Preston Cook

Preston Cook, originally from Cleveland, Tennessee, brings more than 30 years of ballet experience to the stage. His dance journey began under the guidance of Heidi Longwith at Mountain Laurel Studios and flourished through consecutive summer intensives with Nashville Ballet (1998–2000), where he trained with esteemed instructors Elaine Thomas, Adam Sage, and Paul Vasterling. Rather than pursuing a full-time residency offer, Preston forged a unique academic partnership with his high school, earning accreditation for weekend ballet studies—a pioneering program that launched his professional debut in The Nutcracker and continues to benefit aspiring young artists to this day.

In 2001, Preston enrolled at the Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts in Torrington, Connecticut, where he completed his senior year immersed in the Vaganova technique under renowned faculty including Kevin Martin, Alexi Tchernichov, Elena Tchernichova, Joan Kunsch, and Eleanor D’Antuono. His time there deepened not only his technical foundation but also his passion for the historical and cultural dimensions of ballet.

Preston continued his advanced training at The Rock School in Philadelphia under Bo and Stephanie Spassoff, working with distinguished artists such as Christopher Fleming, Maiqui Mañosa, Maniya Barredo, and Benjamin Millepied. In 2003, he joined Orlando Ballet’s professional training division under Peter Stark and Fernando Bujones, where he refined his artistry alongside company members and guest legends including Gelsey Kirkland, Ángel Corella, Rasta Thomas, and Julie Kent.

Preston began his professional stage career in the 2004–2005 season with Columbia Classical Ballet, directed by Radenko Pavlovich. He then danced for three seasons with The Georgia Ballet under Gina Hyatt-Mazon, performing a range of leading roles from both classical and contemporary repertory. After transitioning from company life, he embraced a successful freelance career, appearing as a guest artist across the Southeast and beyond.

In addition to performing, Preston is a dedicated and sought-after ballet educator. He has taught a wide variety of methodologies at institutions throughout the Northern and Southeastern United States, nurturing the next generation of dancers with the same passion that has fueled his own career.

Currently, Preston is a company artist with Montgomery Ballet in Montgomery, Alabama, where he continues to share his artistry onstage while remaining active as a guest performer and instructor.