Catherine began her dance journey at the age of 4 and has been a cherished member of Minnesota Ballet School (MBS) since 2014. Now 17 years old and a full-time student at the University of Minnesota through the PSEO program, Catherine has not only excelled in her studies but also in her passion for ballet.
As a dancer, Catherine has excelled in numerous leading roles, including Clara, Snow Princess, Arabian Solo, and others in The Nutcracker, as well as featured performances in Spring Galas. This season, she represented MBS at the Youth America Grand Prix in Kansas City, placing in the Top 24 for her classical solo.
As a teacher, Catherine brings her wealth of experience, dedication, and love for ballet to her students. She inspires young dancers with her strong technique and passion for the art form. Catherine’s ability to connect with students and her commitment to creating a positive, nurturing environment makes her an exceptional instructor. She is excited to pass on her knowledge and help the next generation of dancers grow and thrive at MBS.
Mariah is currently a high school junior and has been dancing for 13 years. This is her first season with Minnesota Ballet School, and she has quickly become a valued member of the community. Over the years, Mariah has performed in numerous full-length productions, including The Nutcracker, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and Coppélia.
In addition to her dedication as a dancer, Mariah shares her love of ballet with younger students as a teacher for the Pre-Ballet 1 & 2 classes. Her enthusiasm, patience, and strong foundation in classical technique make her a wonderful role model for aspiring dancers.
We are thrilled to have Mariah at MBS and look forward to her continued growth and contributions both on stage and in the studio.
Taylor is a dedicated and passionate ballet instructor who graduated from the Academy of Russian Ballet in Minnesota, where she received her classical ballet training based on the Vaganova syllabus. Her strong foundation in classical technique and her love for ballet have been integral to her teaching style.
In 2018, Taylor began her journey with Minnesota Ballet School (MBS) and has since become an integral part of the teaching team. She currently teaches Pre-Ballet, Ballet 1, and Adult Ballet classes, inspiring students of all ages with her commitment to developing strong technique and a love for dance. Taylor brings a nurturing, patient, and engaging approach to the classroom, helping students build confidence and skill.
Throughout her career, Taylor has performed numerous solo roles in productions such as Ballet Paquita, Peter and the Wolf, Carnival of the Animals, and many others, showcasing her versatility and artistry as a dancer.
We also want to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Taylor on the arrival of her beautiful baby girl this year! She is an incredible teacher, mentor, and role model, and we are thrilled to see her balance her passion for dance with her growing family.
Mariah Schilling has experience in kick, jazz, musical theater, and Ballet. She studied and continues to study ballet at the Stroia ballet company. Mariah has assisted in and has coached for Just for Kix’s jazz and kick programs, has instructed ballet, contemporary, and jazz classes through Stroia Ballet, and has choreographed productions for Little Falls community schools. Mariah is excited to start work with Minnesota Ballet School to create a curriculum that will aid students in improving their contemporary technique skills through drills, stretching and strengthening, memorizing combos, improvising creative movement, and more.
Veronika Part (Former Mariinsky and American Ballet Theatre Principal Dancer, Esteemed Judge for California Dance Classic and YAGP, Master Teacher, global guest instructor.)
Veronika Part, born in St. Petersburg, Russia in 1978, is a celebrated ballet dancer with a career spanning decades. Her journey in the arts commenced with gymnastics before she transitioned to ballet at the renowned Vaganova Ballet Academy in 1988. Graduating in 1996, she swiftly rose to prominence, joining the prestigious Mariinsky (Kirov) Ballet and achieving the rank of soloist in 1998.
During her tenure with the Kirov Ballet, Part showcased her exceptional talent across a diverse repertoire, embodying iconic roles such as Nikiya in "La Bayadère," the Queen of the Dryads in "Don Quixote," and Odette-Odile in "Swan Lake." She also displayed her versatility through performances in works by acclaimed choreographers George Balanchine and John Neumeier, earning accolades such as the prestigious BALTIKA Prize in 1999.
In August 2002, Part embarked on a new chapter, joining the American Ballet Theatre as a Soloist. Over the years, she ascended to the rank of Principal in May 2009, leaving an indelible mark with her captivating performances. Her repertoire with ABT spanned a wide range of roles, from classical to contemporary works, highlighting her artistry and versatility on stage.
Throughout her illustrious career, Part has graced stages worldwide, captivating audiences with her beauty and artistry.
In July 2017, she retired from the American Ballet Theatre, yet her passion for dance persists as she continues to perform, enchanting audiences with her timeless elegance and grace. Additionally, she serves as a judge for esteemed competitions such as the Youth America Grand Prix and California Dance Classic, contributing her expertise to nurture the next generation of ballet talent.
Misha Tchoupakov (YAGP Finals Rehearsal Director, Judge, Master Teacher, global guest instructor.)
Originally from Moscow, Russia, Misha, with an extensive career spanning the Bolshoi Ballet, Colorado Ballet, Sarasota Ballet, Los Angeles Classical Ballet, Vienna State Opera Ballet, and San Francisco Opera Ballet, holds an M.F.A. in Dance Pedagogy and Choreography from the Moscow State Institute of Choreography. His rich teaching experience includes prestigious institutions worldwide such as the Royal Ballet School, University of Utah Department of Ballet, and currently, the University of North Carolina School of Dance. As the Rehearsal Director for YAGP in New York, he continues to be an internationally sought-after guest teacher, sharing his expertise globally.
ALEXEI MOSKALENKO (YAGP Assistant Artistic Director)
For the past 23 years, Alexei has been working with the world largest Ballet Competition for students - Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP), as Judge, Master teacher, NY Rehearsals Director, Tour Director, US Operations Director and Assistant Artistic Director. Alexei evaluates, judges, guides and teaches more than 10,000 students, who compete at YAGP, across 26 US cities and 13 countries, yearly.
Alexei Moskalenko is a graduate of the Moscow Bolshoi Ballet Academy and former dancer of the Bolshoi Ballet Grivgorovitch, later receiving a degree in ballet pedagogy and choreography from the Moscow State Academy of Choreography. After moving to the US in 1992, Moskalenko was a principal dancer, and went on to open his own ballet school, becoming a celebrated national and international guest teacher.
Moskalenko's students have won the highest awards in international ballet competitions including Moscow IBC, Varna, and Youth America Grand Prix. Having worked with YAGP since its founding in as a regional and international judge, master teacher, and the NYC Rehearsal Director, Moskalenko was named as YAGP's Assistant Artistic Director in 2016.
NATALIA BASHKATOVA (YAGP Judge and Assistant Artistic Director)
Natalia has more than 35 years of experience in the entertainment industry, and is a highly talented artist.
Born in Russia, Bashkatova trained at the prestigious Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Moscow and Bolshoi Ballet University. She became a principal dancer for the prestigious Bolshoi Theater Grigorovich Ballet from 1989-1994 and immediately after was a guest principal dancer with the New York City Ballet. Her repertoire included many title roles in the great classics including Aurora in Sleeping Beauty, Kitri in Don Quixote, Swanhilda in Coppelia, Odette/Odile in Swan Lake among many others. Awards include "Best Ballerina of the Festival" at the 1992 Spoleto International Arts Festival held in Spoleto, Italy. She has toured worldwide to countries including Holland, Greece, Egypt, Hong Kong, France, and Belgium among many others.
After moving to the United States, she joined Cirque Du Soleil in Las Vegas as a lead dancer in Mystere. In 1998, she moved to Orlando to perform in Cirque du Soleil's "La Nouba". She has been featured in numerous television commercials, interviews, and videos with Cirque du Soleil.
Natalia is founder of ARTASTAR ARTIST MANAGEMENT and PRODUCTION company, which supports the dancers from the foreign countries. One of the directions of her company is support young talented dancers of new ballet generation . Witch gives them an opportunity to get selected to be a part of the new production and have the chance to be on stage with the most recent world known ballet dancers. Natalia is an in-demand master teacher and coach nationwide and is a judge and master teacher for the prestigious ballet competition Youth America Grand Prix.
OLIVER HALKOWICH (Former Soloist Dancer at Houston Ballet, now Choreographer and Trainee Program Director at NOBT)
Oliver grew up in South Florida and took his first dance class at the age of 2. He performed in Miami City Ballet's first Nutcracker, fell in love with both Tchaikovsky and ballet, and later migrated west to train at the San Francisco Ballet School. In 2001, he began his professional dance career back on the east coast with Boston Ballet.
A year later, he found his home in Texas, joining Houston Ballet as a Corps de Ballet member in 2002. Over the next 20 seasons, he rose to the rank of First Soloist, performing a wide range of classical, contemporary, and character roles. Oliver worked with celebrated choreographers such as George Balanchine, Jiří Kylián, William Forsythe, Nacho Duato, Hans Van Manen, Christopher Bruce, Mark Morris, Ben Stevenson OBE, Stanton Welch, Justin Peck, Julia Adam, Aszure Barton, and Jerome Robbins, among others.
In addition to his performance career, Oliver has established himself as a dynamic choreographer, creating works for Houston Ballet, Dance Alive National Ballet, Houston Contemporary Dance Company, and other prestigious organizations, including Mercury Ensemble, the Blaffer Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts Houston. He co-founded REACH, a platform supporting new choreographic works and arts education, alongside Melody Mennite and Connor Walsh. Together, they co-choreographed What We Keep for Houston Ballet in 2018. In 2019, Oliver debuted his first solo commission, Following, for Houston Ballet’s 50th Anniversary Season.
Since transitioning into a new creative role, Oliver has become the resident choreographer for New Orleans Ballet Theatre (NOBT). In May 2023, he premiered an original production of Romeo + Juliet for NOBT. Following its success, he debuted a new production of Dracula in May 2024, solidifying his place as a leading voice in contemporary ballet choreography.
DMITRY TRUBCHANOV (Associate Director of KCYB )
Dmitry is native to Russia and studied ballet at the Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet in Saint Petersburg. Upon his graduation, Mr. Trubchanov joined the Mariinsky Theater (formerly known as Kirov ballet) as a company member. While with the company, Dmitry danced soloist roles in many classical ballets and was invited as a guest performer with the Universal Ballet in Soul, South Korea. In his four years with Mariinsky Theater Dmitry traveled extensively throughout the world. In the late 1990s Mr. Trubchanov moved to the United States and joined Cincinnati Ballet. For the next ten years Dmitry danced as a principal dancer with the company, dancing a vast variety of classical and contemporary ballets by renowned choreographers. He was also featured in documentary “Do Not Go Gently” and in a recreation of “La Sonnambula” for George Balanchine archives. In both cases he closely worked with the legendary Frederick Franklin, C.B.E., who was a premier dancer with Ballets Russes. Mr. Trubchanov and Mr. Franklin, C.B.E. worked together on recreating many forgotten ballets by Leonide Massine. After Cincinnati Ballet, Dmitry moved to Denver and danced with Colorado Ballet as a principal dancer until his retirement in 2015. Throughout his dance career, Dmitry danced as a guest artist with numerous ballet companies in the U.S. and abroad. He has been invited to perform at several ballet festivals including: Vail International Ballet Festival, Miami International Ballet Festival
dedicated to Vladimir Vasiliev and Ekaterina Maximova, and Fukuoka Ballet Gala Festival in Fukuoka, Japan. After Mr. Trubchanov’s retirement, he moved to Kansas City, Missouri and joined the faculty of Kansas City Ballet School. Dmitry also served as a ballet master in-residence for the Kansas City Ballet Company. Currently Dmitry holds the position of Men’s Program Coordinator with Kansas City Ballet School and Associate Director of Kansas City Youth Ballet, as well as being on the judging panel for the California Dance Classics competition.
Oleg Dedogryuk is originally from Russia. He is the Artistic Director for the Annual Nutcracker of Parker, Rehearsal-Director of Ballet Ariel and Teacher of Denver Academy of Ballet. Oleg brings more than 25 years of professional ballet
experience to his students and dancers. After graduating from the Vaganova Ballet Academy in St. Petersburg, Russia, he danced as a Principal Dancer with the Bolshoi Ballet Grigorovich Company, Leningrad Modern Ballet Theater (Eifman Ballet), Moscow Renaissance Ballet, The National Opera and Ballet Theater (Novi Sad, Yugoslavia), the City Ballet in San Diego, CA, and as a soloist with the Colorado Ballet. He has performed in many classical and modern roles, choreographed and staged several full-length ballets, including the annual Nutcracker of Parker, Aladdin (2018), La Fille Mal Garde (2017), Swan Lake (2016), Alice in Wonderland (2014 & 2021), Don Quixote (2012), Sleeping Beauty (2010 & 2020), and Snow Queen (2008).
Lucia Erickson began her training at age three with the Academy of Russian Ballet in Minnesota. She participated in summer courses at Minnesota Dance Theater, Marat Daukayev School of Ballet, the Rock School, the School of Pennsylvania Ballet, and the School of American Ballet. At 16, Lucia moved to Philadelphia and began training at the School of Pennsylvania Ballet. There, Erickson performed in George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, Angel Corella’s Swan Lake, and Samantha Dunster’s La Fille Mal Gardée, Snow White, Prince Charming, and Peter Pan. After two years in the school, Lucia joined PBII for the 2018-2019 season, and was promoted to corps de ballet for the 2019/2020 season.
Her roles include: Don Quixote (Cupid, Flower Girl), George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® (Dew Drop, Lead Marzipan), La Bayadère (Shades Pas de Trois)
Jennifer L. Bennett graduated from Kirov Academy of Ballet, Washington D.C. where She studied under instruction Alla Sizova – Prima Assoluta Ballerina Mariinsky (Kirov) Ballet. As apprentice Jennifer tour across of United State with Kirov Ballet National Nutcracker. After graduation She was soon promoted to Artistic Director Ballet Petite and Youth Performing Arts School, Bethesda, Maryland.
2008-2012 Jennifer become a Principle Dancer with Ballet Minnesota, Saint Paul, Minnesota. Performance roles include Beethoven’s 9th symphony, Beethoven’s 5th Symphony, Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, Mozart’s 40th Symphony, The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, La Bayadere and Don Quixote.
2011-15 Mrs. Bennett start teach in Classical Ballet Academy in St. Paul MN
2015- Present She is full time faculty member and sole ballet teacher for competitive lines at Studio 4 Dance, Burnsville, Minnesota
Heather Haugen Aerial Ballet teacher, She earned a Bachelor of Arts in dance from Pomona College, Pilates certification from Long Beach Dance Conditioning Academy, GYROTONIC® certification and a certificate in GYROKINESIS®.Heather has performed throughout the United States as an aerialist at large venues such as the Anaheim Convention Center and smaller venues such as The Southern Theater in Minneapolis.
Born in Kazakhstan, Toleu Mukanov received his early training at the Almaty Choreographic College and later on graduated from Kyrgyzstan Ballet School. In 2002 he was a gold medal recipient at the International Ballet Competition in Crimea, Ukraine, and in 2006 he received a silver medal at the Almaty Ballet Competition. Immediately upon graduation he joined Astana Ballet in Kazakhstan. Later on he danced with Kyrgyzstan’s Opera and Ballet Theatre, Moscow’s Russian Ballet Theatre and Russian National Ballet Company. His past roles include: Basilio in Don Quixote, Golden Idol in La Bayadere, Ali in Le Corsaire, James in La Sylphide, Franz in Coppelia, Joker in Swan Lake, Blue Bird in Sleeping Beauty, Peasant Pas de Deux in Giselle. Mr Mkanov joined Festival Ballet Providence in April 2012 – October 2014. 2016- Toleu’s first season with Twin Cities Ballet of Minnesota.
Elena Dmitrieva was a ballerina for 25 years after graduating from the most famous Vaganova Ballet Academy in St. Petersburg, Russia in 1977. After graduation She start dance career with the St. Petersburg Opera Theatre Conservatory and became Principal Ballerina, shorter after She was invited to Mikhailovsky State Opera and Ballet Theatre in St. Peterburg, Russia. In 2001 Ms. Elena received Her Master Degree in ballet pedagogy and choreography from same Vaganova Ballet Academy. Now Ms. Elena Dmitrieva represents the second generation of Russian Ballet professors who have mastered the knowledge contained in the world-renowned Vaganova syllabus. Currently Ms. Elena Ballet Master with Victoria Ballet Company and taught many Ballet programs in Japan, Russia and Canada.
Nikolay Morschakov graduated with honors from the Saratov State Choreographic Academy, Russia in 1995. Immediately after, he was selected for Grigorovich Ballet as a Soloist dancer. Elevated to principal dancer in 1999, Mr. Morschakov was featured as Jean de Brienne in “Raymonda”, Romeo in “Romeo and Juliet”, Basilio in “Don Quixote”, both Spartacus and Crassus in “Spartacus”, Prince Siegfried and Von Rothbart in “Swan Lake”, Poet in “Chopiniana”, Cavalier in “Nutcracker” and in other leading and solo roles. In 2003 he joined Sarasota Ballet of Florida as a principal dancer where danced Lieutenant Pinkerton in “Madame Butterfly”, Armand in “Camille”, Alexei in “La Boutique Fantasque”. Since 2005, Mr. Morschakov had been a principal dancer, ballet master, and a choreographer with Dance Alive National Ballet Company. In 2008, he became a freelance dancer and a private ballet instructor. Mr. Morschakov is a Laureate of the Philip Morris International Ballet Competition in 1999 and 2001. During his career he performed in Russia, USA, Portugal, Spain, Japan, Italy, Germany, Lebanon, and Turkey.
Elena Shokhina is the Artistic Director and Ballet Mistress. She graduated from the famed Vaganava Ballet Academyin St. Petersburg, Russia following 8 years of rigorous training. As a ballerina she was a principal dancer with bothSt. Petersburg Ballet (Russia) and Nevada Ballet Theatre (USA). Elena opened Brevard Ballet Academy in the historic Eau Gallie Art District (EGAD) in the fall of 2014
Alexander Smirnov is graduated from State Ballet Academy in Perm, Russia in 1995. Upon graduation he was invited to perform with the Saint Petersburg Academic Theater and Saint Petersburg Ballet Theater where he rose through the ranks and eventually became a Principal Dancer. In 2000 Mr. Smirnov joined the Ballet Oficial de la Provincia de Cordoba, Argentina, also as a Principal Dancer and four years later, he moved to the United States to join Ballet Internationale of Indianapolis. In 2006 Hi joined Dance Alive National Ballet in Florida. In 2009 He moved to Minnesota and join Minnesota Dance Theatre. He has danced principal roles in many classical ballets including Carmen, Chopiniana, Coppelia, Don Quixote, Firebird, Giselle, Le Corsair, Midsummer’s Night Dream, Nutcracker, Paquita, Petroushka, Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake.
Dmitriy Tuboltsev received his Master Degree of Teaching and Choreography at the Institute of State Theatrical Arts (GITIS) in 1997. Prior to that he attended both the Vaganova Ballet Academy in St. Petersburg Russia and the Kazakhstan National Ballet Academy. Dimitriy participated in many international competitions and was principal dancer with the Bolshoi Ballet under the direction of Yuri Grigorovich. He danced internationally as a principal dancer in various countries around the world, including the U.S. Some of the companies he danced with include: The Bolshoi Ballet, Kazakhstan National Ballet, Leningrad Ballet Theater, “Russian Ballet” Theater, Ballet Theater of Maryland and Ohio Ballet.
Vadim Pijicov is the ballet master at L’Etoile Ballet Academy. He received his education Vaganova Ballet Academy in St. Petersburg, Russia. After graduating, he enjoyed a spectacular career as a Principal Dancer with the National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet of Republic of Moldova. Mr. Pijicov has also worked as a Principal Dancer at the prestigious Cozi/Shtefanescu Ballet Company of Regio-Emilia, Italy, and as a soloist with Ballet International of Indianapolis, IN.
Marina Osipova graduated from the Vaganova Ballet Academy in St. Petersburg, Russia, with her BFA in Ballet in 1992. Following her graduation, she joined the “Russian Ballet” company in St. Petersburg. In 1997, she became a member of the Mikhailovsky State Opera and Ballet Theatre. In 2000, she also began studying for her Master’s Degree at the Vaganova Ballet Academy. She joined the faculty at the Vaganova Academy in 2001 and complete her Ph.D. in Ballet. 2013-15 Marina Osipova was Head of the department of classical dance in Boris Eifman Ballet Academy.
2015 to 2018, Miss Osipova collaborated with the Institute of Theater Arts of Moscow as an Associate Professor of the Department of Choreography, in the subject Classes of Classical Dance Teaching.
Minnesota Ballet Theatre & School invites aspiring dancers to a special master class and audition led by Kirill Bak-Stepanoff.