[2][1][3] Russell's professional dance career began in 1956, when George Balanchine offered her a contract with the New York City Ballet; she was promoted to soloist in 1959.
[2][6] As director of the school from 1977 to 2005, Russell created a curriculum that included other dance forms and a written syllabus focused on the critical early years of classical ballet training.
Hand-selected from local public schools, the program has provided the opportunity for young children to train on full scholarship at PNBS.
Over 28 years, Stowell and Russell brought 168 ballets to the PNB repertoire, including ten full-length works, ninety world premieres by 68 choreographers, and ongoing choreography workshops.
[2][5][9][10][11][12] Russell lives in Seattle with her husband, Kent Stowell, whom she met while both were working at New York City Ballet.