Business Details
29 Years
experience
Premier Ballet Training in Wheeling, IL
Founded in 1997, our academy has dedicated over 25 years to cultivating excellence in ballet education. Our professional instructors, holding Master's degrees in dance, deliver high-quality training rooted in the Vaganova method, a globally respected Russian ballet pedagogy. We pride ourselves on nurturing students' technical proficiency and artistic expression through classical ballet, contemporary dance, character dance, and acting.Our partnership with Mari State Theater of Opera and Ballet in Russia offers unique opportunities for advanced training and professional stage experience. With a legacy of producing award-winning dancers and preparing students for prestigious summer programs, we remain committed to inspiring the next generation of ballet artists.
Services
Pre-Ballet Classes
Ballet Levels 1-4
Intermediate/Advanced Ballet
Adult Ballet
Character Dance
Summer Intensive Program
Pointe Technique Training
Competition Preparation
Theater Collaboration Opportunities
Professional Development
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- 25+ years of expertise in Vaganova method ballet training
- Instructors with Master's degrees and professional theater experience
- Proven track record of competition success and professional placements
- Exclusive partnership with Mari State Theater of Opera and Ballet
- Holistic curriculum combining technical and artistic development
Services
Ballet Levels 1-4
Structured training program developing foundational to advanced ballet techniques. Students master barre work, center combinations, and across-the-floor progressions while building strength, flexibility, and musicality. Curriculum follows the Vaganova method's systematic approach to classical ballet training.
Character Dance
Specialized instruction in stylized folk dance adaptations used in classical ballet. Students learn traditional variations from Hungary, Russia, Poland, Italy, and Spain, including csardas, mazurka, tarantella, and flamenco. Prepares dancers for performance roles requiring cultural dance interpretations.
Summer Intensive Program
Eight-week immersive ballet program featuring daily technique classes, pointe work, and repertoire training. Includes masterclasses with guest artists and performance opportunities. Designed to accelerate technical development and artistic growth during summer months.
Adult Ballet
Beginner-friendly ballet classes focusing on posture, basic positions, and fundamental movements. Provides low-impact physical conditioning while introducing classical ballet terminology and technique for adult learners of all fitness levels.
Competition Preparation
Specialized coaching for competition participation. Includes solo variation selection, performance quality development, and mock adjudication sessions. Our students consistently achieve top scores at Youth American Grand Prix and other prestigious competitions.
People
Anastasia Beresneva
Artistic Director/Instructor
Vaganova-trained graduate of Mari State College of Ballet with 10+ years teaching experience. Former principal dancer at Mari Theatre of Opera and Ballet. Holds Master's degree in Dance from Mari State University. Specializes in classical repertoire and competition coaching.
Inna Duerr
Dance Instructor
Professional ballet instructor with extensive performance experience in Russian classical ballet productions. Focuses on technical precision and artistic expression in student training. Active participant in developing the academy's progressive curriculum.
Questions
What ballet training methods do you use?
We exclusively use the Vaganova method, a Russian ballet pedagogy combining French, Italian, and Russian techniques. This systematic approach develops strong technical foundations and artistic expression.
Do you offer adult ballet classes?
Yes, we provide beginner-friendly adult ballet classes focusing on basic positions, posture, and fundamental movements. No prior experience is required for these recreational classes.
What performance opportunities exist?
Students participate in annual showcases and have opportunities to perform with Mari State Theater of Opera and Ballet through our partnership program. Competition participation is also available.
Are there summer programs available?
Our Summer Intensive Program runs eight weeks with daily technique classes, masterclasses, and performance preparation. Designed to accelerate skill development while maintaining artistic growth.
What qualifications do instructors have?
All instructors hold Master's degrees in dance and have professional performance experience. Our artistic director graduated with honors from Mari State University in Russia.
Reviews (1)
Mariana Zeedyk
Jan 29, 2016
Report
Excellent ballet school! Really strict, but some times it is what it takes to make our kids a good dancers! They do not play around there, but focus on all right things like posture, positions. Our teacher Anastasia constantly come to each of the girls and place their feet, arms, shoulders in the right position if they doing something wrong. Really the BEST ballet school in the area!
