Business Details
25 Years
experience
Premier Ballet & Dance Training in Bellevue, WA
Founded in 2001, the International Ballet Academy has established itself as Bellevue's premier institution for classical ballet and dance education. Our academy preserves the rich traditions of dance while adapting to a modern, interconnected world, ensuring these art forms continue to inspire future generations. With a faculty of internationally renowned artists and educators, we offer comprehensive training programs for students aged 20 months to adults, including professional dance preparation, summer intensives, and community engagement initiatives. Each student receives personalized instruction tailored to their unique artistic development, reflecting our belief that dance is both a personal journey and a collective experience. Our curriculum spans ballet, modern, contemporary, jazz, and character dance, preparing students for professional careers while fostering a deep appreciation for the performing arts.The academy's philosophy centers on family, cultural enrichment, and the transformative power of dance, creating a supportive environment where students of all ages can thrive. Through partnerships with global institutions and competitions, we provide opportunities for students to showcase their talents internationally. Our state-of-the-art facilities in downtown Bellevue include four specialized studios, ideal for both training and creative projects. With over two decades of excellence, we remain committed to nurturing artistic excellence while making dance accessible to our local community. Our alumni have gone on to join prestigious companies worldwide, testament to the quality of education we provide.
Services
Ballet Training
Dance Education
Summer Program
Studio Rentals
Professional Development
Children's Classes
Adult Programs
Choreography Services
Performance Opportunities
Faculty Coaching
Details
- Year established: 2001
Highlights and features
- We offer 25 years of excellence in classical ballet education with professional faculty
- Our graduates perform with top international dance companies worldwide
- We provide individualized tutelage from world-renowned instructors
- We maintain a family-oriented philosophy with community-focused programming
- Our students gain access to global performance and competition opportunities
Services
Ballet Training
Our comprehensive ballet training program develops technical mastery and artistic expression for students aged 7 to 18. With daily classes in classical technique, pointe work, and character dance, students receive personalized instruction from former professional dancers. The curriculum prepares aspiring artists for careers in major companies while emphasizing proper body mechanics to prevent injury.
Summer Program
The annual summer intensive offers specialized training for serious dancers during July and August. Participants receive daily technique classes, variations instruction, and performance preparation from international faculty. The program includes masterclasses with guest artists and culminates in a showcase performance at our Bellevue theater.
Studio Rentals
Our four professional studios in downtown Bellevue provide ideal spaces for dance rehearsals, theater productions, and creative events. Each studio features sprung floors, full-length mirrors, and professional sound systems. Rentals include access to dressing rooms and technical equipment with flexible booking options available.
Children's Program
Designed for ages 20 months to 7 years, our children's program introduces foundational dance concepts through playful, age-appropriate instruction. Classes focus on motor skill development, musicality, and creative expression while building a strong technical base for future training.
Faculty Coaching
The academy offers professional development opportunities for dance educators through workshops and certification programs. Faculty members receive mentorship in pedagogy, curriculum development, and injury prevention techniques aligned with international standards.
People
Vera Altunina
Founder and Artistic Director
Renowned choreographer and former Vaganova Ballet School graduate Vera Altunina established IBA in 2001. With decades of experience training professional dancers, she specializes in classical ballet technique and has produced numerous full-length productions.
Stephanie Saland
Faculty Member
Former New York City Ballet principal dancer Stephanie Saland brings her extensive performance and teaching experience to IBA. She has conducted workshops internationally and served as a judge for Youth America Grand Prix since 2005.
Francois Serre y Berga
Assistant Artistic Director
A Paris Opera Ballet graduate, Francois Serre y Berga directs contemporary programming at IBA. His choreography has been featured at international festivals, and he has trained dancers for major competitions like Youth America Grand Prix.
Bret Swigard
Physical Therapist
Board-certified physical therapist Bret Swigard provides injury prevention guidance for IBA students. His expertise in dance medicine helps maintain dancer wellness through proper body mechanics and conditioning programs.
Sasha Lane
Primary Program Instructor
ABT-certified instructor Sasha Lane teaches the Primary Program after graduating from NYU's Dance Education program. She brings experience from teaching at the ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School to her classes.
Questions
What dance styles do you teach besides ballet?
Our curriculum includes modern, contemporary, jazz, and character dance alongside classical ballet training.
Do you offer adult dance classes?
Yes, our Open Program serves students aged 12 to adult with recreational and professional development options.
Are there performance opportunities for students?
Students participate in annual productions and have performed in International Ballet Theatre's Don Quixote and Giselle.
What qualifications do your instructors have?
Our faculty includes former principal dancers, competition judges, and certified instructors with international performance experience.
Do you offer summer dance programs?
Our annual summer intensive includes technique classes, variations instruction, and performance preparation from July to August.
Can I rent your studio space for events?
Yes, our four studios are available for rehearsals, workshops, and creative events with flexible booking options.
Videos
Reviews (4)
Jill Wojslaw
Jan 26, 2022
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Could not be more pleased with the education and performance opportunities IBA and IBT have offered our child who is in her 3rd year of attending. She is learning so much and we consistently see noticeable progress in her dancing. I appreciate that its easy to get in contact with the school and the website and newsletters are always up to date.
Im also very impressed by all the students. They are nurturing mature dancers who are professional, polite and supportive of one another.
Im also very impressed by all the students. They are nurturing mature dancers who are professional, polite and supportive of one another.
Lena Endres
Sep 30, 2021
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I take ballet Here the teacher a great and they provide 3 performances per year nutcracker and a choice performance also end of the year skill show off I would recommend going here
Lea Kool
Jan 23, 2020
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Hands down, the best instructors from 2.5 years old to adult. The instructors have the biggest hearts and care deeply for their students. Honest, fair and individualized attention. If you are going to invest your precious time and hard-earned dollars somewhere for your child to pursue artistic studies, do so where you can see that you are getting something of great value. International Ballet Academy & Theatre is that place.
Ani B.
Feb 02, 2019
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This school and Mrs. Vera the art director are only interested to make $.
1. for their spring show of 2018 in the 3 year old category, they told all parents they would have qualified care takers of their children for 4 hours. instead they had the 15 girls in a 10ft x 8 ft open space next to a door that opened to the Meydenbauer center's garage. Had I not fought to get in with my daughter I'm not sure what would have append, given I was stopping the other little girls from running into the garage. Also, the 2 care takers I saw were teenage girls and boys 12-14 yrs old who would stop by
1. for their spring show of 2018 in the 3 year old category, they told all parents they would have qualified care takers of their children for 4 hours. instead they had the 15 girls in a 10ft x 8 ft open space next to a door that opened to the Meydenbauer center's garage. Had I not fought to get in with my daughter I'm not sure what would have append, given I was stopping the other little girls from running into the garage. Also, the 2 care takers I saw were teenage girls and boys 12-14 yrs old who would stop by
