About Us

Roman Nesterov received his early education at Konstantin Ushinsky Gymnasium No.1 in Simferopol, Autonomous Republic of Crimea, from 1999 to 2004. He then attended the Kiev State Ballet College (KSHU) from 2004 to 2012, where he graduated with a specialized diploma in Ballet Dancing and Teaching. During this time, he also interned as a ballet dancer at the National Opera of Ukraine from 2009 to 2012.

From 2012 to 2019, Roman danced with the St. Petersburg State Academic Theatre of Boris Eifman, performing in the full acting repertoire of the theatre, including small solo roles. During this period, he participated annually in the International Chereshnevy Les Open-Art Festival and the Golden Mask Festival with the Eifman Ballet, where they won the Gold award for "Best Corps de Ballet." In 2013, Roman performed at the G20 Summit at the Constantine Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Roman then joined the State Academic Mariinsky Theatre from 2019 to 2022, where he performed ballet inserts within operas, including solo ballet inserts.

In 2022, Roman relocated to Canada and now works at The Russian Ballet School, where he contributes his experience and expertise to teaching and mentoring the next generation of ballet dancers.

Karolina Nesterova began her ballet training at the Vaganova Ballet Academy, where she attended preparatory courses from 2003 to 2006. She continued her studies at the academy and graduated in 2013 with a specialized diploma as a ballet dancer. During her time at the academy, she also interned at the Mariinsky Theatre from 2006 to 2013, where she danced in the corps de ballet for productions such as "The Nutcracker" and "Sleeping Beauty."

Upon graduation, Karolina joined the Konstantin Tachkin Theatre as a soloist and coryphée dancer from 2013 to 2015. During this period, she performed in various roles in ballets such as "Swan Lake," "La Bayadère," "The Nutcracker," "Giselle," and "Romeo and Juliet," among others. Her work with the theatre included international tours across Europe, China, Taiwan, South Africa, and Australia.In 2015, Karolina joined the Mariinsky Theatre, where she was part of the corps de ballet until 2022. At Mariinsky, she performed in ballet inserts and full acts within operas such as "Onegin," "War and Peace," "La Traviata," and "Il Trovatore," as well as in contemporary productions featured in international festivals.

Karolina also participated as part of the corps de ballet at the Dance Open International Ballet Festival in 2017 and 2019.

Karolina now works at The Russian Ballet School, where she applies her extensive experience to teaching and mentoring students, contributing to the development of future generations in classical ballet.

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.

Polina Dzhura began her ballet training at the Kharkiv Ballet School in 2001 and graduated in 2010 with a specialized diploma as a ballet dancer. In 2013, she completed a diploma in elementary education with a focus on ballet instruction at the Kyiv State Professional Choreographic College. In 2017, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in ballet pedagogy from Kherson State University.
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From 2014 to 2019, Polina danced with the Kharkiv National Academic Opera and Ballet Theater named after M. Lysenko, performing in a wide range of productions as part of the ensemble. From 2022 to 2024, she danced with the United Ukrainian Ballet in The Hague, Netherlands.
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In 2018, Polina began teaching classical ballet to children at both the Kharkiv Ballet School and the Kharkiv City Opera and Ballet. Alongside her teaching responsibilities, she also performed with the Kharkiv City Opera and Ballet as part of its touring company, where she contributed to rehearsal preparation and the staging of productions. She remained with the company as a performer until 2025.
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She now teaches at The Russian Ballet School, where she applies her combined experience in performance and instruction to support students in their classical ballet development.

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.

Olga Posternak is a distinguished ballet dancer and educator with an impressive career in classical ballet. She began her formal training at the Kiev State Choreographic School, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Ballet Instruction in 2006. She furthered her education by obtaining a Master's degree with honours in Choreography, Ballet Teaching, and Ballet Direction from the Kyiv National Karpenko-Karyi Theatre, Cinema and Television University in 2011.

From 2006 to 2023, Olga was a soloist at the Kyiv Municipal Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre for Children and Youth. During this period, she performed a wide range of roles, including Masha in "The Nutcracker," Odette, Cinderella, Blue Bird, Sleeping Beauty, Juliet, Thumbelina, Balanchine's Tarantella, and Jasmin, among many others. Her extensive repertoire and versatility as a dancer allowed her to tour across the United States, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, Central and Eastern Europe, China, Brazil, and Russia, showcasing her talent on international stages.

In recognition of her exceptional performance as Juliet, Olga won the award for Best Juliet in Ukraine for the 2018-2019 season.

From 2018 to 2022, Olga taught at the Kyiv Ukraine Ballet School and provided private instruction in choreography for rhythmic gymnastics and ballet classes for adults.In 2022, Olga joined the Kiev City Ballet and began taking classes at the Opera National de Paris. Following the instability between Russian and Ukraine, Olga relocated to Canada where she joined The Russian Ballet School as a soloist and instructor.

Yana Harbar earned a Bachelor’s degree in Ballet Teaching for children and adults from Kyiv Choreographic College in 2021, and a second Bachelor’s degree in Choreography, specializing as a Ballet Master and Rehearsal Director, from Kyiv National University of Theatre, Cinema and Television in 2023.
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In 2023, she was awarded second place in the Classical Choreography category at Terpsichore, a national competition held in Kyiv.
From 2021 to 2022, she performed with the Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet in Dnipro, Ukraine, appearing in a range of productions in Ukraine and internationally, including tours in Switzerland, France, Germany, and China.
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Yana began her teaching career in 2020 at Studio Elideria in Kyiv, where she taught classical ballet and gymnastics to children. She continued working privately and online as an instructor during the pandemic.
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She now teaches at The Russian Ballet School, where she applies her training and performance experience to support students in their development in classical ballet.

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.

Saniya Abilmajineva began her formal training at the Tashkent National Ballet and Character Dance Academy in Uzbekistan, graduating in 2004. She continued her education at the Krasnogorsk Choreography College in Russia, earning her bachelor's degree in 2007, and subsequently obtained her master's degree from the Moscow State Academy of Choreography (Bolshoi Ballet Academy) in 2009.

From 2005 to 2007, Saniya taught at the Krasnogorsk Choreography College in Russia, where she developed her teaching skills and contributed to the training of young dancers. Following this, she joined the Natalya Sats Musical Theatre (formerly known as the Moscow State Academic Children's Music Theatre Named After Natalya Sats) as a soloist and teacher from 2007 to 2009.

In 2009, Saniya became a principal dancer at Canada's Ballet Jörgen, where she has continued to perform to the present day. Some of her notable roles include Anastasia, Juliet, Cinderella, Lady Birch from "The Nutcracker," and Aurora from "Sleeping Beauty." Saniya was part of the creation of many roles in Jörgen’s 25th anniversary production of Swan Lake and toured Canada performing the acclaimed principal role of Odette/Odile. In 2013, Saniya had the opportunity to dance Giselle as a guest artist with the International School of Ballet.

Saniya's talent and dedication have been recognized with numerous awards. She was a semi-finalist at the International Ballet Competition at Moscow’s Bolshoi Theatre in 2009 and received diplomas from the International Ballet Competitions in New York and Shanghai in 2007. She was also a Gold Medalist at the International Ballet Competition in Berlin in 2006 and a Silver Medalist at the same competition in 2005.
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Alongside her role at Ballet Jörgen, she serves as a guest teacher of classical and contemporary ballet at George Brown College, sharing her expertise with students and fostering the development of future ballet professionals. Saniya joined The Russian Ballet School in 2014 as a soloist and guest teacher, further enriching the institution with her extensive experience and dedication to the art of ballet.

Sabina Yapparova began her formal training in ballet at the Rudolf Nureyev Bashkir Ballet College in Ufa, Russia, graduating with an Associate of Arts with honours in Choreography and Performing Arts in 2001. She trained under renowned figures such as Alla Osipenko, Oleg Vinogradov, Farukh Ruzimatov, and Nikita Dolgushin.

Upon graduating, Sabina joined the St. Petersburg Konstantin Tachkin Ballet Theatre as a Principal Dancer, a position she held from 2001 to 2007. During her tenure, she performed leading roles and toured extensively across the United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, Estonia, China, and South Korea.

In 2007, Sabina became a soloist at the Mikhailovsky Theatre in Saint Petersburg. Her repertoire included notable roles such as Giselle, Cupid, Pascuala, Valeria in Spartacus, and Radish in Cipollino, among many others.Sabina’s talent has been recognized with numerous awards, including Saint Petersburg's highest theatre award, the "Golden Sofit," which she has won three times. She received this honour for Best Female Role for her portrayal of Juliet in "Romeo and Juliet" (2009), the Cello in "Multiplicity - Forms of Silence and Emptiness" choreographed by Nacho Duato (2012), and her role in "Na Floresta," also choreographed by Duato (2013).

In addition to her performance career, Yapparova has actively participated in the ballet community through various charitable projects. She took part in the XXXIV International Ballet Festival named after Rudolf Nureyev in Kazan in 2021 and continues to engage in similar initiatives as a volunteer, demonstrating her commitment to using her art for the greater good.

From 2014 to 2022, Sabina taught at the Children's Ballet School of Ilya Kuznetsov in Saint Petersburg, imparting her knowledge and experience to the next generation of dancers. Following instability between Russia and Ukraine, she relocated to Canada and now teaches at the Russian Ballet School, where she continues to inspire and nurture young talent with her extensive expertise and passion for ballet.

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).

Following instability between Russia and Ukraine, Maryna relocated to Canada and continued to impart her knowledge and skills to the next generation of future dancers.

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, such as "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 "Venzelya," "Polyanka," "Summer," "Polka," "Tatarochka," "Gypsies," "Moldovan," "Romanian," "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 in classical ballet and character dance by working with select students in Canada and the United States. In 2014, Anastasia received her Bolshoi Ballet Academy Teacher Certification in New York.

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