Arizona Opera Cast Members & Creatives

Brian Lavelle is a choreographer, performer, and dance educator with over 25 years of professional experience in both ballroom and theatre. He began his formal training at the Pacific Conservatory of Performing Arts (PCPA), where he studied musical theatre, jazz, tap, ballet, and acting under nationally recognized instructors. While at PCPA, he performed in numerous productions, including The Wildest!!! (originating the role of Kitsum, Samuel French publication), Wonderful Town, Crazy for You, Fiddler on the Roof, and Zombie Prom (Choreographer). He has also trained extensively through masterclasses with Susan Eagan, Jason Robert Brown, Joanna Gleason, and other leading Broadway professionals.

Lavelle’s theatre career expanded with Phoenix Theatre and Arizona Broadway Theatre, where his credits include Bandstand (Choreographer), Beauty and the Beast, Guys and Dolls (Dance Captain), The Music Man, Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, The Quilter’s Gift (Choreographer), A Chorus Line, The Will Rogers Follies, and Beguiled Again—for which he received the prestigious AriZoni Award for Best Supporting Actor.

In addition to his theatre accomplishments, Lavelle built a highly successful career in the ballroom dance industry. He began his competitive journey in Sugar Land, Texas, training at the Sugar Land Dance Studio and competing in the Texas Challenge Pro Rhythm Division at just 18 years old. He later joined Arthur Murray Franchised Dance Studios in Mesa, AZ, where he trained under 12-time World Rhythm Champions Bob Powers and Julia Gorchakova and served as both Instructor and Front Department Manager.

For years, Lavelle competed nationally on a weekly basis, traveling across the country with his professional dance partner, training extensively with elite coaches, and working tirelessly to perfect his craft. His dedication, discipline, and artistry led him to achieve a #1 National Ranking in Professional Pro Rhythm Dance—a milestone representing years of passion, perseverance, and hard work.

Throughout his competitive career, Lavelle earned numerous Arthur Murray awards, including Rising Star Rhythm Champion and Future Rhythm Champion, while choreographing and performing in showcases, spotlight performances, Metal Balls, Tournament of Champions, and other national-level events.

Today, Lavelle is the proud owner of Performance Ballroom Dance Connection, which he has successfully operated since 2016. His studio specializes in private instruction, group classes, wedding choreography, master classes, competitive coaching, and full-scale showcase productions. In addition to running his studio, Lavelle teaches advanced-level ballroom classes at Dancers Domain and leads partner-dancing programs at Arcadia Overture.

Through his teaching, choreography, and performances, Lavelle blends the artistry of theatrical storytelling with the passion and precision of ballroom and partner dance, creating work that is dynamic, engaging, and unforgettable.

Lavelle is thrilled to join Arizona Opera as the choreographer for Zorro and looks forward to bringing his energy, creativity, and love of storytelling to this exciting production.