master classes & choreography
Shahar Binyamini
Master in Gaga movement language.
APRIL 2024
PHOTOGRAPHY: Elena Zabelina
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ABOUT SHAHAR BINYAMINI
Shahar Binyamini is an international choreographer, dancer and director.
His artistic journey unfolds as a dynamic fusion of dance, science, and design, surpassing traditional boundaries. His tenure with the Batsheva Dance Company (2006-2013) showcased his interpretative prowess with choreographers Ohad Naharin and Sharon Eyal. Venturing onto the global choreographic scene in 2016, Shahar presented "FLAT" for Frontier DanceLand in Singapore, marking the onset of an international chapter in his creative journey.
His impact extends globally, leaving an indelible mark on prestigious dance companies like the *Paris Opera Ballet*, *Gothenburg Dance Company, Ballet BC, Opera Ballet Flanders, Bordeaux National Ballet, Gauthier Dance Company, Norrdans, Ballet du Rhin, and Sao Paulo Dance Company*. His creations have graced iconic stages worldwide, including Lincoln Center in New York, the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver, and Teatro Colon in Argentina.
Shahar's artistic reach transcends traditional dance platforms, exemplified in his collaboration with acclaimed artist *SZA*. Serving as the choreographer for the video of her chart-topping song "SNOOZE," he showcases his versatility, and ability to bridge genres.
In 2013, Shahar, alongside Prof. Atan Gross from the *Weizmann Institute for Science*, founded TNUDA—a pioneering research group at the confluence of dance, science, and choreography. Headquartered at the Weizmann Institute, TNUDA explores the profound connections between scientific principles and movement. TNUDA's success led to the development of a research course for Weizmann institution students from 2014 to 2016, under the joint leadership of Shahar Binyamini, Shani Garfinkel, and Prof. Atan Gross.
Venturing into academia, Shahar made a lasting impact as a guest professor at *UCLA*, leaving his mark with "LUNG," a creation for the opera and dance department.
Acknowledging his outstanding contributions, Shahar Binyamini received the Israeli Minister of Culture *Award for Promising Choreographer* in 2021. This prestigious recognition solidifies his status as a visionary artist, showcasing an impressive range and a multidimensional impact on the realms of dance and research.
Whether on prestigious stages or collaborating with artists from diverse backgrounds, Shahar Binyamini continues to carve a distinctive path in the global performing arts landscape.
master class
natalia bashkatova
YAGP JUDGE
FORMER PRINCIPAL DANCER,
BOLSHOI BALLET & CIRQUE DU SOLEIL
june 24-28, 2024
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MASTER CLASSES
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Natalia Bashkatova
YAGP JUDGE, MASTER TEACHER,, M
FORMER PRINCIPAL DANCER,
BOLSHOI BALLET & CIRQUE DU SOLEIL
More Details Coming Soon
NATALIA BASHKATOVA
NATALIA BASHKATOVA trained at the prestigious Moscow State Academy of Choreography (Bolshoi Ballet Academy). From 1989-1994, Ms. Bashkatova was a principal dancer with the prestigious Bolshoi Theater Grigorovich Ballet and then became a guest principal dancer with the New York City Ballet. She has toured worldwide, performing many title classical roles, and was named Best Ballerina during the 1992 Spoleto International Arts Festival in Italy. After moving to the United States, Natalia became a Principal Ballerina with Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas as the lead dancer in Mystere. In 1998, she moved to Orlando to perform in Cirque du Soleil’s “La Nouba” as the Lost Ballerina, which she performed for 19 years before the show’s closing in 2017.
Ms. Bashkatova received her teaching degree from the Moscow State Academy of Choreography and brings her classical and crossover experience into teaching her classes. She is a highly sought-after master teacher and coach, internationally and a judge and master teacher for the prestigious ballet competition Youth America Grand Prix.
past masterclasses
workshop
michael vernon
CHAIR OF THE BALLET DEPARTMENT & PROFESSOR,
JACOBS SCHOOL OF MUSIC / INDIANA UNIVERSITY
YAGP JUDGE
march 22-24, 2024
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WORKSHOP
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Michael Vernon
CHAIR OF THE BALLET DEPARTMENT & PROFESSOR
INDIANA UNIVERSITY, JACOBS SCHOOL OF MUSIC
March 22
4-6pm (Ages 11-13)
6:15-8:15pm (Ages 14+)
March 23
2:30-2:30pm (Ages 11-13)
2:30-4:30pm (Ages 14+)
March 24
9-11am (Ages 11-13)
12-2pm (Ages 14+)\
COST
$280 FOR THE 3-DAY WORKSHOP
MICHAEL VERNON
Professor Michael Vernon started dancing at the Nesta Brooking School of Ballet in London before studying at the Royal Ballet School in London with such legendary teachers as Dame Ninette de Valois and Leonide Massine. He performed with the Royal Ballet, the Royal Opera Ballet, and the London Festival Ballet before moving to New York in 1976 to join the Eglevsky Ballet as ballet master and resident choreographer. He retained those positions under the directorship of the famed Edward Villella, and himself became artistic director of the Long Island-based company in 1989. He remained in that position until 1996.
Vernon choreographed numerous ballets for the Eglevsky Ballet, in addition to ballets for many professional companies in the United States and worldwide, such as BalletMet of Columbus, Ohio, and North Carolina Dance Theatre. Mikhail Baryshnikov commissioned him to choreograph the highly successful pas de deux In a Country Garden for American Ballet Theatre (ABT). His solo S'Wonderful was danced by ABT principal Cynthia Harvey in the presence of President and Mrs. Reagan and shown nationwide on CBS television. He also served as assistant choreographer on Ken Russell's movie Valentino, starring Rudolph Nureyev and Leslie Caron.
Vernon has taught at Steps on Broadway (New York City) since 1980, working with dancers from New York City Ballet, ABT, and many other high-profile companies. He is an integral part of the Manhattan Dance Project, which brings New York-style master classes to all regions of the United States. He has been involved with the Ballet Program of the Chautauqua Institute since 1996 and is Artistic Director for the Ballet School of Stamford (Conn). In addition, he is permanent guest teacher at the Manhattan Youth Ballet and has had a long association with Ballet Hawaii. He taught for the Alvin Ailey American Dance theatre and its school for 18 years.
Vernon has been company teacher for American Ballet Theatre, Dance Theatre of Harlem, the Metropolitan Opera Ballet, and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. He has guest taught in companies all over the world, including the West Australian Ballet, the National Ballet of China, the Hong Kong Ballet, the Birmingham Royal Ballet, Berlin Ballet, the Royal Swedish Ballet, and the Norwegian Ballet. He has been a guest teacher for The Juilliard School and The Joffrey School, and recently joined the panel of judges for the Youth America Grand Prix regional semi-finals.
Since being appointed Chair of the Ballet Department at the Jacobs School of Music, Vernon has choreographed Cathedral (2006), Endless Night (2009), Jeux (2010) and the ever popular seasonal ballet The Nutcracker. He has staged and provided additional choreography for the full-length classics Swan Lake (with American ballerina Cynthia Gregory) and The Sleeping Beauty. He re-choreographed Spectre de la Rose (the ballet that made Nijinsky famous) for New York City Ballet Principal Daniel Ulbricht.
He has choreographed for many IU Opera Theater productions, including Faust, Cendrillon, Rigoletto, and most recently supplied the movement for the world premiere of Vincent.
EDUCATION
Certificate, Nesta Brooking School of Ballet
Diploma, Royal Ballet School
(Teachers, Dame Ninette de Valois and Leonide Massine)
Q&A lecture
and master class
Ted Brandsen, Lucia Lacarra,
Bakhtiyar Adamzhan
September 24
September 24, 2023
MASTER CLASS
Bakhtiyar Adamzhan, Principal Dancer,
Astana Opera and Ballet Company
9:30-11:00am
Classical Ballet Technique (ages 13-18+)
Q&A CONVERSATION
Ted Brandsen, Director and Choreographer,
Dutch National Ballet
Lucia Lacarra,
International Ballet Star
11am-12pm
This Master Class and Q&A Conversation is produced by:
PETIPA HERITAGE FOUNDATION
Petipa Heritage Foundation is dedicated to preserving, restoring, and further developing the beautiful choreographic works of Marius Petipa and his contemporaries. Their mission is to ensure that classical ballet remains relevant, appreciated, and enduring for future generations to experience and advance. Petipa Heritage Foundation, 501(c)(3) nonprofit public benefit corporation. Tax ID 88-1992483
COST
-
Workshop (Q&A Conversation included in the price): $60 per dancer
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Q&A Session: $60 per person
after school WORKSHOPS
AUGUST 8-SEPTEMBER 1
BALLET STRETCHING, CONDITIONING & TECHNIQUE
MASTER CLASS
WITH APRIL WEXELMAN
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JULY 22, 2023
AGES 12-18+
10:00-11:00am
Ballet Stretching & Conditioning
11:00am-12:30pm
Ballet Technique
AGES 8-11
12:45-1:45pm
Ballet Stretching & Conditioning
1:45-3:15pm
Ballet Technique
𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐄: 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜
INSTRUCTOR
APRIL WEXELMAN is a respected instructor, coach, & choreographer. She currently works for Youth America Grand Prix as the Social Media Director, & as a Semi-Final Coordinator and Teacher. She is also a judge and teacher on Convention for Dance Masters of America.
Ms. Wexelman has taught at The Rock Center for Dance, Master Ballet Academy, Westlake School for the Performing Arts, UNLV, Las Vegas School for the Performing Arts, Jacksonville University, Douglas Anderson School for the Performing Arts, LaVilla School for the Performing Arts and Nevada Ballet.
Her students have vaulted into professional careers all over the world. Many of her students fill the ranks of major ballet companies including: Houston Ballet, Ballet Met, Hubbard Street, The Royal Danish Ballet, Atlanta Ballet and San Francisco Ballet. Students under her tutelage have had wonderful success at YAGP including: Hope Award, Youth Grand Prix Award, Grand Prix Award, Best Studio Award, Choreography Awards, and 1st place ensembles, 1st place duets, and Top 12, Top 3, across multiple categories at multiple YAGP Finals.
Ms. Wexelman's performance credits include lead roles in Swan Lake, La Bayadere, Stars and Stripes, and The Nutcracker. She danced with Malibu Ballet, Conejo Civic Ballet, Phyzix Dance, and F13RCE Dance Theatre as well as commercial work with Dick Clark Productions.
EDUCATION
Master of Fine Arts, Jacksonville University / Dance and Choreography
Bachelor of Arts, Pepperdine University
Certified in Mat Pilates, Pilates for Ballet Dancers
California Arts Scholar
Houston Ballet Academy
Kirov Academy in Washington DC
contemporary +
gyrokinesis
MASTER CLASS
WITH laura o'malley
CONTEMPORARY + GYROKINESIS
MASTER CLASS
bayer ballet studios
ages 10-13 MASTER CLASS
ages 14+MASTER CLASS
MAY 30, 2023
SCHEDULE
4-5:30pm - ages 10-13
5:30-7pm- ages 14+
$50/class
𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐄: 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜
Working on contemporary phrases and improvisation, dancers explore personal interpretation of the movement and musicality. These skills are essential, as many professional companies require improvisation during auditions.
INSTRUCTOR
LAURA O'MALLEY was born in Phoenix, Arizona, and trained on full scholarship at the Kirov Academy of Ballet in Washington, D.C. Laura went on to dance professionally at globally renowned companies such as the Boston Ballet, Dutch National Ballet, and Stuttgart Ballet, where she was promoted to soloist. In 2012, Laura was invited to dance for Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, which eventually led to her tenure with Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet. In 2017 Laura joined SFDanceworks, where she later also choreographed and became co-director.
As a performer, Laura was lauded for her interpretations in dozens of soloist and principal roles including title roles in “Giselle”, “La Sylphide”, “Lulu”. She originated roles in creations by Douglas Lee, Wayne McGregor, Mauro Bigonzetti, Alejandro Cerrudo, Christian Spuck, Krzyztof Pastor, Bridget Breiner, Alonzo King, and Danielle Rowe, and performed work by acclaimed choreographers such as Jiri Kylian, William Forsythe, Ohad Naharin, Nacho Duato, Mats Ek, Marco Goecke, Hans van Manen, Jorma Elo, Twyla Tharp, and Martha Graham.
Having had the unparalleled experience of collaborating with so many innovators, Laura takes great pride in sharing her knowledge as a facilitator, creator, and educator with Lines ballet’s education programs. Work that led her to serve as the rehearsal director for Lines Ballet from 2021-2022.
In 2022, Laura committed fully to pursuing her own choreographic career. Laura has had works commissioned by American Ballet Theater’s choreographic incubator project, and was a finalist at the 2019 Palm Desert Choreography Festival. Laura’s work was referred to as “promising” by Rachel Howard, for her highly regarded 2nd commission for SFDanceworks.
Laura is an Adjunct Professor at Dominican University of California and certified GYROTONIC® and GYROKINESIS® Trainer.
WINTER VARIATIONS WORKSHOPS
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VARIATIONS WORKSHOPS
WITH INTERNATIONAL TEACHERS & COMPETITIONS JUDGES
ADJI CISSOKO
CONTEMPORARY
WORKSHOP
bayer ballet studios
ages 12-14 workshop
ages 15+workshop
September 26, 2021
SCHEDULE
Ages 12-14 (9:45-11:45am) $50 - REGISTER
Ages 15+ (12-2pm) $50 - REGISTER
𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐄: 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜
Working on contemporary phrases and improvisation, dancers explore personal interpretation of the movement and musicality. These skills are essential, as many professional companies require improvisation during auditions.
INSTRUCTOR
ADJI CISSOKO was born and grew up in Munich, Germany where she trained at the Ballet Academy Munich and graduated with a diploma in dance. Cissoko attended the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School at American Ballet Theatre in New York City on full scholarship, before joining the National Ballet of Canada in 2010. In 2012 she was awarded the Patron Award of Merit by the Patrons’ Council Committee of The National Ballet of Canada. Cissoko joined LINES Ballet in 2014. Since then she’s originated many central roles and guested for galas worldwide. Cissoko has given multiple masterclasses and taught classes around the world as part of the company’s outreach program. In 2020 she became certified in health/life coaching as well as in ABT’s National Training Curriculum. Cissoko is currently a judge for Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP).
SERGEY KOZADayEV
MALE PROGRAM
workshop
(FREE)
bayer ballet studios
all ages + levels
JUNE 5-6, 2021
This two day workshop is designed to provide an inside perspective on the training opportunities for male dancers. There are two sessions to accommodate dancers with varying levels of experience.
INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED LEVELS
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Saturday 3:00-4:30PM
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Sunday 11:30AM-1:00PM
BEGINNING & INTERMEDIATE LEVELS
(no prior experience required)
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Saturday 4:30-5:30PM
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Sunday 1:00-2:00PM
DRESS CODE
Black tights, leggings, or shorts and white t-shirt
INSTRUCTOR
Sergey KOZADAYEV danced with the St. Petersburg State Ballet as a principal dancer for 22 years. He received the Merit of Honor of the Russian Republic signifying his reputation for the highest level of dance training and performance and was featured in a biographical documentary for Russian TV.
In 1991, he graduated from the St. Petersburg Conservatory in Choreography and Dance and holds a degree from the University of Culture and Art in St. Petersburg.
He has choreographed and danced in over 15 countries.
SEBASTIAN VINET
FEBRUARY 21-23, 2020
WE ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE
MASTER CLASSES WITH
Sebastian Vinet
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
HONORS & AWARDS
2020 Prix de Lausanne Jury Board
Prix de Lausanne Winner & Apprenticeship Award, 2009
Premio Jovenes Lideres del diario El Mercurio,
Ambassador of Chile Award, 2009
PERFORMANCE EXPERIENCE
Ballet de Santiago
Compañía Nacional de Danza
San Francisco Ballet
International Ballet Greenville
Houston Ballet
Grammy Awards, 2009
FORTE, Melbourne, Australia (Dance Australia, "Vinet named one of the "best performances of the night" 2017
PRINCIPAL ROLES in pieces of world renown choreographers such as Marcia Haydee, Kenneth McMillan, William Forsythe, Christopher Wheeldon, Helfi Tomasson, Stanto Welch, Mark Morris, Ben Sevenson, Demis Volpi, Val Caniparoli, John Cranko, to name a few.
INTERNATIONAL GALAS in England, Denmark.,China, Dominican Republic, Uruguay, Indonesia, Russia, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Ethiopia, Colombia, Japan, Australia, Hungary, Canada, Switzerland, and across the United States.
Sebastian holds a parallel career as a model, appearing in campaigns for brands such as Armani, Burberry, Newman and Dolce Gabbana, and was also featured in Vogue magazine.
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Vogue Magazine 20th Anniversary Gala, Mexico City, considered the next"Met Gala of Latin America"
International Ballet Gala, Emblematic Theater, Chile, Teatro Oriente
Fundación Artística Sebastián Vinet, Non-profit foundation to help young Chilean dancers to develop their art, while providing international opportunities for the next generation of artistis (founded by Vinet in 2017).
EDUCATION
Escuela de Ballet del Teatro Municipal de Santiago (Santiago de Chile)
Houston Ballet Academy, Cladio Munoz
"It is our duty as a society to realize that without art there is practically nothing; art surrounds us from the first hours in the morning, until the last hours of the night. During my career I have witnessed a lot of talent that fails to develop, for several reasons, but the main one is due to lack of economic and social conditions, not understanding that art is extremely important for our existence, we tend to look at it as a hobby and not as a profession. That is why I have decided to form a foundation, I want to support future artists and train new generations.”
SEBASTIAN VINET
Photograph: Paulo Garcia
ALEXEI MOSKALENKO
FEBRUARY 17-18, 2020
WE ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE
MASTER CLASSES WITH
Alexei Moskalenko
YAGP Assistant Artistic Director
For the past 20 years, Alexei Moskalenko has been working with the world largest Ballet Competition for students - Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP), as Judge, Master teacher, NY Rehearsals Director, Tour Director, US Operations Director and Assistant Artistic Director. Alexi evaluates, judges, guides and teaches more than10,000 students, who compete at YAGP, across 26 US cities and 13 countries, yearly.
Prior to moving to the United States in 1992, Alexei danced and toured around the world with Bolshoi Ballet Grigorovich, Prokofiev's Moscow Ballet and Moscow Children Musical Theater. Following a 10 year career as a principal dancer with numerous ballet companies, Alexei devoted himself to teaching and directing students in US and around the world, including American School of Russian Ballet (Owner/Artistic Director), Markell School of Dance, and Indiana Ballet Conservatory's Pre-Professional Program (Director). He has served as adjudicator, choreographer, and master teacher world-wide, across the US, Spain, France, Portugal, Peru, Columbia, Mexico, Brazil, Romania, China, Japan, Korea, Kirgizstan, and Argentina.
Alexei's students have received numerous awards in the world's most prestigious ballet competitions, including Moscow IBC (gold medal), Varna and Jackson IBC (silver medals), YAGP (numerous), to name a few. Many have joined professional ballet companies, prestigious ballet schools, summer programs, and dance universities.
Mr. Moskalenko graduated from the Bolshoi Ballet Academy, Moscow with a Vaganova Method teaching degree. Teachers: Maxim Martirosian, Alexander Bondarenko and Alexander Prokofiev.
GARY MAURICE LEWIS
NOVEMBER 1-3, 2019
WE ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE
CONTEMPORARY WORKSHOP
Master Teacher & YAGP Judge,
Gary Maurice Lewis
Gary Maurice Lewis, born and raised in St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands, has forged a singular career in Dance and Theatre in the United States and abroad since 1982. Lewis received his training at the Ballet Theater of School of The Virgin Islands, Dance Theater of Harlem, Washington School of Ballet - The Young Dancers Company (TWSB), and received a full scholarship to Alvin Ailey American Dance School.
In 1989 Mr. Lewis made his professional debut as a company member of the Capitol Ballet of Washington, D.C. under the direction of late Doris Jones. Lewis has since tourned across the United States, Europe and Africa as a company member with Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble, Colorado Ballet, and Ron Brown EVIDENCE at the Joyce Theater, NYC. His repertoire includes pieces by ballets by Donald McKayle, Talley Beatty, Donald Byrd, Eleo Pomare, Kevin Jeff and Katherine Dunham, Dianne Mcintyre and Gary Abbott, Alvin Ailey, including “The River."
Mr. Lewis made his Broadway debut in the original cast of “The Lion King," as a Swing Dancer and Assistant Dance Captain, at the New Amsterdam Theater. In 2001, joined the cast of “The Lion King National Gazelle Tour” for two years performing to audiences throughout the United States.
Other featured performances include the 1998 Tony Awards with The Lion King; the 2008 Middle Eastern Film Festival Opening and Closing Ceremonies in Abu Dhabi, choreographed and directed by Otis Sallid; and performances of FAUST and CARMINA BARANA with the Colorado Symphony in Denver Colorado.
Mr. Lewis has Judged and taught Master Classes for the YAGP (Youth American Grand Prix ) for the past 6 years .
Adonis Daukaev
Heading 5
AUGUST 13-18, 2019
WE ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE
the return of Master Teacher Adonis Daukaev, graduate Ballet Master and Choreographer of the world-renowned Vaganova Ballet Academy in St. Petersburg, Russia and an impressive 26-year professional dance career in Russia, Poland, Germany, Austria, and Canada.
Mr. Daukaev started his dance career as Principal Dancer at the Lviv National Opera, Ukraine in 1985 and went on to an astounding career as Principal Dancer and Choreographer at the Pfalztheater Kaiserslautern, Germany. He was a ballet teacher at Lviv National Opera, Gdansk Opera Baltycka, Salzburg Ballet, Augsburg Ballet, and Pfalztheater Kaiserslautern. In addition to his credentials, Mr. Daukaev graduated as Ballet Master and Choreographer at the notable Vaganova Ballet Academy in St. Petersburg, Russia. With a professional dance background spanning over 26 years, Mr. Daukaev has worked with renowned dancers, K.Sergueyev, I. Gensler, R.Gerbeck, B.Blankov, all of whom embody strong traditional Russian ballet artistry, in both classical and modern repertoires. As well, Mr. Daukaev has choreographed a number of original works and has worked with internationally-renowned artists such as Germinal Casado, Patricia Neary and Nikita Dolgushine.
karine plantadit
Bayer Ballet’s curriculum encompasses a year-round contemporary program with special guest teachers and choreographers.
Pictured: Contemporary masterclasses taught by Karine Plantadit, Tony Award-nominated dancer and actress. Karine is a former soloist with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and has appeared in numerous Broadway shows including the original Lion King and Movin’ Out, and Twyla Tharpe’s Come Fly Away. TV and movie appearances include So You Think You Can Dance , The 82nd Academy Awards, and Frida. Karine is the Co-Creator of KAMOCHIMETHOD and serves as a YAGP Judge.
📸 IOPhotoStudio
yuri fateev
director of mariinsky
