The Grand Academy of BalletFaculty & Staff

Ludvig Ispiryan believes that ballet is both a discipline and a living art form — one that demands technical mastery, artistic courage, and unwavering commitment.

Rooted in his ten years of Vaganova training and nearly two decades as a Principal Dancer with The Israel Ballet, Ludvig’s teaching philosophy centers on building a powerful classical foundation while nurturing individuality and stage presence. He believes that technique is not an end in itself, but a language through which dancers communicate emotion, character, and story.

Ludvig emphasizes:

• Strength through correct placement and alignment
• Precision in épaulement, musicality, and coordination
• Development of jumps, turns, and dynamic power
• Emotional authenticity and theatrical presence
• Discipline, resilience, and professional mindset

Having performed leading roles across classical, neoclassical, and contemporary repertoire, Ludvig understands what is required not only to execute choreography, but to command the stage. His classes are structured, demanding, and detail-oriented, designed to elevate dancers beyond comfort and into growth.

As an Artistic Director and choreographer, Ludvig encourages dancers to take ownership of their artistry. He challenges students to move with intention, to understand the purpose behind each step, and to develop both physical excellence and inner strength.

His ultimate goal is to cultivate complete artists — dancers who are technically refined, mentally strong, and capable of performing at a professional and international level.

Elmira Aksakova is a master technician whose teaching reflects depth, precision, and uncompromising classical standards. With extensive experience in the Vaganova tradition, she believes that excellence in ballet is built through disciplined structure, intelligent progression, and meticulous attention to detail.

Her philosophy centers on developing dancers who are technically exceptional, physically strong, and artistically refined.

Elmira emphasizes:

• Absolute precision in placement and alignment
• Strong core and turnout mechanics
• Clean, articulate footwork
• Advanced coordination and épaulement
• Musicality and dynamic control
• Stamina and professional work ethic

She approaches technique as a system — each exercise building purposefully upon the next. Elmira is known for her ability to diagnose technical weaknesses quickly and correct them with clarity and effectiveness. Her classes are challenging, structured, and deeply academic, designed to elevate dancers to professional standards.

Beyond technique, Elmira cultivates mental discipline and resilience. She believes that mastery comes from consistency, commitment, and respect for classical tradition.

Her ultimate goal is to shape dancers who possess not only beautiful lines and powerful technique, but also the strength of character and artistic intelligence required for sustained success in ballet.

Anastasiia Rodina’s teaching philosophy is centered on grace, beauty, and the purity of classical ballet. She believes that true elegance comes from disciplined technique combined with expressive artistry.

Rooted in traditional classical training, Anastasiia emphasizes:

• Clean, refined placement and alignment
• Long, uninterrupted classical lines
• Soft yet articulate port de bras
• Controlled strength and balanced power
• Fluid transitions and musical sensitivity

Her approach blends elegance with controlled power, guiding dancers to move with both precision and softness. She teaches that sensual artistry in ballet is not exaggeration, but subtle refinement — an ability to communicate emotion through poised, intentional movement.

Anastasiia’s classes cultivate dancers who embody classical sophistication while maintaining physical strength and technical clarity. She encourages students to find beauty in every detail, to move with confidence, and to honor the timeless traditions of ballet.

Her goal is to develop artists who perform with grace, elegance, and controlled power — dancers who radiate both refinement and depth on stage.

Natalie Palmgren’s teaching philosophy is built on a thoughtful integration of American and European training methods, blending classical ballet structure with modern movement principles. She believes that well-rounded dancers are developed through both technical rigor and artistic adaptability.

Drawing from diverse pedagogical influences, Natalie emphasizes:

• Strong classical alignment and foundational technique
• Dynamic use of the torso and upper body
• Fluid transitions between classical and modern vocabulary
• Musical phrasing and expressive interpretation
• Strength, flexibility, and intelligent conditioning

Natalie values clarity in technique while encouraging creative exploration. Her classes balance discipline and freedom — building precision through structured exercises while allowing space for individuality and contemporary expression.

By combining the refinement of European classical training with the versatility and athleticism often emphasized in American dance education, Natalie prepares dancers to move confidently across repertoire styles, from classical ballet to modern and neoclassical works.

Her goal is to cultivate technically sound, artistically versatile dancers who can adapt seamlessly, perform with confidence, and move with both strength and sensitivity.

Johnathon Darcelle Hart (JD) approaches teaching with the belief that dance is both athletic and expressive — a powerful combination of precision, musicality, and fearless performance.

With a professional background spanning concert dance, commercial performance, and live production, JD emphasizes versatility and stage presence. His classes are designed to build dancers who are adaptable, confident, and performance-ready.

His philosophy focuses on:

• Strong technical foundation across styles
• Musical interpretation and rhythmic clarity
• Dynamic movement quality — sharp, fluid, grounded, explosive
• Performance confidence and stage command
• Emotional authenticity and storytelling

JD encourages dancers to explore the full range of movement — from controlled contemporary flow to high-energy jazz and commercial styles. He challenges students to push beyond their comfort zones while maintaining clean technique and strong execution.

Known for his powerful stage presence and professional discipline, JD creates an environment that is focused, motivating, and creatively charged. His classes are physically demanding, musically driven, and rooted in real-world performance experience.

His ultimate goal is to develop well-rounded artists — dancers who can move seamlessly between classical structure, contemporary freedom, and commercial energy with confidence and individuality.

Marina Levchenko’s teaching philosophy is rooted in the purity and structure of the Vaganova method, honoring the traditions of classical ballet with discipline, refinement, and artistic integrity.

She believes that true elegance is built through precision, strength, and consistent attention to detail. Her approach emphasizes:

• Clean classical placement and alignment
• Strong, fully stretched legs and articulate feet
• Refined épaulement and expressive port de bras
• Controlled strength and balanced technique
• Graceful, fluid transitions between movements

Marina is devoted to preserving the authenticity of classical ballet. Her classes focus on building strong fundamentals at the barre and carrying that clarity into center work, adagio, turns, and allegro. She encourages dancers to move with softness in the upper body while maintaining powerful control through the legs and core.

Elegance and purity of motion are central to her instruction. Marina guides students to cultivate long, uninterrupted lines, musical sensitivity, and poised stage presence.

Her ultimate goal is to develop dancers who embody the grace, strength, and sophistication of the Vaganova tradition — artists who move with confidence, clarity, and timeless classical beauty.

Nadav Gal’s teaching philosophy is rooted in contemporary and modern dance technique, shaped by his professional training and performance experience in Israel. He believes that movement should be both technically grounded and emotionally authentic, combining strength, fluidity, and expressive freedom.

Drawing from contemporary, modern, and classical foundations, Nadav emphasizes:

• Strong technical alignment and body awareness
• Fluid transitions and seamless movement quality
• Musical sensitivity and dynamic contrast
• Athletic strength and grounded power
• Emotional honesty and storytelling through motion

Nadav encourages dancers to explore range — from sharp precision to expansive flow — developing versatility and adaptability. His classes challenge students physically while also inviting them to connect deeply to intention and artistry.

Trained in Israel’s rigorous and innovative dance environment, Nadav brings a strong contemporary sensibility that values creativity, risk-taking, and individuality. He integrates technical conditioning with improvisation and performance exploration, helping dancers become confident, expressive movers.

His goal is to cultivate dancers who are not only technically capable, but also artistically courageous — performers who can move with clarity, strength, and emotional depth in both contemporary and modern repertoire.

Lilit Kurinyan’s teaching is firmly grounded in the principles of the Vaganova method, emphasizing clarity, precision, and strong classical structure. She believes that disciplined technical training creates not only beautiful lines, but intelligent and confident dancers.

Lilit pays close attention to:

• Proper placement of the hips, feet, and head
• Fully stretched knees and elongated legs
• Clean classical positions and long, uninterrupted lines
• Musicality and dynamic contrast
• Correct execution of every step with intention

For Lilit, musicality and proper dynamics are essential to executing choreography correctly. She teaches dancers to move with phrasing, sensitivity, and awareness of tempo, ensuring that technique and artistry develop together.

Her classes are adaptable and thoughtful. She carefully adjusts the level of intensity and structure according to each student’s needs and goals. Whether working with beginners, advanced students, or adults, Lilit can create an academically rigorous and physically demanding class — or a lighter, more accessible and enjoyable environment — while maintaining strong technical standards.

Her ultimate goal is to cultivate dancers who are technically sound, musically expressive, and confident in their movement, all while preserving the integrity and elegance of classical ballet.

Askar Kettebekov is a master technician whose teaching is rooted in a deep and uncompromising dedication to the purity of the Vaganova method. With encyclopedic knowledge of classical ballet vocabulary, structure, and progression, Askar approaches training as both a science and an art.

He believes that true excellence comes from disciplined repetition, intellectual understanding, and absolute respect for classical tradition.

His philosophy emphasizes:

• Precision in placement and classical line
• Proper coordination of épaulement and port de bras
• Progressive technical development according to Vaganova principles
• Strength, control, and dynamic clarity
• Musical phrasing and stylistic authenticity

Askar is known for his meticulous attention to detail. He breaks down combinations with clarity, ensuring dancers understand the mechanics and purpose behind each movement. His classes demand focus, stamina, and commitment — cultivating dancers who are technically reliable and stylistically refined.

A passionate advocate for pure Vaganova education, Askar believes that preserving the integrity of the method builds dancers who are strong, intelligent, and artistically sophisticated. He challenges students to hold themselves to the highest professional standards while inspiring them to appreciate the beauty and logic of classical ballet.

His ultimate goal is to develop disciplined, technically exceptional dancers who embody the strength, elegance, and artistry of the Russian classical tradition.

Yelena Zerkovska’s teaching philosophy is deeply rooted in her strong Ukrainian ballet foundation and classical Eastern European training. She believes that true artistry is built upon discipline, musicality, and a powerful technical base developed through consistent, structured work.

Trained from a young age in the rigorous traditions of Ukrainian and Russian classical ballet, Yelena emphasizes:

• Strong foundational barre technique
• Clean classical lines and expressive épaulement
• Precision in footwork and articulate port de bras
• Strength and elasticity in jumps and turns
• Musical interpretation and stage presence

Yelena understands that ballet is both athletic and poetic. Her classes focus on building strength, coordination, and flexibility while cultivating elegance and emotional depth. She encourages dancers to move with intention, to respect classical traditions, and to develop resilience through disciplined practice.

Having performed leading roles across classical repertoire internationally, Yelena brings authentic stage experience into the studio. She guides students not only in executing steps correctly, but in understanding the character, style, and story behind the movement.

Her goal is to develop dancers who are technically strong, artistically expressive, and prepared to meet professional standards with confidence and grace.

Virjina Maslov’s teaching philosophy is grounded in the principles of the Vaganova method, emphasizing strength, precision, and the development of a clean classical line. She believes that disciplined, structured training builds not only strong technique but also confidence and artistic maturity.

Her approach focuses on:

• Proper alignment and postural strength
• Clear classical positions and transitions
• Development of flexibility with control
• Athletic conditioning to support technique
• Coordination and musical responsiveness

Virjina is committed to building a solid foundation from the ground up. She carefully develops turnout mechanics, foot articulation, and core stability to ensure dancers move efficiently and safely. Her classes are thoughtfully structured to progress dancers step by step, reinforcing correct habits and technical clarity.

She believes that ballet training should cultivate both discipline and artistry. While maintaining high standards, Virjina creates a focused and encouraging environment where students are motivated to push their limits and take pride in their progress.

Her goal is to shape strong, technically capable dancers who move with confidence, strength, and refined classical elegance.

Edmond Baghdasaryan’s teaching philosophy is deeply rooted in the traditions of rigorous Russian classical ballet training. With extensive education in the Russian system, he believes that true technical excellence is built through discipline, structure, and unwavering attention to detail.

His approach emphasizes:

• Strong foundational barre work
• Precise placement and classical alignment
• Proper turnout mechanics and foot articulation
• Strength, balance, and controlled power
• Clean execution and stylistic authenticity

Edmond upholds the principles of the Russian school — where clarity, épaulement, coordination, and expressive upper body movement are essential components of every exercise. He believes that consistency and repetition, when done correctly, create reliability and confidence in a dancer’s technique.

In his classes, students are challenged to work with focus and intention. Edmond fosters discipline and resilience while encouraging dancers to respect the structure of classical ballet as both an art form and a craft.

His ultimate goal is to develop technically strong, musically aware, and stylistically refined dancers who understand the importance of tradition while striving for continuous growth and excellence.

Arno Tsembenhoi believes that true ballet mastery is built on discipline, clarity, and intelligent technique. With a strong foundation in the Vaganova method and extensive international performance experience, Arno approaches teaching with precision, structure, and high professional standards.

His philosophy centers on developing dancers who are both technically powerful and artistically refined. He emphasizes:

• Correct alignment and clean classical placement
• Strength through controlled, efficient movement
• Coordination of épaulement and upper body expression
• Musical accuracy and dynamic contrast
• Consistency and daily technical discipline

Arno’s classes are structured and purposeful, designed to build stamina, balance, and technical reliability. He focuses on understanding the mechanics behind each movement, helping dancers train intelligently rather than relying solely on repetition.

Having performed internationally across classical and contemporary repertoire, Arno encourages versatility while maintaining classical integrity. He challenges dancers to push beyond comfort zones while fostering resilience, mental focus, and professional work ethic.

His goal is to cultivate disciplined, technically strong dancers who move with clarity, intention, and confidence — prepared not only for performance, but for sustained artistic growth.

Maggie Gulitashvili believes that ballet training should cultivate both technical excellence and personal confidence. With a strong classical foundation and a passion for developing dancers at every stage of their journey, Maggie approaches teaching with clarity, patience, and purpose.

Her philosophy centers on building strength through proper alignment and efficient technique. She emphasizes:

• Clear placement and posture
• Strong foundational barre work
• Coordination and musicality
• Safe flexibility and control
• Gradual, consistent progression

Maggie understands that every dancer develops at a different pace. She creates a structured and encouraging classroom environment where students feel supported while being challenged to improve. Her attention to detail ensures that dancers build healthy habits early, preventing injury and fostering longevity.

She believes ballet is not only about steps, but about discipline, artistry, and self-expression. Maggie encourages students to take ownership of their training, to listen to their bodies, and to move with intention and grace.

Her goal is to help dancers grow into technically strong, confident, and expressive artists who appreciate the beauty and discipline of classical ballet.

Taylor Hugens believes that strong classical technique is the foundation for both artistic freedom and long-term growth in ballet. Having trained at prestigious institutions and performed professionally, she understands that true development comes from consistency, clarity, and attention to detail.

Her teaching emphasizes:

• Clean, precise placement and alignment
• Strong foundational technique and coordination
• Musicality and phrasing
• Control, balance, and articulation
• Confidence built through understanding

Taylor is especially passionate about breaking down complex movements into clear, accessible components. She believes students thrive when they understand why they are doing something — not just how. Her classes focus on building technical confidence step by step, allowing dancers to progress safely and intelligently.

With her background in professional productions and Balanchine-influenced repertoire, Taylor values speed, precision, and dynamic energy while maintaining classical purity. She encourages dancers to challenge themselves, remain disciplined, and embrace the process of refinement.

Her goal as an educator is to cultivate dancers who are technically sound, musically aware, and artistically expressive — while fostering a positive and motivating classroom environment where every student feels capable of growth.

Ariana approaches teaching with the belief that strong classical training must be built on clarity, discipline, and intelligent body awareness. Her methodology emphasizes:

• Proper alignment and clean technical execution
• Strength balanced with fluidity and grace
• Musical precision and dynamic phrasing
• Injury-preventative conditioning
• Confidence and artistic authenticity

Her classes are structured, detailed, and thoughtfully progressive, guiding dancers to understand not only the mechanics of ballet, but the intention and artistry behind each movement. Ariana fosters an environment that is both disciplined and encouraging, helping students build technical precision while developing expressive confidence.

With her extensive training at nationally recognized ballet institutions and her professional company experience, Ariana brings both academic rigor and stage-tested knowledge to every class she teaches.