Dancer Spotlight: Zachary Alden
Meet Georgia Ballet Principal Artist Zachary Alden as he prepares to take on three distinct roles in Firebird & Carmen this October.
This season, Georgia Ballet audiences will see Principal Artist Zachary Alden step into three very different characters during Firebird & Carmen: Don José and Escamillo in Carmen and Prince Ivan in Firebird.
For Zachary, the opportunity reflects a dance career that has taken an unexpected path, from beginning ballet at 17 to performing professionally and finding a home at The Georgia Ballet.
An Unexpected Beginning in Ballet
Originally from San Jose, California, Zachary did not grow up expecting to become a professional ballet dancer. His journey into dance began in high school when a friend encouraged him to try color guard. He later performed with the Santa Clara Vanguard in Drum Corps International, an experience that ultimately introduced him to a new world of movement and performance.
From there, ballet quickly became a serious pursuit.
“I quickly fell in love with dance and never looked back,” Zachary recently shared with Cobb Life Magazine.
He began his ballet training at South Bay Dance Center and later continued his studies under Magaly Suarez and Ibis Montoto at The Art of Classical Ballet. His professional career eventually brought him to BalletMet and Atlanta Ballet before he found his way to The Georgia Ballet.
Finding a Home at The Georgia Ballet
Zachary’s career took an unexpected turn in 2020 when a serious car accident kept him away from dance for nearly two years. The recovery process challenged him both physically and mentally, but it also changed the way he approaches his work as a dancer.
During that chapter of his life, he found The Georgia Ballet.
“The Georgia Ballet has truly felt like home ever since,” he said.
Now in his third season as a Principal Artist with the company, Zachary continues to develop his artistry under Artistic Director Daet Rodríguez and Ballet Mistress Margit Rodríguez. He has described The Georgia Ballet as a supportive environment where he can continue growing while being part of a close-knit artistic community.
That growth will be especially visible this fall.
Three Roles in One Production
In Carmen, Zachary will take on both Don José and Escamillo, two characters who bring completely different energies to the story.
Don José’s journey is emotional and increasingly intense as his relationship with Carmen moves from attraction to jealousy and obsession. Escamillo, on the other hand, enters the story with confidence, charisma, and an unmistakable sense of presence.
Performing both roles gives Zachary the challenge of approaching the same ballet from two very different perspectives.
There is also a sense of familiarity for him in returning to Carmen. Zachary previously performed the ballet while training with Ballet San Jose under José Carreño. Now, years later, he has the opportunity to revisit the story as a more experienced artist and bring a new perspective to the work.
His third role of the production takes audiences into an entirely different world.
In Firebird, Zachary will perform Prince Ivan, a central figure in the magical Russian folktale brought to life through Stravinsky’s celebrated score. Unlike the passion and drama of Carmen, Firebird places Zachary in a world of fantasy, adventure, and classical storytelling.
Firebird will also be new to Zachary’s repertoire, giving him the opportunity to add another major role to his career.
Beyond the Stage
Outside of ballet, Zachary finds creativity in other parts of his life as well. He enjoys cooking and painting and has spoken about the influence of his Chamorro and Latino roots on both. He also enjoys spending time outdoors with his dog, Piper, exploring new places, and discovering local restaurants.
His experiences both inside and outside the studio continue to shape the artist audiences see on stage.
After beginning ballet later than many professional dancers, navigating a major injury, and rebuilding his career, Zachary’s journey has taught him the importance of patience, perseverance, and trusting the process.
This October, audiences will see that experience come together through three characters that could hardly be more different.
See Zachary Alden in Firebird & Carmen
See Zachary Alden and the professional dancers of The Georgia Ballet in Firebird & Carmen, October 22–25, 2026, at the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre.
From the passion and drama of Carmen to the magic of Firebird, audiences will experience two ballets in one unforgettable performance.
Read More About Zachary
Want to learn more about Zachary’s journey, career, and life beyond the stage? Read his recent Cobb Life Magazine feature, where he shares more about his path to The Georgia Ballet, his artistic influences, and what continues to inspire him.
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