Our Academic Vision
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The International Ballet Academy is Bellevue's premier ballet and dance academy, specializing in professional dance training. Our Academy strives to keep the classical traditions of dance and theater alive in a world that is more connected than it has ever been. We do this so that these traditions will never be forgotten and that in their wake, we may grow and prosper not only as a people but also as artists.
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The IBA curriculum offers young dancers an award-winning dance education in ballet, modern, contemporary, jazz, and character. Taught by a world-renowned faculty, students from our Academy go on to have illustrious careers among the world's greatest dance companies. While professional dance training is our main focus, we offer various dance programs for children and adults. We ensure that you can always find a dance class near you so that our community can grow through the beauty of dance.
Each student receives individualized tutelage from our illustrious faculty. It is our belief that each dancer is a unique artist and needs focused instruction so that they may blossom and evolve. Yet we strive beyond that, offering not only a way for parents to connect to their children through dance but also to have a way to find themselves in its beauty. This academy was built on family, and we have worked hard to maintain that unity for all these years, weaving this philosophy into our dance education. At the core of our philosophy, we are a place of learning. A place to learn the beauty and art that has been developed over a thousand years. We nurture this education with family and maintain a curriculum that supports this, ensuring that every student is treated with the love and care they deserve.
“Once upon a time, people dreamed of the future. Of flying cars, space, and easy living. Yet, as they dreamt, the future came and went. We are witnessing the future that was talked about evolving and flourishing right in front of our eyes. But there are also those who look at the future or the present and dare to dream of the past. We are an academy with such dreams. The caretakers of traditions and teachings built long ago perfected over hundreds of years.”
— Vera Altunina, Artistic Director
Faculty
Vera Altunina -
Founder and Artistic Director
A renowned and respected choreographer and ballet master from St. Petersburg, Russia, Vera Altunina brought her talent and love of dance to the United States in the early '90s. Her extraordinary talent, consummate professionalism, and passionate commitment to dance speak for themselves.
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Born in 1965, Ms. Altunina began her ballet career when she was five years old. In 1973, she was accepted by the world-famous Vaganova Ballet School and graduated in 1981 as a professional ballet dancer. She went on to The Leningrad College of Cultural Education and graduated with distinction in 1985 with two bachelor's degrees as Director of Performing Arts and Pedagogue Specializing in Performing Arts. She continued to further her education while dancing professionally by attending the N.A. Rimsky-Korsakov State Conservatory, earning her Master's Degrees in Choreography and as a Ballet Master, specializing in Ballet Direction.
Mrs. Altunina's extensive credentials include classical and character dance, choreographing and staging new and classical productions such as Giselle, Paquita, Chopiniana, The Nutcracker, and Raymonda in Russia and the United States, and teaching students in both countries the expressiveness, grace, and beauty of dance, its techniques, and history.
Vera came to the United States in 1993 and continued to distinguish herself as an exemplary artist of great talent. As the lead ballet instructor and choreographer for the Washington Academy of Performing Arts, she continued inspiring students, produced many original full-length productions and has shared her talents throughout Puget Sound as guest instructor for Cornish College of the Arts, Ewajo Dance Workshop, Whidbey Island Dance School, Olympic Ballet School, Ballet Bellevue School, Everett Chorale, Issaquah Chorale, and as guest artist for Whidbey Island Dance Theater. She has also assisted in the staging of Paquita for the Fort Worth/Dallas Ballet Company.
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Mrs. Altunina teaches Ballet, Pointe, Variations, and Character Dance.
With the founding of the International Ballet Academy and International Ballet Theatre in 2001, Mrs. Altunina committed herself to preserving classical ballet and its education.
Her mission is to enrich the lives of children and adults in her community, as well as abroad, by providing an education that inspires imagination and an appreciation of the performing arts through the creativity and beauty of dance. With her philosophy of cultural enrichment, professional dance development, and preservation of traditional arts, Mrs. Altunina strives to help her students achieve their dreams of becoming professional dancers.
Stephanie Saland
Stephanie Saland was born in Brooklyn and entered The School of American Ballet just before her 15th birthday. Three years later, she was invited by George Balanchine to join the New York City Ballet for the remarkable Stravinsky Festival. In a 21-year career with City Ballet, Ms. Saland was showcased in leading roles under Balanchine’s direction, as well as principal roles and working closely with Jerome Robbins’ repertoire for the Company. Guest performances included Nureyev and Friends, Giselle with Alexander Gudonov, and numerous Live From Lincoln Center and Dance in America films. Before moving to Seattle in the fall of 1993, she taught movement for student actors at Playwrights’ Horizons and helped develop a body-awareness class for actors with theater teacher Caymichael Patten.
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Since finishing her performance career, Ms. Saland has been an instructor, mentor, and coach for dancers and students in a wide range of choreography and repertoire. Ms. Saland is currently a faculty member at The International Ballet Academy in Kirkland, WA. She has been invited to participate, create, and conduct workshops and intensives in her freelance work. In the US, the venues have included NY, San Francisco, Los Angeles, North Carolina, Atlanta, Kansas City, San Diego, Salt Lake City, and Dallas and international venues in Buenos Aires, Copenhagen, Madrid, Mallorca, Mexico, Canada, and Holland. In 2005, she was invited to join the internationally esteemed Youth America Grand Prix in both the regional and final competitions, and she has been with the organization ever since. The burgeoning worldwide web of scholarship and professional associations with and for YAGP has generated a broad base of contacts.
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“...As a dancer, Stephanie Saland inhabited each role, bringing to it a glowing life with every step, every gesture. To watch her was to understand what artistry is. As a teacher, she is as unparalleled as she was in her dancing. Dance becomes understandable when touched by Stephanie. It also becomes magic.”
Elizabeth Kaye Contributing Arts Editor, LA & NY Times
Francois Serre y Berga
Francois Serre y Berga is a French citizen born in Barcelona, Spain. He graduated with honors from the Opera de Paris and Conservatoire Superieur de Paris. In Europe, he danced as a soloist with several companies in France and Switzerland, including the Ballet National du Rhin under Jean Sarelli, Basel Ballet under Heinz Spoerli, Ballet de Marseille under Roland Petit, and the Zurich Opera House. He studied Jazz dance with Gus Giordano and Lea Darwin in Chicago at the Gus Giordano Dance Center. He was a dancer for movies, television, and music videos in France and danced with Tina Turner’s European Tour in 1990-91. Mr. Serre y Berga was Assistant Artistic Director at Spectrum Dance Theater, and taught at Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle. He was Chairman of the Ballet School at the Washington Academy of Performing Arts in Redmond, Washington. He has been invited as a guest teacher for prestigious companies and competitions worldwide, such as the Rock School of Dance and Prix de Lausanne. Consistently, Mr. Serre y Berga's artistry is appreciated with top honors in highly-esteemed competitions such as the Youth America Grand Prix and Tanzolymp. His students and his original choreography have been seen on the stage at the State Hermitage Museum Theatre at the International Dance Open Festival and in Switzerland at the prestigious Prix de Lausanne. His world-renowned choreography is featured annually at local productions with the International Ballet Theatre.
Mr. Serre y Berga is the Assistant Artistic Director, and he teaches Ballet and Contemporary Dance.
Le Yin
Le Yin was born in Nan Chang, China, and began his training at the Beijing Dance Academy. He continued his training with the Houston Ballet Academy. Mr. Yin is a former Principal dancer with the Houston Ballet and is now a former Principal dancer with Pacific Northwest Ballet. He performed the lead in International Ballet Theatre's 2010 Don Quixote and performed in IBT’s 2011 Giselle.
Mr. Yin teaches Ballet.
Hiromi Rudd
Hiromi Rudd was born in Yokohama, Japan, and started dancing at the age of five under Kiwako Tsukamoto. She continued her training with Yaoko Sato (Former principal dancer at Tani Ballet Company in Tokyo, Japan.) In 2004, Ms. Rudd came to the United States with over 20 years of teaching experience. Since 2005, she has taught at the International Ballet Academy, Evergreen City Ballet, Ballet Bellevue, and others.
Ms. Rudd teaches Ballet.
Natalia Skvortsova
Natalia stepped into the world of ballet in Russia when she was only four years old, with the well-known ballet theater “Shelkunchik,” being one of its first students. Later, she danced with the Ensemble of the Folk Dance “Solnyshko” and Theater of Ballet “Terpsichore,” where she became a laureate and nominee for Regional and National competitions performing classical variations, as well as performing different styles of dance such as contemporary and jazz. While studying at the Ural State University, where she got a Master's Degree in Arts in 2003, she became a ballet soloist with Ekaterinburg State Circus, traveling across Russia and participating in illusion attractions.
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Since moving to Canada in 2005, Natalia has chosen ballet as a career. From 2005 to 2008, she completed all Royal Academy of Dance Vocational Exams (intermediate to advanced two levels) with distinction. In 2009, she performed Solo Seal at Michael J Fox Theater in Vancouver, BC. In 2009, Natalia completed a Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies and became a Registered Teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance. She has been successfully preparing her students for RAD exams ever since.
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After moving to Seattle in 2015, Natalia keeps refining and expanding her teaching skills. She got her Certificate in Progressing Ballet Technique and recently became a Silver Swans Licensee with RAD. Natalia will teach Ballet Levels 1 through 3.
Alison Epsom
Alison trained in London at The Royal Ballet School before completing her training at The English National Ballet School and on scholarship at The London Studio Center, where she graduated with a BA(HONS) in Theatre Dance and was awarded First Class Honors. Theater credits include: On Eagle’s Wing, Odyssey Arena, Belfast, and DVD; Michael Flatley’s Celtic Tiger World premier Birmingham, European premier Budapest, U.S. premier Madison Square Garden, NY, U.S. tour and DVD (The Rembrandt Ballerina); Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (film); show dance partner to Latin Ballroom legend Paul Killick for The Fire and Ice Dance Spectacular, Florida, Ballroom’s Best at The Vail International Festival of Dance, Colorado, Paul Killick’s ballroom exhibitions in London, Portugal, and Hong Kong, and The Wintergarden Ballroom, Blackpool; Follies in Concert at The London Palladium (The Young Bolero Dancer). Since moving to Seattle, she has performed for the International Ballet Theatre in Dracula (Mina), Giselle (Myrtha), Coppelia (Coppelia), Don Quixote (The Street Dancer, Mercedes), and The Nutcracker (Clara), and for City Opera Ballet in Romeo and Juliet (Juliet).
Ms. Alison teaches ballet.
Thomas Phelan
Originally from Fort Collins, Colorado, Thomas Phelan brings a diverse background in movement arts to his work. With training in gymnastics, diving, and acrobatic partnering, as well as classical and contemporary dance, he has developed a unique versatility as a performer.
Phelan earned a BFA in Performing Arts from Colorado State University and has since performed with a range of esteemed companies, including Alaska Dance Theatre, Whim W'Him, Coriolis Dance, Khambatta Dance Company, The Can Can, House of Verlaine, Alana O Rogers Dance Company, The Gray Dance, International Ballet Theatre, and Olympic Ballet Theatre. In addition to his performance credits, Phelan is a skilled teacher and choreographer, adept at guiding individuals of various skill levels in exploring and expressing themselves through movement.
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Mr. Phelan teaches Modern.
Sasha Lane
Sasha Lane is from the Bay Area, California, and received the majority of her ballet training from Lise la Cour’s LaCademy of Ballet and New Ballet, an American Ballet Theatre (ABT) certified school, and was a member of its Studio Company. During the summer, Lane attended ballet programs abroad at ART of Zurich in Switzerland and the Royal Danish Ballet Summerschool in Denmark.
She graduated from the University of California, Irvine (UCI), receiving a B.A. in Dance and a B.S. in Computer Science. At UCI, Lane trained under Molly Lynch and was awarded the William J. Gillespie Dance Scholarship and the Kris and Linda Elftmann Scholarship. Lane has danced professionally with South Valley Ballet, Peninsula Ballet Theatre, and Oceánica Ballet. Notable repertory includes Carmen in Carmen, the Autumn Fairy in Cinderella, and the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker, as well as original works by Vitor Luiz and Tong Wang. In addition, Lane was a teaching assistant at the ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School and is a certified instructor in the ABT curriculum in levels Pre-Primary through Level 7 and Partnering. Lane is a graduate of New York University (NYU) Steinhardt’s Dance Education program, where she received an M.A. in ABT pedagogy.
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Ms. Lane teaches the Primary Program and Children’s Program.
Jackie Villegas-MacLin
Jackie Villegas-MacLin has over 40 years of extensive training and has performed in flamenco and Spanish classical dance. She is the director and founder of her performing flamenco troupe, “Dances of Spain,” and operates as an independent flamenco dance instructor in the Seattle metropolitan area. In addition to her experience in Spanish dance, Jackie has a background in Mexican folk, ballet, and jazz dance, and she has been a featured dancer and choreographer in musical theatre. Jackie also produces her own creative works and performs regularly with various flamenco groups in the Seattle area. In addition, she is the Executive Director of Espacio de Arte, a non-profit organization specializing in visiting flamenco artists from Spain and producing workshops.
Ms. MacLin teaches Flamenco Dance.
Oleg Dusaev - Accompanist
Mr. Dusaev is a well-known pianist and chamber music player. He graduated from Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory in 2003 with a Masters in piano while studying with the world-famous professor Vera Gornostaeva. From 2003 to 2005, Oleg attended the same graduate school and was mentored by the same professor. While being at the graduate school, Oleg Dusaev was awarded the Mstislav Rostropovich grant. Oleg is also a prizewinner of numerous international competitions in Europe. He also attended international music festivals and participated in piano master classes and concerts as a valuable artist and guest.
In 2013, Oleg Dusaev moved to New York, where he worked as an accompanist and a teacher. He was employed by several ballet schools in New York City, including Manhattan Youth Ballet, Ellison Ballet, Bolshoi Ballet Academy, Broadway Dance Center, Peridance Ballet, Brooklyn Ballet, and others. He collaborated with artists from three leading music schools: the Juilliard School of Music, Manhattan School of Music, and Mannes College. In 2016, Oleg Dusaev moved to Seattle, where he works as an accompanist. He is employed by several ballet schools on the West Coast, including the International Ballet Academy, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Spectrum Dance, Evergreen City Ballet, and others. In 2021, he opened the Pacific Northwest Conservatory, where he now shares his knowledge, experience, and artistry with future generations of aspiring musicians.
Maria Razumova - Costume Manager
Maria has been an internal part of the International Ballet Academy and Theatre. For over a decade, she has been the foundation of our costume department, helping our dancers and students prepare for their performance opportunities.
Administrative Staff
Shannon Holm, Front Office Manager
Shannon Holm has had a love for dancing since she began her own journey at the age of 3. She danced all through high school before completing college and starting her family. Since joining the IBA family over 10 years ago as a dance parent, she seamlessly stepped into the role of IBT Production Manager and Volunteer Coordinator before taking on the duties of the Front Desk Assistant. Shannon enjoys being able to connect with all of the dancers and their families as they enter our doors as well as keeping everyone informed and up to date with all that goes on within our studio walls.
Zoë Burwell, Front Office Assistant
Zoë grew up dancing at IBA and considers it to be her dance home. She has since returned to the studio to support the Academy as an office assistant. She enjoys working with and meeting new people.
Angela Reveron, Registration Administrator
Successful and determined, Angela is an adventurous student of the world who loves to explore and connect with people. She studied Business Management and has honed her craft across various industries, including international business, finance, and technology. She is a creative with a global perspective who is always happy to help and take on any new challenge with a smile. A lady of many talents with a background in dance, Angela strives to help people and organizations achieve their goals.
Consulting Staff
Bret Swigard, MPT, OCS, CMPT, c. MDT -
Physical Therapist
An American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists (APTA) certified physical therapist, Bret Swigard has been working with the IBA to help our students establish a strong understanding of their bodies and human limits so that they can take care to avoid injury during their rigorous training.