Alexei Moskalenko of YAGP Leads Bayer Ballet's Summer Workshop 2025
- info689283
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 12 minutes ago
Inspiring the Next Generation of Ballet Artists
This August, Bayer Ballet had the privilege of hosting Mr. Alexei Moskalenko, Associate Artistic Director of Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP), for a weeklong summer workshop. For students and families, this was far more than a training intensive—it was an opportunity to learn from one of the world’s foremost ballet educators, deeply rooted in the Vaganova tradition.
A Global Leader in Ballet Education
Mr. Moskalenko’s career reflects a lifetime of dedication to excellence. A graduate of the Bolshoi Ballet Academy, where he trained under legendary masters Maxim Martirosian, Alexander Bondarenko, and Alexander Prokofiev, he went on to perform with the Bolshoi Ballet Grigorovich, the Moscow Ballet, and later as a principal dancer in the United States. For more than 26 years, he has served YAGP—the world’s largest student ballet scholarship competition—in multiple roles, including master teacher, judge, rehearsal director, and tour director. Each season, he mentors more than 8,000 students across 15 countries and 32 U.S. cities, shaping the standards of excellence for the next generation of dancers. Many of his protégés have gone on to win medals at prestigious competitions in Moscow, Varna, and Jackson, and today they perform with leading ballet companies worldwide.
The Workshop Experience at Bayer Ballet
From August 17–21, Bayer Ballet students ages 9 –12 and 13+ gathered at the Mountain View studios for an immersive experience in classical ballet training. Under Mr. Moskalenko’s guidance, they honed not only technique but also artistry, musicality, and stage presence—the hallmarks of the Vaganova system. His instruction emphasized not just corrections but the why behind them, from musical phrasing to épaulement. With his vast experience in international adjudication and teaching, he offered students a rare perspective on what makes a dancer truly memorable on global stages.
What set this workshop apart was Mr. Moskalenko’s dual perspective: as a product of the Russian training tradition and as an international adjudicator who understands what artistic directors and competition judges seek in rising talent. His feedback gave students an insider’s view of what it takes to stand out on both national and international stages.
As he shared in the 5.6.7.EIGHT podcast episode “Finding Tomorrow’s Stars” (2019):
Why This Visit Was So Meaningful
Bayer Ballet has long been committed to excellence in Vaganova-based training, earning recognition as a YAGP Outstanding School Award recipient. Hosting Mr. Moskalenko reinforced this mission while offering students a direct link to the broader ballet world. It was not only about polishing pirouettes or refining port de bras, it was about glimpsing what’s possible when dedication meets opportunity. The workshop reminded students and families alike that with discipline, artistry, and mentorship, the journey from a local studio to the international stage is within reach.
A Legacy in Motion
For Bayer Ballet, hosting Alexei Moskalenko was both an honor and a milestone. His teaching reinforced the academy’s commitment to preserving the Vaganova method while connecting Bay Area dancers with the great traditions of classical ballet. We were inspired by his vision as a master teacher and global leader, and we look forward to welcoming him back again soon.
Join Bayer Ballet for our upcoming workshops!
We are dedicated to offering Bay Area students the highest level of ballet education, led by highly sought-after and experienced instructors. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for updates—we look forward to seeing you soon!
Coming up next:
FOLLOW US
Comments