About the Academy

Founded in 1985, the Kintz-Mejia Academy of Ballet (K.M.A.B.) offers the purest instruction in the art of classical ballet anywhere.  Classes are highly structured and the material presented is exact and detailed.

The K.M.A.B. uses the Russian (Vaganova) Method of teaching, which has, without question, produced the greatest dancers throughout history. The method is logical and complete and even our beginning students possess rare qualities of professionalism. From Ballet I and up, pointe work and character dance are included in the curriculum.

At the younger level, beginning at 3 years of age, children are taught the protocol and discipline of a classical art form.  Pre-Ballet programs include yogic stretching, ballet mime and later beginning fundamentals.

Upper level students, 5th year and up, receive partnering instruction and learn not only the choreography of the classical repertoire, but its traditions as well.

The Kintz-Mejia Academy of Ballet is one of a kind with directors who were and are world class professional dancers in every sense.  Linda Kintz and Mark Mejia feel it is their duty to hand the torch of knowledge to each student of the school and their parents.

The Academy also offers programs geared to the parents of our students to help them understand the art of classical ballet and how to appreciate what their children are learning and how study in such an elegant art can enrich their lives.

About the Directors

Linda Kintz, born in St.Louis, studied ballet and danced with the St Louis Civic Ballet until offered a scholarship at the Joffrey School of Ballet in New York. At age 15 she joined the Harkness Ballet Company and toured extensively as the youngest member of the company. Upon invitation Miss Kintz came to Washington D.C. and became a soloist with the National Ballet of Washington D.C. From there Miss Kintz joined the Maryland Ballet as prima ballerina.

Linda Kintz is a prize winner of international competitions (Varna, Moscow) and has performed around the world. A master teacher, Miss Kintz has studied the Vaganova (Russian) system of training and has developed the fine Pre-Ballet programs offered at the Kintz-Mejia Academy of Ballet.

Linda Kintz is currently active as a performing dancer and makes many guest appearances when her teaching schedule permits.

Mark Mejia, principle dancer, master teacher, lecturer and acclaimed choreographer hails from Los Angeles, California. While a student of Stefan Wenta and soloist of the Wenta Ballet, Mr. Mejia performed in all kinds of theatrical productions from musicals to folk dance concerts in the Los Angeles area. At 18 years of age Mark Mejia joined the Pittsburgh Ballet Theater where he was promoted to soloist rank within his first year. Mr. Mejia also danced with the National Ballet of Canada, touring with Rudolf Nureyev and Eric Bruhn, the Boston Ballet, making his debut in the pas de deux from Le Corsair and finally the Maryland Ballet as principle dancer.

In addition to being a classical dancer of world class status, Mr. Mejia has also been the artistic director of his own company and has produced many ballet performances.

Linda Kintz and Mark Mejia are among the rare couples who spent the greater part of their artistic life together. Thousands of performances -- and miles -- have given them the experience very few can claim. Together they have danced the entire classical repertoire and starred in original ballets choreographed by Mr. Mejia as well as others.