Originally from Richmond, Virginia, David Claypoole started dancing at the age of 9, training at The School of Richmond Ballet and attending summer programs with Joffrey Ballet New York, Gelsey Kirkland Academy of Classical Ballet, and Richmond Ballet. David earned his college degree in Dance and Performance through Virginia Commonwealth University dual program with The Richmond Ballet trainee program. He spent two years with Richmond Ballet’s second company performing ballets such as Malcom Burn’s Romeo and Juliet and Swipe by Val Caniparoli. David has danced numerous lead roles with Fort Wayne Ballet including Dracula in Fort Wayne Ballet’s original Dracula, Prince Siegfried in Swan Lake, Light Rain by Gerald Arpino, Edward Stierle’s Empyrean Dances, and Jerome Robbins’ ballet Fancy Free. He has worked with guest repetiteurs including Cameron Basden, Robert La Fosse, Kim Sagami, and Adam Sklute. David is excited to be performing in his ninth season.