Business Details
25 Years
experience
Premier Ballet Training in Bellevue, WA
For 25 years, our academy has cultivated Washington's most accomplished dancers, offering rigorous training rooted in classical traditions. Our mission is to preserve the timeless artistry of ballet while nurturing the next generation of professional artists. With a curriculum grounded in the Vaganova method, we provide award-winning instruction in ballet, modern, contemporary, jazz, and character dance. Our world-renowned faculty, including alumni of prestigious institutions like the Vaganova Ballet School and New York City Ballet, delivers individualized tutelage to help each student reach their full potential.We emphasize cultural enrichment, technical excellence, and the transformative power of dance, ensuring students develop both as artists and individuals. Through partnerships with International Ballet Theatre, we offer unparalleled performance opportunities. Our commitment to family-centered education creates a supportive environment where dancers of all agesfrom toddlers to professionalscan thrive. With locations in Bellevue and Kirkland, we serve local and international communities, preparing students for careers in top dance companies and universities worldwide.
Services
Professional Program
Preparatory Program
Children's Program
Summer Intensive
Open Program
Details
- Year established: 2001
Highlights and features
- 25-year legacy cultivating professional dancers with Vaganova-method expertise
- Faculty includes alumni of Vaganova Ballet School and New York City Ballet
- Performance opportunities with International Ballet Theatre
- Individualized instruction for ages 20 months to professional dancers
- Alumni placed in prestigious companies like Alvin Ailey and Juilliard
What people say
World-renowned instructors
Excellent performance opportunities
Structured curriculum
Professional development focus
Strong alumni network
Services
Professional Program
Intensive Vaganova-method training for ages 13-18 preparing for professional careers. Curriculum includes classical ballet, pointe work, variations, pas de deux, and character dance. Students receive 76+ monthly hours with performance opportunities in International Ballet Theatre productions. Program spans 3-4 years with academic credit eligibility.
Preparatory Program
Structured ballet training for ages 9-16 following the Vaganova curriculum. Levels 1-8 develop technical proficiency through barre work, center practice, and pointe training. Includes non-ballet styles like jazz and modern dance. Requires 2-5 weekly classes with progressive performance opportunities in annual productions.
Children's Program
Creative movement classes for ages 20 months to 7 years introducing ballet fundamentals. Curriculum includes 'Dance With Me' parent-child sessions, creative expression exercises, and basic technique development. Focuses on coordination, musicality, and spatial awareness through imaginative activities without prior experience requirements.
Summer Intensive
Six-week advanced training program for ages 10+ featuring classical ballet, pointe work, contemporary dance, and character technique. Includes private instruction, artistic director conferences, and scholarship opportunities. Requires audition for placement with specialized focus on technical precision and performance artistry.
Open Program
Drop-in dance classes for ages 12+ offering ballet, modern, and jazz instruction. Designed for recreational dancers seeking flexibility in training. Provides technical development and artistic expression opportunities without formal enrollment requirements, accommodating various skill levels.
People
Vera Altunina
Artistic Director
Founder of International Ballet Academy with credentials from Vaganova Ballet School and Rimsky-Korsakov Conservatory. Former lead instructor at Washington Academy of Performing Arts, she has trained students for major dance companies worldwide.
Stephanie Saland
Faculty Member
Former New York City Ballet principal dancer trained at School of American Ballet. Teaching since 1993 with international workshop experience in 10+ countries. Recognized for exceptional pedagogical approach to dance technique and artistry.
Francois Serre y Berga
Assistant Artistic Director
Graduate of Opera de Paris Conservatoire with professional experience across Europe. Recipient of honors at Youth America Grand Prix and Tanzolymp competitions. Teaches ballet and contemporary dance while choreographing for International Ballet Theatre.
Questions
What ballet training methods do you use?
We primarily use the Vaganova method, the foundation of classical ballet training at Russia's premier dance institutions.
Are there performance opportunities for students?
Yes, students participate in annual productions like The Nutcracker and perform with International Ballet Theatre.
What age groups do you accept?
We offer programs for children as young as 20 months through adult professional training programs.
Do you offer summer programs?
Yes, our Summer Intensive runs July-August with specialized training for ages 10+ and children's camps.
What are the audition requirements?
Professional programs require in-person or video auditions. Children's programs have no audition requirements.
Is there a dress code?
Yes, regulation attire from On Pointe Dancewear is required, with specific uniforms for each training level.
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