Palkens has trained and performed with Orlando Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Ballet Chicago, Escuela de Ballet del Teatro Municipal de Santiago, Chile, and The Dance Syndicate, Montana. As a principal dancer with Orlando Ballet, Palkens performed in the world premiere of Robert Hill’s Homage at the Grand Opening Gala of the Waldorf Astoria in Orlando. After joining Cincinnati Ballet in 2011, Palkens quickly rose through the ranks to Soloist in 2012. Following a last-minute stand-in—and wildly successful—performance as Romeo in 1213’s Romeo & Juliet, Palkens was promoted to Senior Soloist for the 1314 50^th Anniversary Season. Palkens participated in the International Ballet Competition in Beijing, China in July 2015 where he competed with top dancers from around the world. Palkens returns to Cincinnati Ballet after a year in Europe with Salzburg State Theater Austria Dance.