Get To Know Us

About Us

Explore learning ballet under the Vaganova Method. Train with experts, perform on stage, and experience the artistry that shapes ballet’s finest. Discover your passion for dance with us. Unleash your potential by studying with us.

What We Do

Our Mission

Our mission is to illuminate the world of ballet through the exemplary Vaganova method. We exist to cultivate the transformative power of ballet, to inspire and nurture the passion for dance in every student. Guided by the virtuoso techniques that have shaped the world's greatest ballet dancers, we aspire to provide an enriching environment where our students can fully engage with the dynamic art of ballet.

Our commitment to excellence is underscored by our experienced instructors hailing from Russia, Ukraine, and other post-Soviet states, who bring an authentic understanding of the Vaganova method. We take pride in offering our students the unparalleled opportunity to study this world-renowned method and perform alongside professional dancers.

We believe in the transformative power of ballet to inspire, challenge, and empower. With a focus on comprehensive dance education, we provide opportunities for professional development and globally recognized certification. Whether our students aspire to join a ballet company, compete in international competitions, or explore ballet as a recreational pursuit, our mission is to support and foster their journey. We are not just teaching ballet; we are shaping artists, nurturing dreams, and spreading the love for the Vaganova method, one dancer at a time.

Our Methodology

What Is The Vaganova Method?

The Vaganova Method, developed by Agrippina Vaganova in the early 20th century, stands as a revolutionary ballet technique combining elements from French, Italian, and Russian ballet traditions. This approach transcends mere physicality, prioritizing a holistic understanding of the body's movements and fostering a heightened consciousness of expression. The method's distinct focus on harmonizing the body's movements, including a nuanced emphasis on hand positioning and emotional expressiveness, brings forth a comprehensive ballet experience that is unlike any other.

The exceptional effectiveness of the Vaganova Method is evidenced by the renowned ballet superstars it has produced. The likes of Mikhail Baryshnikov, Alexander Godunov, Ekaterina Maximova, Maya Plisetskaya, Anna Pavlova, Rudolf Nureyev, Vladimir Vasiliev, and Galina Ulanova all owe their remarkable careers to this method. The Vaganova Method's emphasis on making difficult movements appear effortless and its focus on performance quality has led to an unmatched level of artistic expression in the world of ballet. By choosing to study the Vaganova Method, students are electing to pursue a ballet education that is not only steeped in tradition but has proven its excellence through the accomplished artists it has cultivated.

Our Story

About Our Founder

Natalia Zilber is an accomplished ballet educator with a rich professional history. She was enrolled at the Moscow State Academy of Choreography from 1984 to 1991, where she honed her skills under the mentorship of Edward Zilber.

Edward Zilber's distinguished career included performances with the Bolshoi Ballet Theatre from 1957 to 1971 and the New York City Ballet from 1957 to 1959. He later took on prominent roles such as Chief Choreographer at Ivan Franko Opera (1971-1977) and Moscow Variety Theatre (1989-1994), and served as the Artistic Director at Alma-Ata Choreographic School (1977-1989). His extensive experience and expertise significantly influenced Natalia's career.

Upon completing her studies in 1991, Natalia joined Edward Zilber's freelance ballet troupe based in Rishon LeTsiyon, Israel. The troupe showcased Edward's choreography on the international stage from 1991 to 1994.

In 1994, Natalia transitioned into teaching and founded The Russian Ballet School, originally known as the Russian Classical Ballet Academy. The school initially operated in Rishon LeTsiyon, Israel, from 1994 to 1995, then moved to Montreal, QC, from 1995 to 1998. In 1998, the school found its permanent home in Toronto, where it continues to flourish.

As the current Director of The Russian Ballet School in Toronto, Natalia remains dedicated to nurturing the talents of aspiring dancers. Her significant contributions have had an enduring impact on the international ballet community.

Our faculty

About Our Instructors

Maryna Liakhor

Maryna Liakhor earned her Master of Arts in Choreography from National Pedagogical Dragomanov University in Kyiv, Ukraine, in 2016. From 2018 to 2022, she taught at Dokuz Eylul University State Conservatory in Izmir, Turkey. Before that, she was the Director of Studies and a teacher at Kyiv Children’s Choreographical School in Kyiv, Ukraine, from 2002 to 2018.

Maryna's students have achieved notable successes, gaining acceptance into prestigious institutions such as the Princesse Grace Dance Academy in Monaco (Selen Gü̈r, 2019), Perm State Choreographic College in Russia (Melissa Kuyumcu, 2021), Palucca University of Dance in Germany (Remin Yılmaz, 2021), and the Royal Academy of Dance in Belgium (Deniz Sarıçoban, 2021).

Anastasia Lee

Anastasia Lee graduated from the Bolshoi Ballet Academy of Moscow in 1988, where she trained under esteemed instructors such as Shida Muboryakova, Irina Dashkova, Natalia Lavrukhina, and Sofia Golovkina. During her time at the Academy, she performed in a variety of roles, including those in "Le Pavillon d'Armide," "Paquita," "Don Quixote," "Coppélia," "La Fille Mal Gardée," "The Nutcracker," and "The Sleeping Beauty."

After completing her ballet education, Anastasia furthered her studies in character dance at the Igor Moiseyev State Academy Ensemble of Popular Dance. There, she performed solo roles in dances such as the "Russian," "Polyanka," "Summer," "Tatarochka," "Gypsies," "Moldovan," "Hopak," "Ukrainian," "Kryzhachok," and "Uzbek" during European tours until 1990.

Upon relocating to Canada in late 1990, Anastasia accepted a position as a ballet instructor at the Minto Skating Club in Ottawa, where she discovered her passion for teaching. She continued to hone her teaching skills by offering private lessons in classical ballet and character dance to select students in both Canada and the United States. In 2014, Anastasia received her Bolshoi Ballet Academy Teacher Certification in New York.

Before joining The Russian Ballet School, she taught at the Fort Wayne Ballet Academy in Indiana from 2013 to 2015.

Ani Aharonyan

Ani Aharonyan earned her Certification in Ballet with Academic Honours from Perm State Choreographic College in 2007. During her time at the college, she performed in productions such as "Coppélia" and "Swan Lake," et. al. at the Perm Theatre of Opera and Ballet named after Tchaikovsky. She then moved to Yerevan, where she received her Academic Qualification in Professional Ballet from Yerevan State Choreographic College in 2008 and a Master of Arts in Choreography from the Yerevan State Institute of Theatre and Cinematography in 2017.

Ani's performance career was notably highlighted by her role as a Leading Ballet Dancer at the Armenian National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet from 2008 to 2013. She toured internationally with the theatre, performing roles in works such as "Chopeniana," "Spartacus," "Giselle," "Vardanank," "Gayane," "Aida," and "Anoush," et. al.

From 2016 to 2018, Ani served as a lecturer in Classical Ballet and Choreography at the Yerevan State Institute of Theatre and Cinematography. Her students have gone on to dance at the Armenian National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet, participate in international dance and theatre festivals like "1 Sq. Meter" and "Armmono", and teach at ballet schools.

Before joining the Russian Ballet School, Ani staged several performances, both individually and in collaboration with drama directors. These included "The Lady of the Camellias," "Neo Burlesque," "Mono Phobia," "The Shadows of Komitas," et. al.

Ani has a broad background in choreography and dance instruction and has collaborated with film directors on various projects. Her most recent film work is featured in the American-produced film "Americatsi," currently touring the festival circuit and made the 2024 Oscar's 'Best International Feature' Shortlist. Additionally, Ani has been a choreographer and dance instructor on "So You Think You Can Dance" in Armenia. She also served as the Artistic Director at LUYS Production and was a TV host on Shant TV in Armenia. Her expertise has led her to be invited as a jury member for multiple dance competition projects.

Guest Faculty

About Our Guest Instructors

Elena Lobsanova

Elena Lobsanova's distinguished ballet career began at Canada's National Ballet School, training from 1996 to 2004. She joined The National Ballet of Canada in 2004 as an RBC apprentice, was promoted to the corps de ballet in 2005, ascended to Second Soloist in 2009, and then to First Soloist in 2011. Her dedication and artistry led to her appointment as Principal Dancer in 2015, a position she held with distinction until 2020. She continued to demonstrate her exceptional talent as a Principal Dancer with Miami City Ballet from 2020 to 2021.

Lobsanova's dynamic range is showcased by her extensive performance history, including the Sugar Plum Fairy in "The Nutcracker," Swanhilda in "Coppélia," Ophelia in "Hamlet," and Odette/Odile in "Swan Lake." She has also shone in "Giselle," "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," and a plethora of other productions. Her involvement in the creation of contemporary ballets is exemplified by her performances in world premieres such as "Woman in Third Movement Grey Verses" for The Royal Ballet, "Principal Female Excerpts from The Dreamers Ever Leave You" in Germany, and "Blue Fairy in Pinocchio" by Will Tuckett, to name a few.

Recognized with several prestigious accolades, Lobsanova has received the Rolex Dancers First Award for her role as Juliet in "Romeo and Juliet" in 2014, the First Prize at the Eighth International Competition for the Erik Bruhn Prize in 2009, and numerous other awards.

Between 2016 and 2018, Elena worked at the Russian Ballet School with her expertise as a teacher and performed as a guest artist in "Viennese Waltz" excerpts. Her commitment to mentoring young dancers and her significant artistic contributions have left an indelible mark on the dance community.

Elena shared her wealth of experience with the Russian Ballet School from 2016 to 2018, as a teacher and special guest performer in the Vienna Woods Fairy Tales (choreographed by Edward Zilber). Her commitment to the development of the next generation of ballet dancers and her expansive artistic accomplishments have been pivotal to the dance world. We are honoured that she continues her involvement with our school as a guest teacher.
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‍Adrianna Kozlowski

Adrianna Kozlowski's career in ballet and dance education is marked by a blend of disciplined training and diverse expertise. After completing her Dance Performance Studies diploma at George Brown College in 2012, she deepened her skills through a mentorship program at Ballet Jörgen under Bengt Jörgen from 2012 to 2013.
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Joining the Russian Ballet School in 2014, Adrianna has been a guiding force in ballet education under the mentorship of Natalia Zilber. Her commitment to teaching has continued at the school, paralleled by her role since 2015 at Rhythm Dynamics Dance Inc. in Oshawa, where she shares her passion for ballet with students of all ages.

Adrianna's expertise extends into the field of physical wellness and rehabilitation. As a physical therapy assistant and Pilates instructor at Neurocore Physiotherapy & Pilates in Richmond Hill since 2022, she brings a unique perspective to her work. Her extensive training in Pilates and body mechanics includes a Level 2 Diploma in Reformer Pilates, a Level 1 Diploma in Mat Pilates from Body Harmonics in 2023, and additional certifications in Postural Analysis (2022), Life-Stretch (2022), and Post-Natal Reconditioning & Diastasis Recti Repair (2023). Her specialization in Scolio-Pilates, evidenced by her Level 1 Diploma in 2022 from the National Pilates Certification Program, underscores her comprehensive approach to movement and health.

In her multifaceted roles as a ballet teacher, Pilates instructor, and physical therapy assistant, Adrianna Kozlowski remains a dedicated and influential figure in the realms of dance and holistic wellness.

Study With Us

Why Choose Our School?

Choosing to study at our school means embracing a world-class education rooted in the honoured tradition of the Vaganova Method, a methodology globally recognized for its excellence in fostering virtuoso ballet technique. Our students delve into the intricate world of ballet under the tutelage of highly qualified instructors hailing from Russia, Ukraine, and other post-Soviet states, enriching their educational journey with a profound immersion into the birthplace of this powerful method. By studying under the Vaganova Method, you follow in the graceful footsteps of history's most eminent ballet dancers, embodying the same principles that led them to global renown.

We firmly believe in the power of practical experience, providing students with unparalleled opportunities to share the stage with professional dancers from esteemed ballet companies. This exposure allows students to witness first-hand the embodiment of their training in a professional setting, a priceless experience that accelerates their growth as dancers. Complementing our core curriculum, we regularly host masterclasses with principal dancers, offering insights into the art of ballet that transcend mere technique.
Recognizing the diversity of our students' aspirations, we offer a range of programs tailored to individual needs. For those embarking on their dance careers, we provide professional development programs that prepare them for ballet company applications, university auditions, and competitions (i.e. Youth American Grand Prix (YAGP)). Upon successful completion of our Level programs, students are awarded globally recognized and transferable certificates from UNESCO's International Dance Council, gaining membership in this prestigious council and the opportunity to perform in festivals and events around the world. For hobbyists, our recreational programs offer the chance to explore ballet at a comfortable pace, providing an enriching environment where the joy of dance takes centre stage. We welcome you to join us, to actualize your dreams of dancing, and to be part of a tradition that has shaped ballet's most legendary artists.
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Recognizing the diversity of our students' aspirations, we offer a range of programs tailored to individual needs. For those embarking on their dance careers, we provide professional development programs that prepare them for ballet company applications, university auditions, and competitions (i.e. Youth American Grand Prix (YAGP)). Upon successful completion of our Level programs, students are awarded globally recognized and transferable certificates from UNESCO's International Dance Council, gaining membership in this prestigious council and the opportunity to perform in festivals and events around the world. For hobbyists, our recreational programs offer the chance to explore ballet at a comfortable pace, providing an enriching environment where the joy of dance takes centre stage. We welcome you to join us, to actualize your dreams of dancing, and to be part of a tradition that has shaped ballet's most legendary artists.

My daughter has been attending the school for the last three years. She loves it, even though it's often challenging. It has definitely helped her physical development, posture, and coordination. Her ballet teacher, Adriana, has a clear gift for teaching. She is calm, patient, very professional, and attentive to every student in her class.
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The Director, Natalia, has created a great learning environment. The school is very well organized, which removes a lot of stress from the parents. Natalia is very dedicated to the development and well-being of the school and her students. She often goes the extra mile to accommodate individual parents or children's situations.
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The school's location is very convenient, easily accessible by transit, car, or even on foot if you are lucky enough to live in the neighbourhood. I highly recommend this school!

Aleks Kozyrev

My daughter has been attending the Academy for the last 4 years, and she also participates in the summer program every year. She now spends an average of 8 hours a week there, but each time she is as excited to go as if it were her first time.
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I greatly appreciate how dedicated Natalia, Adriana, and Julia are to providing the children with a solid dance foundation, building their confidence, and instilling in them a lifelong love of dance. They always make an effort to get to know their students on a personal level, aiming to better them both inside and outside of dance. Their encouragement and support are truly amazing.

The children learn more than just dance here. It's about cultivating a mindset and ability to lead a healthy and successful lifestyle. I can see that my daughter is also developing wonderful friendships because the environment in the studio is so inspirational and fun. It’s been my extreme pleasure to witness the students' growth from year to year. I’m glad that my daughter has found professionalism, discipline, and encouragement in this place. This is a wonderful place to help your child grow, not only as a dancer but as a person.

Yulia Sargsyan

My daughter has been attending The Russian Ballet School for 12 years. She started in grade one and has continued to dance throughout all her school years. Now, she feels quite confident and is able to perform variations from classical ballet performances.

The Russian Classical Ballet School is the studio where her childhood dream to dance came true.Natalia, Adriana, and Julia are extremely professional and dedicated teachers who are ready to devote all their time to their students.

I highly recommend this studio to anyone who wants to explore the world of dance, develop their skills, and continue growing.

Marina Yakubovsky

The school's location is convenient, the parents' waiting area is clean and comfortable, and the teachers are both professional and friendly. Many times, I've seen teachers who dance well themselves but struggle to teach effectively. However, the teachers here truly know how to instruct kids.

My daughter started learning classical ballet at this school when she was four, and now, at seven years old, she's dancing Esmeralda. I am extremely pleased with the effort these teachers put in and am amazed by the results. The most important thing is that my daughter enjoys every single moment of dance here. I highly recommend this school.

Claire Yang

My 8-year-old daughter has been training at the school for 4 years now, and she loves it! The Director, Natalia, takes a lot of pride in her work and always puts in the extra time and effort to ensure the girls continually improve. The other two ballet teachers, Adrianna and Julia, are wonderful as well.

Things do get fairly busy leading up to the year-end show, as there tend to be extra or longer practice sessions. However, this is only because Natalia and her team are committed not just to making the show a success, but also to ensuring every girl walks away with a sense of pride and accomplishment.

I highly recommend this school!

Daniela Borissova