Robert Raney, of Pasadena, California, joined Ballet San Jose as an Apprentice for the 2005-2006 Season.

Robert began his ballet training at a small studio in Big Bear Lake, California, when he was 16. Later, he studied under Roberto Almaguer and Julia Ortega (both former members of Cleveland Ballet) at Le Studio in Pasadena, California.

In 2003, he joined the State Street Ballet of Santa Barbara, California, and was Priest in Robert Sund's Taming of the Shrew; in 2004 he danced the role of the Ugly Stepsister in Rodney Gustafson's version of Cinderella.

During his time with State Street Ballet, Robert was greatly influenced by Chauncey Parsons, the youngest dancer to become principal with the Colorado Ballet.