Business Details
Classical Ballet Training Excellence in Orange County
Founded by former Moscow Classical Ballet principal dancers Victor and Tatiana Kasatsky, our academy has been cultivating excellence in classical ballet training for over two decades. Our faculty includes internationally renowned instructors with extensive performance backgrounds, offering students a unique blend of technical rigor and artistic expression. Through the Vaganova method, we provide comprehensive training for children, adults, and pre-professional dancers, preparing them for careers in ballet and related disciplines. Our students consistently achieve recognition at prestigious competitions like YAGP, with many advancing to professional companies including Ballet Project OC. The academy's curriculum integrates ballet technique, pointe work, partnering, and character dance, supported by guest masterclasses from industry luminaries.We maintain partnerships with professional ballet organizations to create clear pathways for student advancement. Our community-focused approach fosters a supportive environment where dancers develop both technical mastery and artistic sensitivity. With multiple performance opportunities annually, including The Nutcracker and spring productions, we emphasize practical stage experience alongside technical training. Our alumni network spans major ballet companies worldwide, testament to our commitment to nurturing future dance professionals.
Services
Ballet Academy Classes
Adult Dance Classes
Pre-Professional Training
Outreach Program
Summer Intensive
Highlights and features
- We offer Vaganova method training from former Moscow Ballet principal dancers
- Our faculty includes international guest instructors from major ballet companies
- We provide direct pathways to professional ballet companies through Ballet Project OC
- Our students consistently win awards at Youth America Grand Prix competitions
- We maintain a 30+ year legacy of producing professional ballet dancers worldwide
What people say
Exceptional teaching
Well-rounded curriculum
Professional opportunities
Tight-knit community
Performance excellence
Services
Ballet Academy Classes
Structured classical ballet training for children ages 3-18 using the Vaganova method. Our progressive curriculum develops technical proficiency through daily classes in ballet technique, pointe work, and partnering. Students receive personalized attention in small class settings with performance opportunities in annual productions.
Adult Dance Classes
Technique-focused ballet instruction for adult learners of all experience levels. Classes emphasize proper alignment, injury prevention, and artistic expression while accommodating varying physical abilities. Participants benefit from the same rigorous methodology used in our youth programs in a supportive, non-competitive environment.
Pre-Professional Training
Intensive program for dancers pursuing professional careers, including daily technique classes, pointe/repetoire instruction, and partnering. Students gain stage experience through company performances and receive career guidance from industry professionals. The program includes masterclasses with guest artists from major ballet companies.
Outreach Program
Initiatives providing dance education access to underserved populations through scholarships and partnerships. The program offers specialized instruction in classical ballet fundamentals while fostering artistic appreciation through performance attendance and workshops with professional dancers.
Summer Intensive
Four-week immersive ballet program featuring daily technique classes, pointe work, and character dance. Participants receive instruction from guest faculty members with professional company experience and prepare for year-round training through performance showcases and individual evaluations.
People
Victor Kasatsky
Artistic Director
Former Moscow Classical Ballet principal dancer with 45+ years teaching experience. Specializes in Vaganova technique, choreography, and partnering instruction. Mentored multiple YAGP award-winning students and serves as artistic director for Ballet Project OC.
Tatiana Kasatsky
Artistic Director
Graduate of Moscow Bolshoi Academy with 40+ years teaching experience. Former principal dancer with Moscow Classical Ballet, specializing in classical repertoire and variation instruction. Co-founder of Ballet Project OC and frequent YAGP competition judge.
Karen Woo
Instructor
MFA graduate from CSU Long Beach with 25+ years teaching experience. Former Bella Lewitzky Dance Company member, specializing in early childhood dance education. Choreography has placed in top three YAGP regional competitions and advanced to New York finals.
Sunny Lee
Instructor
BFA and MFA graduate from California Institute of the Arts with international teaching experience. Former Korea National University of Arts faculty member and Modafe International Dance Festival programmer specializing in interdisciplinary dance education for young students.
Waldemar Bartkowski
Instructor
National Academy of Dance graduate from Poznan with 40+ years professional experience. Former Ballet du Nord soloist with expertise in Balanchine repertoire. Specializes in classical technique instruction and preparing students for professional ballet careers.
Questions
What ballet training methods do you use?
We primarily use the Vaganova method, supplemented by Balanchine techniques and contemporary approaches. Our curriculum integrates classical repertoire with modern pedagogical practices.
Do you accept adult beginners?
Yes, our adult classes accommodate all experience levels from absolute beginners to former dancers returning to training.
How do students progress to professional careers?
Through our Ballet Project OC partnership, pre-professional students receive company training, performance opportunities, and direct mentorship from professional dancers.
What performance opportunities exist?
Students participate in annual Nutcracker and spring productions, YAGP competitions, and special performances with guest artists from major ballet companies.
Are there scholarship options available?
Our outreach program offers need-based scholarships and community partnerships to ensure access for qualified students regardless of financial circumstances.
Videos
Reviews (3)
Gus Chyba
Jan 31, 2021
Report
Wonderful facility, easy parking, perfect floors, and a big roll up door to let in natural light and air. Rina is an amazing teacher.
Ellen Lee
Dec 13, 2017
Report
Amazing teachers and great families... couldn't ask for a better studio for excellent Russian ballet teaching.
Naomi Goegan
Sep 06, 2014
Report
The official school of Victor & Tatiana Kasatsky. Classical Russian Vaganova Ballet Training in a non-commercial, family studio. My girls love it here! The students are sweet, the teaching is the very best in OC - 3 time YAGP Outstanding School Award winner, 4 time YAGP Outstanding Teacher Award winner - it's the best kept secret in OC!
