Executive Director and Ballet Mistress
Mrs. Irina was born in Kiev, Ukraine and began her ballet training at the age of 12 at the Kiev Academy of Ballet in Ukraine. Upon graduation at the age of 18, she was invited to perform with the Kiev National Theater of Opera and Ballet. She was the first ballerina who earned a permanent position as the Principal Dancer at the end of her first year in the company, and held this title for 24 years. Her repertoire includes principal role in Sleeping Beauty, Don Quixote, Cinderella, Snow White, Coppelia, The Nutcracker, Don Juan, Carmen, Legend of Love, Shurale, Chopeniana, Seven Beauties, Stone Flower, Les Sylphides, Paquita, Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors, and Blue Danube - the Waltz of Strauss.
For many years, Irina coached dancers for international events such as the Maya Plisetskaya Honorary Competition in Varna, Russia and the Serge Lifar Ballet Competition in Paris, France. She is very proud of her Vaganova training (the most studied and recognized ballet method). She received training for three coaches throughout her dance career, who directly studied under Vaganova her self. Irina has performed as Principal Dancer and Director throughout all Europe, Asia, North and South America. She came to United States in 1997 and worked with the Orlando Ballet for 3 years as a Ballet Mistress and main coach in the Company. At present, Irina is the owner and Ballet Mistress of Russian Academy, and Executive Director and founder of Russian Ballet of Orlando.
Mrs. Irina and her family are celebrating RAB's 9th year Anniversary June 1st, 2009 and the beginning of the 10th Season.
