Darla Hoover was trained at the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet under the direction of Marcia Dale Weary and completed her studies on a full scholarship at the School of American Ballet. In 1980, after choreographing a solo for her in the New York City Opera production of Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme, George Balanchine invited Darla to become a member of his New York City Ballet. From 1980-1991, Hoover appeared as a featured soloist in ballets such as Balanchine’s La Valse, Chaconne, Harlequinade, Ballo della Regina, as well as Peter Martins’ Eight Easy Pieces, Rossini Quartets, Sonata di Scarlatti, and Jerome Robbin’s Fanfare.

Upon retirement in 1991, a full schedule of guest appearances throughout the United States and Europe made for an even further expansion of her repertory of experience.

Hoover has now focused her attentions to teaching and staging ballets. In addition to her positions as the Associate Artistic Director of the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet and Associate Artistic Director of Ballet Academy East’s graded children’s program in Manhattan, Hoover guest teaches all over the world. Working as a distinguished répétiteur, Hoover stages works for the George Balanchine Trust and for Peter Martins, Ballet Master-in-Chief of New York City Ballet. Recent stagings have included George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, Raymonda Variations, La Source, Serenade, Scherzo à la Russe, Divertimento #15, Valse Fantaisie, Allegro Brillante, Stars and Stripes and Rubies, as well as Peter Martins’ Eight Easy Pieces and Fearful Symmetries.