About PBA

Gregory Amato

Artistic Director, Peninsula Ballet Arts

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  Gregory Amato brings a distinguished international career and a dynamic creative vision to his role as Artistic Director of Peninsula Ballet Arts. A seasoned performer, he has appeared on stages in more than 50 countries, performing for global leaders including the Queen of England, U.S. presidents, ambassadors, and prime ministers.

  Mr. Amato was personally selected by Edward Villella to join the founding roster of the Miami City Ballet, launching a career that would span some of the most respected companies in the world. He later performed with Ballet du Nord and became a founding member of Smuin Ballet under the direction of Michael Smuin. During his tenure, Smuin created several original works specifically for Mr. Amato, including Frankie and Johnny and Cyrano. He also appeared in the feature film The Fantasticks, choreographed by Smuin.

  A classically trained dancer, Mr. Amato studied on full scholarship at both the San Francisco Ballet School and the Joffrey Ballet School. His early artistic development was deeply influenced by his mentor, Nolan T’Sani. In addition to his ballet achievements, he earned top honors as a Gold Medalist in the Fred Astaire International Ballroom Dance Competition.

  Among his many career highlights, Mr. Amato counts his performance as a featured dancer at Carnegie Hall during the 100th anniversary celebration of George Gershwin as a defining moment.

  Since 2017, Mr. Amato has served as Artistic Director of Peninsula Ballet Theatre, its conservatory,and Peninsula Lively Arts, where he has created more than 40 original works. His repertoire includes full-length productions such as The Nutcracker, Cinderella, Carmina Burana, Carnival of the Animals, and Carmen. At Peninsula Ballet Arts, he now leads a new era of innovation, combining classical excellence with bold, contemporary storytelling to shape the next generation of dancers.

Léna Alvino

School Director, Peninsula Ballet Arts

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  Léna Alvino brings a dynamic blend of international training, professional performance experience, and educational leadership to her role as School Director of Peninsula Ballet Arts. Originally from Switzerland, she began her advanced training at the prestigious Alonzo King LINES Ballet Training Program in San Francisco before continuing her development in Santa Barbara with State Street Ballet’s Professional Track Program.

  After returning to the Bay Area, Léna built a diverse performing career with companies including PUSH Dance Company, eMotion Arts, Ramm Dance, and The DanceWright Project, before joining Peninsula Ballet Theatre. During her time with the company, she performed a wide range of soloist roles, including Myrta in Giselle, the Rose in The Nutcracker, Fate in Carmen, Fortuna in Carmina Burana, La Catrina in Ghost Dances, and Constanza in Mozart’s Requiem.

  In addition to her performing career, Léna has been deeply committed to dance education. She previously served as Co-School Director for Peninsula Ballet Theatre, where she played a key role in developing curriculum, mentoring students, and shaping the next generation of dancers. Known for her musicality, technical precision, and expressive coaching style, she fosters both discipline and artistry in the classroom.

  As School Director of Peninsula Ballet Arts, Léna leads with an inclusive approach to training, preparing students not only for the stage but also for lifelong engagement with the art form.

Nina Amato

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  Ms. Amato began her training with the San Francisco Ballet School and continued with Barbara Crockett in Sacramento. She is a former principal ballerina with the Sacramento Ballet. While under the direction of Ron Cunningham and Carinne Binda, she danced leading roles in such ballets as Swan Lake, Giselle, Romeo & Juliet, Nutcracker, Cinderella, Coppelia, La Fille Mal Gardee, Les Sylphides, and the Sleeping Beauty, as well as a wide range of contemporary works, many of which were created specifically for her.

  She spent a summer studying at the Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Moscow, where she was invited to study on a two year scholarship. Nina was a finalist in the 5th International Ballet Competition in Paris, and was awarded an Emerging Artist Grant from the Sacramento Mayor, and the Metropolitan Arts Commission.

  Ms. Amato is the Owner/Director of Classical Ballet of California in Pacifica, a school with over 200 students, where she has staged and choreographed numerous productions including Swan Lake, Don Quixote, Coppelia, Sleeping Beauty, La Fille Mal Gardee, Cinderella, La Bayadere, Giselle, Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland and annual productions of The Nutcracker, incorporating all of the students as well as volunteer members of the community.

  As Ballet Mistress of Peninsula Ballet Theatre, Nina Amato staged a full-length “Giselle” in 2019, and Don Quixote Suite in 2024. She currently teaches, rehearses and coaches the company at PBT, as well as guest teaching company classes at Oakland Ballet.

  In 2026, Nina and Greg Amato founded Peninsula Ballet Arts.