Teaching Artists / Performers

Andrei Kisselev Artistic Director

Originally from Moscow, Russia, Andrei Kisselev began his career at an early age receiving intensive training in Vaganova Ballet Method. In 1992, he received a diploma from the Russian Conservatory of Culture and Art after four years of study as a ballet master and choreographer. In the same year of graduation, Andrei joined the world renowned Moiseyev Dance Company. After one year he became a principal dancer.

Yana Volkova Artistic Director

Yana Volkova was born in Russia. She began her studies at the Professional Academy of Ballet in Voronezh, Russia, where Yana was getting her Intensive studying of Vaganova Ballet Method. She graduated with honors from the State Ballet Academy and was invited to work in one of Moscow's leading companies. Here she was given the opportunity to perform as a soloist. At the same time, she attended the most famed University of Theatrical Arts-Moscow (GITIS), Russia, where she earned a B.A. in Choreography and Character Dance. Studying with Lev Golovanov (Professor of Dance and Choreographer Assistant at the Moyeseev Company).

Vladimir Nikitin

2003-2008 - Training in the field of dance, the University of Culture and Arts, Kazan State / RUSSIA (Tray 5) Specialties: Artistic director of the group choreography and dance teacher 2008 Diploma and Award Chairing of Russia PUTIN talantieux for young dancers. Kazan / Russian 2008 Grand Prix best dancer in the pageant of "Prazdnik Zakharova. Penza / RUSSIA 1990-2000 School of Dance "Solnichko. Kazan / Russian 1993-2003 Secondary School No. 161. Kazan / Russian Federation (Russian Tray)

Miku Kawamura

Miku Kawamura began dancing ballet at the age of six in Japan. Her early training included the Sapporo City Ballet and many prestigious summer programs on full scholarship including Pacific Northwest Ballet and The Royal Ballet School. She was a semi-finalist at the renowned Prix de Lausanne (2004), Best of 12 at the Youth America Grand Prix NY final (2002), and has received awards at the NBA All Japan Competition (second prize) and the Japan Grand Prix (second prize). She received a full scholarship to the Harid Conservatory in Boca Raton, Florida, and since graduating Ms. Kawamura has performed many classical and contemporary roles with K-Ballet Company under director Tetsuya Kumakawa in Tokyo. Since she arrived in NYC, she has been a dance soloist of Albano Ballet, Brooklyn Ballet, Ballet Inc. and Neville Dance Theater.

Valeriy Zhmud Actor, Extra, Model, Singer, Guitarist, Pianist, Composer

Valeriy Zhmud (violin) was born in Dniprodzerzhynsk, Ukraine, and graduated from Kyiv's (Kiev's) University of Arts and Culture. In Ukraine, Valeriy worked with various folk and world music groups, as well as in Kyiv's (Kiev's) State Orchestra of Radio and Television. He has toured internationally as the soloist of Budmo, a Ukrainian folk ensemble, and performed in a variety of national and international folk festivals. In 1998, after touring the USA and Canada with Suzirya, Valeriy made the decision to move to New York were he now lives and works.

Ashley Elizabeth Smith Dancer, Singer, Actress

Ashley was born in Boston Massachusetts. At a young age of three, she began taking Irish dance lessons from her father and mother, Michael and Noreen Smith: owners of the Smith-Houlihan Irish Dance Academy. (www.smithhoulihanacademy.com)

Guanglei Hui

Guanglei Hui, originally from China, is an independent artist, choreographer, dancer and teacher. He studied at The Russian National Ballet Dance Academy from 2001-2003 and earned a major in Choreography/ Classical Ballet Performance with Education. While studying in Russia, he took second place in the Russian International Dance Competition.

Yulia and Yegor

Having danced together for 7 years Yulia and Yegor represented Ukraine on international stage and accomplished many victories and successful results. Achieving 2nd place at Blackpool Dance Festival was the highlight of the early partnership which put the couple amongst leaders in Latin dancing at their age group. Having parted ways since then, Yulia became Estonian Champion and represented Ukraine in the finals of World Championships with other partners as well as rising to 1st Place at International Dance Championships in London.