Learn about Kati Hanlon Mayo!
A former member of the JMBT company, Kati Hanlon Mayo currently serves as the Associate Director of the Charlotte Ballet Academy.
I will always be deeply grateful for José’s guidance and the time and energy he invested in me. He truly played a pivotal role in shaping the artist I became, and those days, along with the friends I worked with back then, hold a very special place in my heart.
How – and when – did you first come to JMBT?
I began taking classes with José on Mass Ave around 1989 and immediately connected with his teaching style – his energy, enthusiasm, and passion for both class and choreography were infectious. It was around that time that he invited me to join the Company.
What did you enjoy most about dancing at JMBT? Tell us about your favorite repertoire.
What truly set the experience apart was José’s kindness and his genuine enthusiasm for nurturing his dancers while creating choreography that both suited and challenged each of us. My favorite ballet to perform was Schubert Adagio. I have such vivid memories of working late into the night with José and Todd Hall to bring that piece to live – the collaboration was so inspiring and enjoyable. I felt a profound connection to that particular work; it was definitely the most meaningful experience of my time with the Company.
Kati Hanlon Mayo pas de deux with Todd Hall at JMBT (Credits: Richard Israel)
After leaving JMBT, where did life take you?
About three years after joining JMBT, I had the opportunity to join North Carolina Dance Theatre (now Charlotte Ballet). José was incredibly kind in allowing me to return and guest with JMBT after my first season away. I went on to dance as a principal artist with Charlotte Ballet for 16 seasons.
Anything else you would like to add?
I think about this often now, as I coach and work with young dancers. José trusted me, he saw potential in me before I fully saw it in myself. He gave me the opportunity to perform Aurora in The Sleeping Beauty long before I felt completely confident in my ability to do so. But his belief in me pushed me forward, helping me develop the strength, stamina, and most importantly the self-belief needed to take on such a challenging role. The only way dancers truly grow in confidence is when someone takes a chance on them – and José did exactly that for me.