Classical Ballet, Lyrical Dances and Choreographic compositions. In 1974, she continued her classical ballet studies with Mrs. Sonia Castaneda in Mexico while Mrs. Elena Jordan was her mentor of Improvisation and Choreographic Composition. In 1981, Mrs. Rocio won a Mexican Government Scholarship through the  "Consejo Nacional para la Cultura y las Artes" to continue advance classical studies in the Cuban Methodology at the "Cubanacan Escuela Nacional de Arte de Cuba". During this time she studied under the training of Laura Alonso, Esther Garcia, Raul Bustabad and Denia Bustabad, amongst others. 

In 1984, Ms. Braggiato was named Artistic Director of "Estudio de Danza Paloma Bernal" and performing company "Arte Total". ​In the same year Ms. Braggiato became a principal dancer in the "Arte Total" and "Huillacapixtli" folkloric dance group under the direction of Paloma Zepeda de Bernal, this group was highly recognized in promoting Mexican folklore and culture around the United States, South and Central America and Europe. Dancing with "Huillacapixtli" enabled Ms. Braggiato to appear in worldly known T.V. and Radio Shows. In 1987, Ms. Braggiato debuted as a classical professional dancer with "Taller Coreografico de la Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (TCUNAM)," one of the most important ballet companies in Mexico under the direction of Gloria Contreras. In a short period of time, her dancing career as an Apprentice took a big leap as she was promoted to Principal Dancer for the "Taller Coreografico" in 1985. A 10 year dancing career with "Taller Coreografico de la UNAM" enabled her to perform principal roles, some of which were created specially for her. Ms. Braggiato moved to Houston, Texas in 1996 and immediately started working as choreographer in residence and ballet mistress at Allegro Ballet of Houston. She taught for 17 years under the direction of Glenda Brown , Peggy Giourard and Vanessa Brown. During this period she attended several choreography workshops under scholarships, and co-direct full length Nutcracker productions , contributing to costumes and prop design and established the RAD programme at Allegro Academy of Dance .  She has collaborated with worldly known musicians and composers Eddy Marcano,  Glenn Garrido ;  Francisco "Yiyi" Orozco and Maria Auxiliadora Urbaez and flamenco bailores Antonio Granjero and Maria Fernanda Urbaez in several projects such as: Danza Sinfonica, Venezuela Mia, Carmen, Venezuela Nuestra, America Latina.  She has been invited as a Guest Master Teacher for ballet and Mexican folklore seminars, presenting the Latin American Dance and its influence in the Classical Dance at Kansas State University (KSU). She has an extensive career as a choreographer with many of her works performed regionally and nationally at Regional Dance America, as well as very important venues in the United States, Mexico, Venezuela, and Europe. Ms. Rocio has been a  Royal Academy of Dance Teacher and Mentor since 2002, R.A.D TC 206873. In April 2017, Ms. Rocio completed the Progressing Ballet Technique teacher certification course taught by the PBT founder, Marie Walton-Mahon. Mrs. Rocio is and ABT Certified Teacher, who has successfully completed the ABT Teacher Training Intensive in Pre-Primary through Level 6/7 and Pas de Deux of the ABT National Training Curriculum. Mrs. Rocio is also certified in the Cuban Methodology and the Russian Preparatory Grades.

Eddy Marcano- Music Director

Eddy Marcano is a distinguished Venezuelan violinist and conductor recognized as a prominent exponent of the instrument across the continent. As an instrumentalist, he is the first violinist of the Simón Bolívar 
Symphony  Orchestra  a position for which he has received the highest decorations. 
As a soloist, Eddy Marcano has graced the stage with leading orchestras in Venezuela, receiving high praise and accolades. His performances have captivated audiences not only in Venezuela but also on international stages in Latin America, Germany, Spain, the United States, and London.
​One of the pivotal moments in Marcano’s career was the world premiere of a concerto composed for violin and orchestra by Maestro Sergio Bernal, based on the joropo “El Tamarindo.” The performance with the Utah Symphony Orchestra in the USA earned him a resounding ovation and garnered glowing reviews from the specialized press.

Beyond his remarkable performances, Eddy Marcano is a dedicated educator, having served as a professor and violin workshop leader at the Simón Bolívar Music Conservatory and the Emil Friedman School. He has held significant positions, such as President of the Nueva Esparta Symphony Orchestra Foundation and Director of the Children’s Orchestra of the Montalbán Academic Center. Marcano’s influence extends globally, having been a musical commissioner for UNESCO and OEA, contributing to the establishment of youth and children’s orchestras in several countries. He also shared his expertise as part of the faculty of CAF’s Itinerant Andean Conservatory. In October 2009, Eddy Marcano embarked on a significant US tour, marking a pivotal moment in his career with a standing ovation at Carnegie Hall in New York. This tour included performances in various cities, such as Houston, New York, Washington, and Pittsburgh, where he received special recognition from the governor of Pennsylvania in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. Eddy Marcano has honed his skills in conducting under the guidance of maestros like José Antonio Abreu, Pablo Castellano, Sergio Bernal, and Ulises Ascanio. His prowess as a conductor has earned him invitations to lead orchestras and conduct master classes in various countries, showcasing his talent and passion for music. Currently, Marcano holds the esteemed position of musical director at the TX Symphonic Ballet in Houston, United States, while also serving as a professor of violin and orchestra conducting at the Intempo Dance Academy.