JVBA Teachers
Vaganova Ballet Academy
Tatiana Solomyanko
Graduated from the Russian State Vaganova Ballet Academy in 1993 and joined the Mariinsky Ballet.
Appointed as a soloist of the Mariinsky Ballet in 1994.
Has been teaching as an instructor at the Russian State Vaganova Ballet Academy since 2006.
Graduated from the Vaganova Faculty of Education in 2010, obtaining a qualification as a ballet master.
Regular instructor for the Japan Vaganova Ballet Association since 2021.
Vaganova Ballet Academy
Svetlana Ivanova
  • Former Mariinsky Theatre Soloist
  • Graduate of the Vaganova Ballet Academy Faculty of Education and Faculty of Performing Arts
  • 1996: Graduated from the Vaganova Ballet Academy from the class of the legendary ballet dancer, Inna Zubkovskaya.
  • 1996-2020: Danced with the Mariinsky Theatre Ballet Company, performing solo roles.
  • 2024: Classical Ballet Instructor at the Nagano Ballet Summer Camp.
  • Currently holds a completed teaching qualification from the Vaganova Ballet Academy and instructs intermediate and advanced students at the Academy. Entrusted as an assistant for the Tsiskaridze class.
Repertoire:
  • The Sleeping Beauty (Princess Florina, A Maiden) — Choreography by Marius Petipa, revival of the 1890 production staged by Sergei Vikharev;
  • The Sleeping Beauty (Aurora, Princess Florina) — Choreography by Marius Petipa, revised by Konstantin Sergeyev;
  • Swan Lake (The Cygnets) — Choreography by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov, revised by Konstantin Sergeyev;
  • Raymonda (Grand Pas, Hungarian Dance) — Choreography by Marius Petipa, edited by Konstantin Sergeyev;
  • The Awakening of Flora (Diana) — Choreography by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov;
  • Don Quixote (Amour).
Vaganova Ballet Academy
Yulia Kamilova
Graduated from the Russian Ballet Academy, Vaganova Academy, from the class of Professor N.M. Dudinskaya.
Participated in masterclasses and gala concerts at the Mariinsky Theatre.
Performed solo roles in ballets such as The NutcrackerThe Fairy Doll, and Chopiniana.

Repertoire:
Performed the Street Dancer in Don Quixote, the Big Swan's Spanish Dance in Swan Lake, and the Shadow Trio in La Bayadère in the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, and Japan.
Ballet by G. Balanchine (Soloist in Balanchine's Serenade and Theme and Variations), modern choreography (Soloist in Alto Sonnet set to music by Johann Sebastian Bach), and The Circle (music by the group "Electric Sword Dance").
Participated in the Dance Open Festival in 2010 and 2011.
Served as a Character Dance instructor at the 2022 Nagano Ballet Summer Camp.
Served as a ballet instructor for the 2023 Golden Week Intensive in Tokyo, and as a judge for the Homage à Petipa Ballet Competition held at Kannai Hall in Yokohama.
Served as a Character Dance instructor at the 2024 Nagano Ballet Summer Camp.
Currently active as a soloist at the Mikhailovsky Theatre while also teaching as an instructor at the Vaganova Ballet Academy.
Boris Eifman National Ballet Academy
Sofia Gumerova
1995: Graduated from the Russian State Vaganova Ballet Academy and joined the Mariinsky Ballet.
2009: Graduated from the Saint Petersburg Conservatory.
2010: Honored Artist of Russia.
2014: Ballet Choreographer at the Saint Petersburg Conservatory.
2015–2022: Teacher at the Russian State Vaganova Ballet Academy.
2022: Acting Class Instructor at the Boris Eifman National Ballet Academy.

Repertoire:
  • La Sylphide (The Sylph) — Choreography by August Bournonville, revised by Elsa-Marianne von Rosen.
  • Giselle (Giselle, Moyna, Myrtha) — Choreography by Jean Coralli, Jules Perrot, and Marius Petipa.
  • Le Corsaire (Medora, Odalisque Trio) — Choreography by Marius Petipa, revised by Pyotr Gusev.
  • La Bayadère (Nikiya, Grand Pas, Trio from "The Kingdom of the Shades") — Choreography by Marius Petipa, revised by Vladimir Ponomarev and Vakhtang Chabukiani.
  • Paquita (Variation from Grand Pas) — Choreography by Marius Petipa.
  • The Sleeping Beauty (Princess Aurora, The Lilac Fairy, Princess Florine) — Original 1890 version by Marius Petipa.
  • The Sleeping Beauty (Princess Florine) — Choreography by Marius Petipa, revised by Konstantin Sergeyev.
  • Swan Lake (Odette/Odile, Big Swan) — Choreography by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov, revised by Konstantin Sergeyev.
  • Raymonda (Raymonda, Clémence, Grand Pas) — Choreography by Marius Petipa, revised by Konstantin Sergeyev.
  • Don Quixote (Kitri, Street Dancer, Queen of the Dryads) — Choreography by Alexander Gorsky.
  • Ballets choreographed by Mikhail Fokine: The Dying SwanLes Sylphides (Prelude in A Major, Mazurka in D Major, Nocturne in A-flat Major, Waltz in G-flat Major), The Firebird (The Firebird), Scheherazade (Zobeida).
Mikhailovsky Theatre
Alexander Omar
Teacher of the acting class at the Vaganova Ballet Academy
Soloist of the Mikhailovsky Theatre • Teacher and Artist at the Vaganova Ballet Academy
Alexander Omar graduated from the Vaganova Ballet Academy in 2004 and joined the Mikhailovsky Ballet the same year.
His repertoire includes:
Tybalt (Romeo and Juliet, composed by Nikolai Boyarchikov and choreographed by Oleg Vinogradov), Spartacus, Crixus, and Centurion (Spartacus, choreography by George Koptun), Friend of the Moor (The Moor’s Pavane, choreography by José Limón), Grangoire (Esmeralda), soloist in the Indian Dance (La Bayadère), Fairy Carabosse (The Sleeping Beauty, revised version by Nikolai Boyarchikov), Herr Drosselmeyer, Abdulrahman, and Panaderos (Raymonda), soloist in the Waltz of the Flowers and Spanish Dance (The Nutcracker, revised version by Nikolai Boyarchikov), as well as Ali and Isaac Lankadem (Le Corsaire, revised version by Farukh Ruzimatov), among others.

Currently, he performs solo roles in the new productions of the ballets GiselleThe WilisSwan LakeLe CorsaireLaurenciaThe Flames of ParisCipollino, and The Bronze Horseman.
Daria Vergizova
Daria Vergizova
Contemporary dancer, choreographer, and teacher; graduated as a choreographer from the Vaganova Ballet Academy.
In 2015, graduated from the Saint Petersburg State Conservatory, majoring in choreography and direction under the Rimsky-Korsakov program.

In 2018, earned a doctorate in ballet master stage directing at the Vaganova Ballet Academy.
Since 2008, has worked at the Russian Ballet Theatre as a choreographer, artistic director, and choreographer for the Ballet Theatre Kids program.
Serves as a guest instructor for the Japan Vaganova Ballet Association and is responsible for choreographing contemporary pieces for graduation concerts.
Pavel Kurov
Pavel Kurov
Graduated from the Vaganova Leningrad Choreographic School (now the Vaganova Ballet Academy) in 1975 and subsequently joined the Mariinsky Theatre, performing numerous roles during their tenure at the theatre.

Roles included:
  • Espada, Fandango, and Gypsy Dance in Don Quixote;
  • Spanish, Hungarian, and Mazurka in Swan Lake;
  • Panaderos and Hungarian in Raymonda;
  • Gypsy Dance in The Stone Flower;
  • Hans in Giselle.
Graduated from the Faculty of Education at the Vaganova Ballet Academy in 1999. Currently teaches Character Dance at the same institution.
Vadim Sirotin
Vadim Sirotin
Acting class teacher at the Vaganova Ballet Academy
Soloist at the Mikhailovsky Theatre • Teacher and Artist at the Vaganova Ballet Academy
Alexander Omar graduated from the Vaganova Ballet Academy in 2004 and joined the Mikhailovsky Ballet the same year.

His repertoire includes the roles of Tybalt (Romeo and Juliet, choreography by Nikolai Boyarchikov and Oleg Vinogradov), Spartacus, Crixus, and Centurion (Spartacus, choreography by George Kovtun); The Moor’s Pavane by José Limón, in which he performed as the Moor’s Friend; Gringoire in Esmeralda; soloist in the Indian Dance from La Bayadère; the Carabosse Fairy in The Sleeping Beauty (revised by Nikolai Boyarchikov); solo roles such as Herr Drosselmeyer, Abdul-Rahman, and Panaderos in Raymonda; and the Waltz of the Flowers and Spanish Dance in The Nutcracker (revised by Nikolai Boyarchikov), as well as Ali and Isaac Lankedem in Le Corsaire (revised by Farukh Ruzimatov), among others.

He is currently performing solo roles in new productions of the ballets GiselleWillisSwan LakeLe CorsaireLaurenciaThe Flames of ParisCipollino, and The Bronze Horseman.
Guest Teachers
Diana Vishneva
Diana Vishneva
Born in Saint Petersburg, Russia, she studied ballet at the Russian State Vaganova Ballet Academy under the guidance of Lyudmila Kovalyova.
Her talent blossomed even during her studies at the Vaganova Ballet Academy, where she performed on stage at the Mariinsky Theatre.
In 1994, while still a student at the Vaganova Ballet Academy, she won the gold medal at the Prix de Lausanne International Ballet Competition, among other awards.
After graduating from the Vaganova Ballet Academy in 1995, she joined the Mariinsky Ballet and was promoted to principal dancer the following year, in 1996.
Shortly after becoming a professional ballet dancer, she expanded her career beyond Russia, performing with companies such as the Teatro alla Scala Ballet in Milan, the Paris Opera Ballet, and the Bavarian State Ballet in Munich.
Maria Khoreva
Maria Khoreva
Born in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
Before enrolling in the Russian State Vaganova Ballet Academy, studied rhythmic gymnastics, piano, and art.
While studying at the Vaganova Ballet Academy, studied under Lyudmila Kovalyova, who nurtured many talents such as Diana Vishneva and Olga Smirnova.
By the final year, her skills were already recognized, performing leading roles including Masha in The Nutcracker and in numerous domestic and international productions.

Subsequently joined the Mariinsky Ballet.
In the summer of 2018, made her debut in George Balanchine's Apollo in the role of Terpsichore.
Performed the title role alongside Mariinsky Theatre principal Xander Parish and was promoted to first soloist as early as 2018.

Awards and Achievements:
・Winner of the Beijing International Dance Competition (Beijing Dance Academy Prize, 2021).
・Awarded the "Spirit of Dance" prize in the "Rising Star" category by the Russian Ministry of Culture's ballet magazine Ballet (2021).
・Received the Carmen Matheu Prize as "Europe's Best Young Ballerina" (2020).
・Awarded the Grand Ballet Prize on the Russian ballet television program (2020).
・Named one of the "8 Ballet Celebrities" by The New York Times (Fall 2020).
・Authored the book Teach Me Ballet: How to Train Your Body, published in Russia (2020).
・Recipient of the Carmen Matheu Young European Artist Prize (2019).
Elena Yevseyeva
Elena Yevseyeva
Graduated from the Vaganova Ballet Academy in 2001 and joined the ballet company of the Mikhailovsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, serving as a soloist.
Transferred to the Mariinsky Ballet in 2008.

Repertoire includes:
Leading roles in La Sylphide and Don Quixote; Nikiya and Gamzatti in La Bayadère; Gulnara in Le Corsaire; Pas de Trois in Swan Lake; Grand Pas in PaquitaChopinianaDiana and ActaeonGrand Pas ClassiqueTchaikovsky Pas de Deux; Béjart's Bakti; and Smekalov's Parting, among others.

Award:
2009: First Prize at the Seoul International Ballet Competition.
Elena Gradkovskaya
Elena Gradkovskaya
Choreographer and contemporary dancer.

Originally from Russia. Studied ballet, multicultural dance, modern dance, and choreography among other diverse dance forms at Saint Petersburg State University of Culture and Arts. Subsequently pursued a two-year major in ballet choreography and composition at the Saint
Petersburg State Conservatory.

Later earned a Master’s degree in “Scientific and Creative Contemporary Dance Choreography and Composition” from the Vaganova Ballet Academy.

Since 2017, has served as artistic director, director, choreographer, and manager for the international performing arts festival “Awaji Art Circus,” held on Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture, while also engaging in creative work centered on personal performance.
Andrei Merkuriev
Andrei Merkuriev
Graduated from the Ufa Ballet School in 1996 and joined the Komi Republic Opera and Ballet Theatre for the 1996–1997 season.
Served as a soloist at the Mussorgsky State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre of St. Petersburg (Mikhailovsky Theatre) from 1997 to 2001.
Worked as a soloist at the Mariinsky Theatre from 2001 to 2006 and transferred to the Bolshoi Ballet for the 2006–2007 season. Studied under Viktor Barykin.

Awards:
Second place at the "Arabesque" ballet competition in Perm in 2000.
Second place at the Kazan International Youth Ballet Competition in 2001.
Recipient of the Golden Mask Award (Russian National Theatre Award) in 2005.

Key Repertoire:
  • Albrecht in Giselle
  • James in La Sylphide
  • Jérôme in The Flames of Paris
  • The Prince in Cinderella
  • Birbanto in Le Corsaire
  • The Fisherman in The Pharaoh's Daughter
  • Pyotr in The Bright Stream
  • The Bluebird in The Sleeping Beauty.
Farukh Ruzimatov
Farukh Ruzimatov
Possesses a broad repertoire, extending beyond classical works such as Swan Lake and Giselle to include George Balanchine's The Prodigal Son, Maurice Béjart's Bakti, Roland Petit's Le Jeune Homme et la Mort, and Carmen, among others.

He is highly praised not only for his technical excellence but also for his artistry—elegant beauty in classical works and a striking, well-defined personality in modern pieces.
Noticed by an inspection team from the Vaganova Ballet School, he left his hometown at the age of ten and entered the school in 1973.
After graduation, he was welcomed as a soloist at the Kirov Ballet (Mariinsky Theatre) in 1981 and served as principal from 1986.

Awards and Milestones:
・1983: Won the silver medal at the Varna International Ballet Competition.
・1984: Received a special prize at the First Paris International Ballet Competition.
・1990: Joined American Ballet Theatre as a guest artist, later returning to the Kirov Ballet.
・2000: Awarded the title of People's Artist of Russia.
・2002: Made his theatrical debut in Mozart and Salieri.
・2007: Appointed Artistic Director of the Ballet Department at the Mussorgsky / Mikhailovsky Memorial St. Petersburg State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre on May 11.
・2009: Resigned as Artistic Director in October to focus on his own dancing, transitioning to the role of advisor.
Alexander Buber
Alexander Buber
Enrolled in the Belarusian State Choreographic College in 1991.
Promoted to principal dancer of the Belarusian National Ballet in 2003.
Received the Presidential Award for Promising Youth in 2005.

From 2006 to 2008:
Active as a soloist with K-Ballet Company.
Since then, has worked as a freelance dancer, instructor, and competition judge.
Served as a Body Conditioning instructor at the JVBA Summer Camp in Nagano.
Sugimoto Ryoko
Sugimoto Ryoko
Master of Human Movement Studies, Ochanomizu University Graduate School.
Studied dance and body conditioning in New York as a trainee for the Agency for Cultural Affairs (2002–2004).

Certified Movement Analyst and holds a Pilates Mat Exercise Instructor qualification (2004).
Currently teaches body conditioning, anatomy, and exercise physiology to dance and music professionals at Showa University of Music, Architanz, and "Artist's Medicine Chest," among other institutions.
Served as an Anatomy Instructor at the JVBA Summer Camp in Nagano.
Watanabe Tomoyo
Watanabe Tomoyo
Enrolled at the Japanese branch of the Russian State Perm Ballet School and studied the Vaganova Method pedagogy (2005).

Studied abroad in the 8th grade at the main school in Russia (2006).
Active as a dancer at the Udmurt State Opera and Ballet Theatre (2007–2010).
Instructor at Tokyo Ballet High School and Tokyo Ballet Research Institute (2011–present).
After returning to Japan, obtained certification as a trainer for the Barre au Sol Kunyaev Method (2018).

Served as a Floor Barre Instructor at the JVBA Summer Camp in Nagano.
Board Director of the Japan Vaganova Ballet Association (General Incorporated Association).
Obayashi Takako
Obayashi Takako
After graduating from the Russian State Perm Ballet Academy, joined the Russian State Chuvash Opera and Ballet Theatre.

Upon returning to Japan, began specializing in the history of 19th-century Russian ballet, earning a Master of Arts (Waseda University).

From April 2020 to July 2022: Served as a Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Research Fellow (DC2) and was enrolled in the Doctoral Program in Theatre and Film Studies, Graduate School of Letters, Arts and Sciences at Waseda University.

Also active as a Russian language interpreter and translator.
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