ABOUT US

Pamela Taylor-Tongg Artistic Director, began her early training in Chicago, and then studied with Martha Mahr in Miami and the American Ballet Center in New York. Ms. Taylor-Tongg danced as a soloist from 1975-1985 with the Atlanta Ballet where she was co-director of the apprenticeship program and the company's Ballet Mistress.

She moved to Hawaii in 1985 and joined Ballet Hawaii as Artistic Director, where she currently plans and implements the season programming. Combining leading guest artists and teachers from the international ballet world with outstanding resident artists has been integral to the success of the productions and programs developed by Ms. Taylor-Tongg.

John Parkinson, Executive Director

John Parkinson has an extensive background in arts management. Before joining Ballet Hawaii, he served as Artistic Administrator for Hawaii Opera Theatre. Mr. Parkinson has also served as a production manager or independent producer on more than 200 theatrical presentations both in Hawaii and on the mainland.

Prior to arriving in Hawaii in 1990 Mr. Parkinson toured in various capacities with The Joffrey Ballet, Trisha Brown Dance Co. and the Big Apple Circus. He received his MFA in design for theatre and dance from the University of Hawai'i at Manoa.

Judy Muncaster, Director of Development

Judy Muncaster specializes in organizational development and fundraising. She has extensive experience in strategic planning, grant writing, capital campaigns and event planning.

As President of JM Consulting, Ms. Muncaster has worked in program development for many community organizations including Hawaii Opera Theatre, Honolulu Symphony, La Pietra-Hawaii School for Girls and the Hawaii Theatre. Her work in the community has been recognized in humanitarian awards from United Air Lines and Hawaiian Hotel & Resorts.

Lesley Young, School & Volunteer Coordinator

Lesley Young directs the on-going volunteer activities that provide countless hours of service and expertise to Ballet Hawaii. These volunteers assist the ballet with office assistance, events, costume sewing, novelty sales, computer consultations and also help to chaperone and act as ushers during production times. She is also responsible for the school administration.

Mrs. Young retired as a United Airlines flight attendant with over 35 years of service. She started dancing ballet at the age of 3 and also took tap and jazz all through high school and in college. She now dances hula with a halau. Her strong organizational skills benefit both the administrative side of the organization as well as the school.

Gerry Allen provides operations management for the front office and assists in event planning. She brings an analytical view to fund raising while helping to prioritize the needs of the Development Department.

This is Ms. Allen’s second career after over 20 years in the Dental field as a Dental Hygienist. She is a recent graduate of Chaminade University MBA program with a focus in Not- for- Profit Organizations and a member of the International Honor Society, Delta Mu Delta. Her past experiences includes working with the Battleship Missouri Memorial, in special projects; Volunteer work at the Honolulu Academy of Arts, Hospice Hawaii and the American Dental Hygiene Association.