Summer Redwing Reed is a dynamic force in the world of dance, celebrated both as a distinguished ballet performer and as a transformative mentor. Originally from New Salem, Pennsylvania, Summer’s natural talent and artistry were evident early on, earning her top recognition at national competitions. At just 13, she was invited to train privately with Mansur Kamaletdinov, former Principal Dancer and Acting Director of the Bolshoi Ballet, where she was introduced to the refined artistry of the Vaganova method—a foundation that continues to shape her teaching and choreography today.

Summer later earned her Vaganova certification from the Bolshoi Ballet Academy, solidifying her expertise in this time-honored Russian training system. She was then discovered by acclaimed innovator Albert Cataffi, serving as his assistant and demonstrator at prestigious workshops and conventions. Under his mentorship, Summer gained invaluable experience and earned top accolades at Youth America Grand Prix, including Top 12, 2nd Overall, and the coveted Choreography Award for a self-created solo that reflected her emerging signature style.

To refine her technique, Summer trained at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet before being accepted as a trainee with Kentucky Ballet Theatre at age 15. Under Norbe and Rafaela Risco, she honed her classical technique, character work, and the art of storytelling through movement while performing in a diverse repertoire spanning full-length classical ballets, contemporary, and neoclassical works.

In 2014, Summer joined Grand Rapids Ballet under Patricia Barker, performing principal and featured roles while collaborating with internationally renowned choreographers such as Gina Patterson, Sagi Gross, and Val Caniparoli. During this period, she also worked closely with world-respected Master Teacher Nikoloz Makhateli, whose mentorship led her to The Grand Audition in Barcelona, Spain. Selected from a pool of over 500 international dancers, she was chosen to perform in the Top 50 Gala, evaluated by artistic directors from elite institutions including the Mariinsky, Royal Swedish Ballet, and Het Nationale Ballet. Following this success, Summer received invitations to perform in Paris, Prague, and Estonia.

In early 2020, as the dance world adapted to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Summer continued performing as a freelance principal artist while expanding her reach as an educator. Recognizing her unique gift for teaching, she made the decision to open her own school full-time, dedicating herself to developing the next generation of artists.

Today, Summer is winner of “Outstanding Coach” 2025 award at the Universal Ballet Competition and her students have won major awards and scholarships at YAGP and other prestigious international competitions. She is the founder and director of a small training academy in Pennsylvania where she closely mentors talented students. She is dedicated to inspiring and training dancers through workshops, coaching, choreography, and private instruction. Passionate about fostering both technical excellence and authentic artistic expression, Summer continues to prepare students for professional dance careers.