Denise Parungao

Denise Parungao, born in Manila, Philippines, began her professional career with Ballet Philippines, where she rose to the rank of Principal Dancer. Her repertoire includes leading roles in Swan Lake, Giselle, Romeo and Juliet, Cinderella, Carmen, and The Nutcracker. Alongside her performing career, she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Dance. In 2022, she joined New Jersey Ballet under the artistic direction of Maria Kowroski. Since then, she has performed works by renowned choreographers including George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, Christopher Wheeldon, and Justin Peck, as well as original creations by Roderick George, Harrison Ball, and Lauren Lovette. Parungao was a participant in the 2018 USA International Ballet Competition and has appeared in international galas throughout Australia, Asia, and the United States. Beyond the stage, she is an esteemed ballet educator and guest faculty member for schools and summer intensives internationally. She is also featured in the cast of the Amazon Prime series Étoile.