Grand Coda
BY KRISTEN SCHRUM
Legendary choreographer Martha Graham once said, “Great dancers are not great because of their technique; they are great because of their passion.” For decades, Carolina Ballet has embodied this fusion of skill and emotion, elevating the Triangle’s artistic landscape with performances that enchant and inspire. From the cherished tradition of The Nutcracker to the debuts of bold new works by resident choreographers, the company has stitched the passionate art of ballet into the fabric of the community—a feat made possible by its extraordinary roster of great dancers. As Carolina Ballet heads into the 2025 season, three of its most beloved performers—Margaret Severin-Hansen, Jan Burkhard and Bilal Shakur Smith—prepare to take their final bows. Together, these dancers’ passion and dedication have bolstered the company’s legacy, leaving an indelible mark on the community they’ve helped inspire.
Margaret Severin-Hansen: A Founding Visionary
Precision. Excellence. Mastery.
These words all describe Margaret Severin-Hansen’s movements, executed with meticulous control and an unyielding energy that commands attention. On stage, Severin-Hansen combines technical perfection with a daring approach to storytelling, creating performances that are both powerful and unforgettable.
From her beginnings on Long Island, New York, Severin-Hansen has charted a career that reflects both her personal commitment and the transformative power of Carolina Ballet. A founding member of the company, she joined during its inaugural season in 1998 as an apprentice. Reflecting on her decision to join, she credits the unique combination of high-caliber dancers and Carolina Ballet founding artistic director Robert Weiss’ ambitious vision of the company. “In the beginning, we were a small company. Still, we were able to perform roughly 85 shows a year,” she shares, with wonder in her voice. “And I think that’s how we were able to embed ourselves into Raleigh’s community in a way that feels significant.”
Severin-Hansen’s illustrious career saw her rise to principal dancer in 2002, performing such iconic roles as the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker, a ballet she describes as nostalgic and comforting, and the technically demanding Aurora in Sleeping Beauty. “Every ballet has a place for a dancer,” she says, adding that working with the talented choreographers who have come through the company has been one of her favorite aspects of her time there. “The choreography is constantly evolving, and that has been incredible to experience.”
On stage, it’s evident in every graceful extension and powerful leap that Severin-Hansen’s passion fuels her performances. Offstage, her voice carries excitement and conviction as she looks back over her career, her words laced with the same precision and emotion she brings to her art. “Being at the company has truly made me who I am today,” she says, reflecting on the personal growth her professional journey demanded. “I learned to dance expansively—to take up space.” The new generation of dancers, she notes, brings even greater artistic freedom to their work, emphasizing self-expression in their performances—an evolution she welcomes, and credits largely to Carolina Ballet’s current artistic director, Zalman Raffael.
Severin-Hansen’s career has been celebrated both within Carolina Ballet and beyond. In addition to her prominent roles in the company’s repertoire, she received national recognition when invited to perform with the New York City Ballet for the School of American Ballet’s 75th Anniversary Celebration in 2009.
Her legacy extends beyond her performances. As the director of the Ruth S. Shur Summer Intensive and co-chair of the School of Carolina Ballet, Severin-Hansen has dedicated herself to mentoring the next generation of dancers. Her influence in these roles will only grow as she transitions to a new chapter in her career. “Helping young dancers make their legacy is the only way this profession will stay alive,” she says, highlighting her commitment to nurturing emerging talent.
Severin-Hansen hopes to leave the company with a “wow” factor, and she seems to be doing just that—throwing herself into every pirouette and grand jeté this 2025 season, her last, has to offer.”
Jan Burkhard: Bold and Creative
The defining features of Jan Burkhard’s dancing are its softness, fluidity and warmth—like gentle brushstrokes on a canvas limning a delicate world that evokes an emotional connection with her audience. This distinctive quality was evident early in her career, catching the attention of Weiss, who personally invited her to join the company in 2005.
Coming off her impressive start at The School of American Ballet—where she performed with the New York City Ballet and earned a prestigious Mae L. Wien Award for Outstanding Promise—Burkhard initially saw her time in Raleigh as a temporary chapter. “I’ve always been a follower of my gut and my faith,” she laughs when explaining how the opportunity to refine her skill and thrive within the company’s collaborative environment kept her rooted. By 2011, she had risen to the rank of principal dancer, her hallmark style and unwavering dedication solidifying her place as one of the company’s most celebrated artists.
One of her defining moments came early in her career when she first danced the role of Aurora in Sleeping Beauty. “The cards were stacked against me, but after stepping into that role, I grew confident in being able to tackle anything and making it work,” she recalls, excited to discuss even the challenging aspects of her career. That experience solidified her belief in the transformative power of persistence and creativity. “The company’s evolution and the chance to work with incredible choreographers taught me to be bold,” she adds.
For Burkhard, the intricate, emotional process of creation was always the highlight. “I love the creation, the working on something. It’s the process … and [asking myself], ‘How can I make it better?’ It’s all so intricate, and it’s emotional.”
Over nearly two decades, Burkhard has embraced the opportunities Carolina Ballet has offered, from performing iconic roles such as Giselle and Juliet to helping shape the company’s artistic identity. “Seeing the generations of dancers before me and honing in on style, technique and approach helped me develop creative maturity and individuality as a dancer,” she says. “And to have created with Zalman Raffael was a huge gift—it never felt like work.”
As she prepares for retirement, Burkhard looks forward to focusing on her family while remaining deeply connected to Carolina Ballet as a coach and mentor. Reflecting on the company’s distinctive ability to nurture dancers, she says, “It’s all there for a person’s taking if you’re open to it.”
Bilal Shakur Smith: A Journey of Discovery
Bilal Shakur Smith’s journey with Carolina Ballet has been one of discovery and growth. Originally from Baltimore, Shakur Smith began his ballet training at the age of 14 after being accepted into the Baltimore School for the Arts. He further honed his craft with full scholarships at prestigious institutions, including Houston Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Dance Theatre of Harlem and Nashville Ballet. In 2015, he joined Carolina Ballet as an apprentice and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a member of the corps de ballet in 2016 and a soloist in 2021.
Reflecting on his time with the company, Shakur Smith expresses gratitude for the opportunities that have shaped his career. “Here at Carolina Ballet, I got so many opportunities that I wouldn’t have gotten anywhere else,” he says. Shakur Smith’s favorite roles have included performances in Messiah, Rubies and Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto, each showcasing his technical skill and emotional depth. “I felt beautiful on the stage,” he reflects, highlighting how these roles deepened his connection to the art.
Shakur Smith’s legacy is one of resilience and artistry, reminding dancers and audiences alike of the transformative power of ballet. As he steps into the next chapter of his career, he plans to explore other dance opportunities while carrying forward the lessons and inspiration he has gained at Carolina Ballet.
Contributing to Legacies
The retirement of these three great dancers marks a significant moment for Carolina Ballet, but their legacies will continue to shape the company and the broader arts community for years to come. Their contributions underscore Carolina Ballet’s role as a cultural gem in Raleigh—a company that not only showcases the beauty of ballet, but also nurtures the next generation of artists.
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