Minnesota Ballet Faculty

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Veronika Part is an internationally acclaimed ballet artist and guest master teacher at Minnesota Ballet School. Recognized for her extraordinary artistry, technical excellence, and expressive depth, she brings her extensive professional experience from the world’s leading ballet stages to the next generation of dancers.

Born in St. Petersburg, Russia, Veronika began her artistic training at the Vaganova Ballet Academy, graduating in 1996. She joined the legendary Mariinsky Ballet (Kirov Ballet), where she quickly rose to the rank of soloist and performed a wide range of classical and contemporary repertoire. Her celebrated roles include Nikiya in La Bayadère, Odette-Odile in Swan Lake, and the Queen of the Dryads in Don Quixote, along with works by renowned choreographers such as George Balanchine and John Neumeier.

In 2002, Veronika joined American Ballet Theatre, where she became a Principal Dancer and performed leading roles throughout the company’s international seasons. Known for her lyrical artistry, dramatic presence, and refined classical technique, she has been admired by audiences and critics worldwide.

As a master teacher and coach, Veronika shares her knowledge of classical ballet technique, artistry, and performance preparation with aspiring dancers. Her dedication to developing strong, expressive artists makes her an invaluable mentor for students pursuing advanced ballet training.

Alexei Moskalenko is an internationally recognized ballet master, educator, and former professional dancer. As a guest master teacher at Minnesota Ballet School, he brings decades of experience from the world of classical ballet, competition coaching, and professional dance education.

Alexei is a graduate of the prestigious Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Moscow, Russia, where he studied under distinguished teachers including Maxim Martirosian and Alexander Bondarenko. He later continued his studies in ballet pedagogy and choreography, developing a deep understanding of classical training and the development of young dancers.

During his professional career, Alexei performed internationally with leading companies, including Bolshoi Ballet Grigorovich and Moscow Ballet, before moving to the United States, where he continued his career as a principal dancer. After transitioning from the stage to education, he dedicated himself to teaching, coaching, and mentoring dancers throughout the United States and internationally.

For more than two decades, Alexei has been closely involved with Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP), serving as a judge, master teacher, rehearsal director, tour director, and Associate Artistic Director. Through his work with YAGP, he has guided and evaluated thousands of young dancers from around the world and helped prepare students for successful paths in ballet education and professional careers.

Known for his attention to detail, strong technical foundation, and commitment to the Russian classical ballet tradition, Alexei inspires dancers to develop confidence, artistry, and excellence in their training.

Meelis Pakri is an internationally recognized ballet educator, ballet master, choreographer, and former principal dancer with an exceptional career in classical ballet.

Originally from Estonia, Meelis Pakri is a graduate of the prestigious Vaganova Ballet Academy in St. Petersburg, Russia. Following his graduation, he joined Estonian National Ballet, where he danced as a Principal Dancer and performed leading roles in major classical and contemporary repertoire. During this time, he also began sharing his expertise as an instructor, teaching technique and partnering at the Tallinn State Ballet School.

In 1991, Meelis joined Colorado Ballet as a Principal Dancer, where he spent ten years performing leading roles, including major classical characters such as Albrecht in Giselle, Basilio in Don Quixote, Prince Siegfried in Swan Lake, and roles in works by George Balanchine.

After retiring from the stage, Meelis continued his career as a ballet educator and leader. He served as Ballet Master with Colorado Ballet and Houston Ballet and was a faculty member of The Royal Ballet Upper School in London, England, where he trained and mentored young dancers pursuing professional careers.

Meelis is currently a faculty member at The HARID Conservatory and remains active internationally as a guest teacher, master teacher, and ballet competition judge, including work with Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP).

Known for his deep knowledge of classical technique, attention to detail, and inspiring approach, Meelis Pakri helps dancers develop strong technique, artistry, musicality, and the qualities needed for success in the professional ballet world.

Minnesota Ballet School is honored to welcome Meelis Pakri as a guest master teacher, providing students with the opportunity to learn from one of the most respected educators in the ballet community.

Dmitry Trubchanov is an internationally recognized ballet master, educator, and former principal dancer with a distinguished career spanning leading ballet companies in Russia and the United States. As a guest master teacher at Minnesota Ballet School, he brings exceptional expertise in classical ballet technique, male training, and the Vaganova tradition.

Born in Russia, Dmitry received his professional ballet education at the prestigious Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet in St. Petersburg. Following graduation, he joined the Mariinsky Theatre (formerly Kirov Ballet), where he performed soloist roles in a wide range of classical repertoire and toured internationally. During his time with the company, he was also invited as a guest performer with Universal Ballet in Seoul, South Korea.

After moving to the United States in the late 1990s, Dmitry joined Cincinnati Ballet, where he enjoyed a remarkable ten-year career as a Principal Dancer. He performed leading roles in classical and contemporary works by internationally acclaimed choreographers and collaborated with legendary ballet artists, including Frederick Franklin, C.B.E., on projects preserving and reconstructing historic ballet repertoire.

Dmitry later joined Colorado Ballet as a Principal Dancer, continuing his distinguished performing career until his retirement from the stage in 2015. Throughout his career, he appeared as a guest artist at major ballet festivals, including the Vail International Ballet Festival, Miami International Ballet Festival, and Fukuoka Ballet Gala Festival in Japan.

Following his performing career, Dmitry dedicated himself to developing the next generation of dancers. He currently serves as Men’s Program Coordinator at Kansas City Ballet School and Associate Director of Kansas City Youth Ballet, where he mentors young dancers through the principles of classical ballet and the Vaganova Method. He is also a member of the judging panel for California Dance Classics.

Known for his precision, discipline, and deep understanding of male classical technique, Dmitry inspires dancers to achieve technical excellence, artistry, and confidence.

Lucia Erickson is a ballet instructor at Minnesota Ballet School and a proud alumna of the school’s classical ballet program. Beginning her training at the age of three with the Academy of Russian Ballet in Minnesota, Lucia developed her foundation in classical ballet under the guidance of experienced instructors and continued to build upon the traditions of the Vaganova Method.

Throughout her training, Lucia attended prestigious summer programs and intensives at institutions including Minnesota Dance Theater, Marat Daukayev School of Ballet, The Rock School, the School of Pennsylvania Ballet, and the School of American Ballet.

At age 16, Lucia moved to Philadelphia to continue her professional training at the School of Pennsylvania Ballet, where she studied with renowned faculty and further developed her classical technique and artistry. During her time there, she performed in major productions including George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®, Angel Corella’s Swan Lake, and La Fille Mal Gardée, Snow White, and Peter Pan.

Following her training, Lucia joined Pennsylvania Ballet II for the 2018–2019 season and was promoted to Corps de Ballet for the 2019–2020 season. Her performance repertoire included roles such as Cupid and Flower Girl in Don Quixote, Dew Drop and Lead Marzipan in George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®, and Shades Pas de Trois in La Bayadère.

Returning to Minnesota Ballet School as an instructor, Lucia shares her professional experience, passion for classical ballet, and understanding of the dancer’s journey with the next generation of students. She is dedicated to helping young dancers develop strong technique, confidence, artistry, and a lifelong love of ballet.

Heather Haugen is an Aerial Ballet Instructor at Minnesota Ballet School, bringing together her expertise in dance, movement conditioning, and aerial performance to create a unique training experience for students.

Heather earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance from Pomona College and has continued her education through specialized movement certifications, including Pilates training through Long Beach Dance Conditioning Academy, as well as GYROTONIC® and GYROKINESIS® certifications.

As a professional aerialist, Heather has performed throughout the United States at a variety of venues, from large-scale events such as the Anaheim Convention Center to intimate contemporary performance spaces including The Southern Theater in Minneapolis. Her diverse performance background allows her to bring creativity, strength, flexibility, and body awareness into her teaching.

At Minnesota Ballet School, Heather combines the principles of classical ballet, influenced by the Vaganova Method, with aerial movement and conditioning techniques. Her classes help students develop strength, coordination, confidence, and artistic expression while exploring the unique possibilities of aerial ballet.

Dedicated to creating a supportive and inspiring environment, Heather encourages dancers to expand their movement abilities while building a strong technical foundation.

Toleu Mukanov is an accomplished ballet artist and educator with extensive international performance experience. As a ballet instructor at Minnesota Ballet School, he brings his strong classical foundation, professional stage experience, and dedication to developing young dancers.

Born in Kazakhstan, Toleu began his ballet training at the Almaty Choreographic College and continued his studies at the Kyrgyzstan Ballet School. Throughout his training and early career, he developed a strong foundation in the Russian classical ballet tradition.

After graduation, Toleu joined Astana Ballet in Kazakhstan and later performed with leading companies including the Kyrgyzstan Opera and Ballet Theatre, Moscow’s Russian Ballet Theatre, and the Russian National Ballet Company. His repertoire includes leading roles such as Basilio in Don Quixote, Ali in Le Corsaire, James in La Sylphide, Franz in Coppélia, the Joker in Swan Lake, the Blue Bird in The Sleeping Beauty, and the Peasant Pas de Deux in Giselle.

Toleu has also received recognition at international ballet competitions, including a Gold Medal at the International Ballet Competition in Crimea, Ukraine, and a Silver Medal at the Almaty Ballet Competition.

After moving to the United States, Toleu continued his professional career with Festival Ballet Providence and Twin Cities Ballet of Minnesota, performing a wide range of classical and contemporary repertoire.

As an educator, Toleu is dedicated to sharing his knowledge of classical ballet technique, artistry, and performance quality with the next generation of dancers. His experience as a professional male dancer provides students with valuable guidance in developing strength, confidence, and stage presence.

Nikolay Morschakov is an internationally recognized ballet artist, ballet master, choreographer, and educator with an extensive career spanning leading ballet companies in Russia and the United States. As a guest master teacher at Minnesota Ballet School, he brings exceptional performance experience, artistic insight, and a deep understanding of classical ballet technique to dancers.

Nikolay graduated with honors from the Saratov State Choreographic Academy in Russia in 1995. Following graduation, he was selected to join the prestigious Grigorovich Ballet, where he quickly rose to the rank of Principal Dancer. During his distinguished career with the company, he performed many leading roles, including Jean de Brienne in Raymonda, Romeo in Romeo and Juliet, Basilio in Don Quixote, Spartacus and Crassus in Spartacus, Prince Siegfried and Von Rothbart in Swan Lake, Poet in Les Sylphides (Chopiniana), and Cavalier in The Nutcracker.

In 2003, Nikolay joined Sarasota Ballet of Florida as a Principal Dancer, performing roles such as Lieutenant Pinkerton in Madama Butterfly, Armand in Camille, and Alexei in La Boutique Fantasque. Since 2005, he has been a Principal Dancer, Ballet Master, and Choreographer with Dance Alive National Ballet, continuing to contribute both on stage and behind the scenes.

Throughout his career, Nikolay has performed internationally in countries including Russia, the United States, Portugal, Spain, Japan, Italy, Germany, Lebanon, and Turkey. He is also a laureate of the Philip Morris International Ballet Competition, receiving recognition for his artistry and technical excellence.

Today, Nikolay shares his extensive knowledge with the next generation of dancers through teaching, coaching, and choreography. His approach combines strong classical technique, artistic expression, and the discipline required for professional ballet training.

Elena Shokhina is an accomplished ballet educator, artistic director, and ballet mistress with extensive experience in classical ballet training and performance. As a guest master teacher at Minnesota Ballet School, she brings her expertise in the Russian ballet tradition and her dedication to developing young dancers.

Elena graduated from the renowned Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet in St. Petersburg, Russia, after completing eight years of intensive professional training. Her education at one of the world’s most respected ballet institutions provided her with a strong foundation in classical technique, artistry, and the traditions of the Vaganova Method.

Following her training, Elena enjoyed a successful professional career as a Principal Dancer with both St. Petersburg Ballet in Russia and Nevada Ballet Theatre in the United States. Through her performing career, she gained extensive experience in classical repertoire and developed a deep understanding of stage artistry and performance quality.

In addition to her work as a performer, Elena has dedicated herself to ballet education and artistic leadership. She is the founder and Artistic Director of Brevard Ballet Academy in Florida, where she continues to mentor and inspire young dancers.

Known for her refined classical approach, attention to detail, and commitment to preserving the traditions of Russian ballet training, Elena guides dancers in developing strong technique, musicality, discipline, and artistic confidence.

Dmitry Tuboltsev is an accomplished ballet master, choreographer, and educator with extensive international experience in classical ballet performance and teaching. As a faculty member at Minnesota Ballet School, he brings his knowledge of the Russian ballet tradition, professional stage experience, and expertise in developing dancers.

Dmitry received his Master’s Degree in Teaching and Choreography from the Institute of State Theatrical Arts (GITIS) in Moscow in 1997. Prior to completing his advanced studies, he trained at the prestigious Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet in St. Petersburg and the Kazakhstan National Ballet Academy, developing a strong foundation in classical ballet technique and pedagogy.

During his distinguished performing career, Dmitry danced as a Principal Dancer with leading companies including the Bolshoi Ballet under the direction of Yuri Grigorovich, Kazakhstan National Ballet, Leningrad Ballet Theatre, Russian Ballet Theatre, Ballet Theatre of Maryland, and Ohio Ballet. He performed internationally in a wide range of classical and contemporary repertoire.

Following his performing career, Dmitry dedicated himself to ballet education and choreography. His extensive training in teaching methodology allows him to guide dancers with a focus on strong technique, musicality, artistry, and professional preparation.

Through his work as a teacher and choreographer, Dmitry continues to share the traditions of Russian classical ballet while inspiring dancers to reach their highest artistic potential.