Meet our Master Fitter and Store Owner Philip Martin-Nielson. 

Philip Martin-Nielson received his ballet training from respected Ukrainian coach Natasha Bar in Cornwall, New York who taught him his extensive knowledge in classical ballet. He was taught in the Vaganova technique with American speed. Under her guidance, Philip was awarded the gold medal at the Youth American Grand Prix.

 At age 15, Philip was accepted to the prestigious School of American Ballet in NYC where he graduated in 2012. He is also is an alumni of Chautauqua Summer School of Dance where he trained closely with legendary New York City Ballet principal ballerina Patricia McBride. 

 Shortly after graduation, Philip joined the world renowned “Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo” where he currently performs principal roles en-pointe in over 30 countries including Japan, Australia, Canada the United States and all over Europe. 

Some of Philip’s leading roles include Odette in “Swan Lake”. Sugar Plum Fairy in “The Nutcracker”, Le Grand Pas de Quatre, Go for Barocco, Giannina in “La Naïade et Le Pêcheur”, “Tarantella”, and the title role in “Paquita”. 

 Philip has also served as Guest Ballet Master for the “New York State Ballet” in Rochester, NY during their 2020/21 season where he staged a production of “Paquita” for the company. 

Philip has over 15 years experience fitting pointe shoes and working in dance retail stores in New York City. 

Philip is the owner and Master Pointe Shoe Fitter at Balletomania Dance Boutique in Poughkeepsie, NY.  He specializes in custom orders and stock fittings for dance students and professional dancers of all levels. Philip became the owner of Balletomania Dance Boutique in January 2025.