Our Team
Amandia Scotti
Amandia Scotti is the founder of Ballet Through Borders. She is currently a pre-medical student at Duke University, where she conducts clinical research and plans to pursue a career as a surgeon.
Amandia began dancing at the age of three and trained for 15 years with the June Taylor School of Dance in Oregon, USA, where she completed all Royal Academy of Dance examinations through Advanced 2. She also spent five years performing with the pre-professional company Northwest Dance Theater. She is currently a member of Duke’s premier ballet company, Devils en Pointe, and is pursuing a minor in dance.
In addition to her passion for dance, Amandia has trained in violin since the age of five and performed for five years with the Metropolitan Youth Symphony in Portland, Oregon. She now teaches violin to young children at Duke University. Having always had a deep love for the arts—both dance and music—she finds great joy in sharing these passions with young children, especially in South Africa, where her family’s roots run deep.
Founder & Director
Julieta Scotti
Julieta Scotti has been dancing for over 15 years and brings a deep passion for movement and teaching to Ballet Through Borders. She began dancing at the age of three—after eagerly trying to join her older sister’s classes as early as age two—and trained with the June Taylor School of Dance, where she completed all Royal Academy of Dance examinations through Advanced 1. She also performed for two years with the pre-professional company Northwest Dance Theater in Oregon, USA.
In addition to her strong classical foundation, Julieta has pursued her interest in modern, jazz, and contemporary dance by training with a studio focused on expanding her versatility across genres. She is also a dedicated artist who enjoys fine arts, painting, drawing, and creative writing, including poetry.
Julieta is currently a junior in high school, where she participates in DECA and Mock Trial. She is also involved in The Superintendent's Student Leadership Committee and her city’s Youth Leadership Council. She has a natural love for working with young children and is excited to step into a teaching role within Ballet Through Borders as her sister transitions into the organization’s administrative leadership.
Assistant DirectorStudio Manager of Francien de Kock Dance SchoolFrancien de Kock
Francien de Kock is the owner and studio director of Francien de Kock Dance School in Bethal, South Africa. A trained Cecchetti teacher, she has been teaching ballet for over 20 years, nurturing generations of young dancers with dedication and expertise.
Through family connections, Francien was introduced to Ballet Through Borders and immediately recognized its potential to support and uplift young dancers in the Bethal community. She has since become an essential part of the organization, playing a vital role in its growth and impact.
Her senior dancers have also contributed as volunteers during Ballet Through Borders programs, fostering meaningful cultural exchange and friendships. With the support of Francien and the wider Bethal community, the initiative continues to grow, creating lasting connections and opportunities for young dancers.
Our young volunteers are an essential part of Ballet Through Borders. Their time, energy, and kindness help create a welcoming and supportive environment for every dancer. From assisting in classes to encouraging the girls each day, their dedication makes a meaningful difference, and we are incredibly grateful for their heart and commitment to the program.