Dmitri Kulev Classical Ballet Academy
Discover the world of classical ballet at our renowned academy.
ABOUT US
The Dmitri Kulev Classical Ballet Academy (DKCBA) was established in 2006 by Dmitri and Jennifer Kulev, former principal dancers at the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. The academy focuses on training dancers in the Russian Vaganova method. DKCBA students have achieved numerous awards in national and international dance competitions. In 2024, Alina Krasovskaya and Alexander Romanchikov, former soloists at the Mariinsky Theatre, became the new directors of the Academy. They continue to uphold the Vaganova Method to foster a new generation of professional ballet dancers. The Academy is committed to providing students with high-quality instruction and maintaining the highest standards of Russian ballet. This dedication is reflected in the many awards received by DKCBA students at renowned national and international dance competitions.
Currently, the academy offers training in ballet, jazz, contemporary, and character styles, catering to students from pre-ballet to the professional level. DKCBA is also home to the Orange County Ballet Theater (OCBT), which offers students performance opportunities in and around Orange County. Furthermore, DKCBA students have the opportunity to participate in the well-known youth contemporary company WESTSIDE DANCE PROJECT, which is based at the Academy and directed by Jordan Lang.
Where Excellence Takes Center Stage
Our Academy is committed to providing students with
high-quality instruction and maintaining the highest standards of Vaganova Ballet Training.
This dedication is reflected in the many awards received by DKCBA students at renowned national and international dance competitions.
high-quality instruction and maintaining the highest standards of Vaganova Ballet Training.
This dedication is reflected in the many awards received by DKCBA students at renowned national and international dance competitions.
We are excited to welcome students as young as
six years old to begin their ballet journey at DKCBA!
six years old to begin their ballet journey at DKCBA!
Join our Academy for Intermediate levels with excellent teachers!
Advance your professional ballet education with our award-winning training and unwavering dedication!
OUR DIRECTORS
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ALINA KRASOVSKAYAAlina, a native of St. Petersburg, began her journey in ballet at 10 when she enrolled at the prestigious Vaganova Ballet Academy. Her time at the academy was marked by active participation in numerous productions at the Mariinsky Theatre, where she assumed leading roles in her graduation performances. Upon completing her education, Alina became a member of the Mariinsky Ballet Company, showcasing her talent through solo performances in classical ballets and contributing to various theatre productions, concerts, and festivals. Collaborating with renowned contemporary choreographers further enriched her experience at the theatre.As part of the troupe, Alina toured with the Mariinsky company across the USA, Japan, China, Germany, Italy, Spain, Great Britain, Brazil, and other countries.
In 2020, Alina’s international journey in Ballet reached a new milestone as she attained a master’s degree in choreography from the Vaganova Ballet Academy. This achievement coincided with her involvement in the «The Workshop of Young Choreographers» as part of the prestigious “Mariinsky” festival.
In 2022, Alina moved to California and continued her career as a dancer, teacher, and choreographer. She joined the Dmitri Kulev Classical Ballet Academy faculty and has conducted master classes at various ballet schools and companies. Additionally, Alina has managed and produced her own choreography projects and created contemporary pieces for competitions. She also has performed in numerous productions, taking on multiple roles, such as Sugarplum in "The Nutcracker," Gamzatti in "La Bayadere," Juliette in "Romeo and Juliette," and Aurora in “Sleeping Beauty,” among others. -
ALEXANDER ROMANCHIKOVAlexander Romanchikov was born in Krasnodar, Russia, and his journey in the world of dance began in Moscou with Loktev Song and Dance Ensemble, when he continued his ballet education at Ledyah Ballet Academy before he joined the prestigious Vaganova Ballet Academy. During his education, Alexander constantly participated in Mariinsky Theatre productions and danced in principal roles upon graduation. After graduation, he was invited to join the esteemed Mariinsky Ballet Company, which marked the beginning of his successful career. His talent and dedication led to his promotion to the rank of Soloist in 2008. Alexander’s versatility and range of skills have been showcased in renowned festivals such as «White Nights,» «Mariinsky,» and «Easter Festival» since 2006. His contributions to the Theater’s repertoire include a wide range of Classical, character, and dramatic roles in ballets such as Swan Lake, La Bayadere, Sleeping Beauty, Don Quixote, and Stone Flower, as well as works by choreographers like Fokine, Preljocaj, Balanchine, Gusev, Lavrovsky, and Ashton. His ability to embody different characters and styles is a testament to his artistry and dedication.
He traveled multiple times with the company’s tours to the USA, Japan, China, Germany, Great Britain, Austria, France, Brazil, and others, where he captivated audiences with his exceptional performances. In 2020, Alexander furthered his expertise by graduating as a ballet master at St. Petersburg Conservatory, named after N.A. Rimsky-Korsakov. In 2022, he embarked on a new chapter in his career by moving to California. He continues performing the principal roles in many ballet productions and collaborating with contemporary choreographers. He was established as a teacher at Dmitri Kulev Classical Ballet Academy, where he continued to inspire and educate students with his wealth of experience and skills.
Teachers
- Amanda de OliveiraBallet techniqueAmanda De Oliveira is a Brazilian-American dance artist, choreographer, and educator. She trained at ABT's JKO school on a full-merit scholarship. Upon graduating in 2011, she was offered 5 professional contracts before accepting her position with ABT. While at ABT, she was awarded the Marjorie Isaacs Dancer Award. She has performed with ABT and NYCB at the Lincoln Center in NY and the Kennedy Center in DC and as a principal guest artist in countries including England, France, Italy, Spain, Brazil, Lebanon, and the United States. She has taught master classes for top universities such as Yale, Stanford, and Princeton. She has choreographed for the Columbia University MFA program, Westchester Ballet Company, DKCBA, and YAGP (where her work has been awarded top prizes).
- Dawson WalkerJazzDawson Walker, is a dedicated professional with a passion for contemporary movement, creation, and theater performance. With 17 years of training, he has honed his expertise in contemporary, ballet, jazz, and modern. After completing his education at Orange County School of the Arts he studied abroad at Nuova Officina de la Danza in Italy. Since being overseas, Dawson has been teaching, choreographing, and performing all over Southern California and most recently toured with Micaela Taylor's The TL Collective. Beyond being a dance artist, Dawson also pursues acting, photography, guitar, and bouldering.
- Alexander savelievBallet techniqueAlexander graduated from the Vaganova Academy in St. Petersburg in 2010 with a Bachelor's degree. He worked as a ballet dancer at the Mariinsky Theatre from 2010 to 2016. From 2016 to 2018, he performed as a guest soloist in Europe, specifically in Bratislava, Slovakia, and Essen, Germany.
Since 2020, Alexander has been making his mark on the global stage, pursuing a solo career that has taken him to prestigious venues and events worldwide. His performances at Classics on Palace Square and Andrea Bocelli’s concert hall in St. Petersburg highlight his success around the world. As a principal soloist, he has toured across Italy, Spain, Kazakhstan, the USA, Canada, and Brazil, showcasing his talent and passion for ballet on a truly global scale.
Additionally, since 2021, he has been actively teaching in Russia, Brazil, and the USA. He is an esteemed jury member, an expert in ballet school exams and competitions, and an organizer and participant in numerous master classes and workshops.
In 2024, Alexander moved to California, joining the Dmitri Kulev Classical Ballet Academy faculty. - Robert TsaiPerformance Prehab TrainingOriginally from Taipei, Taiwan, Rob received his undergraduate degrees in Communication Theory, Dance Performance, and his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Chapman University In Orange, CA.
As a performing arts physical therapist, Rob’s experience includes supporting movement artists across the life-span in their healing and training – from youth/adolescent, pre-professionals, and collegiate students in their training to professionals in the concert, commercial, and theme park work environments.
Rob's educational philosophy is centered around the human behind the dancer. Having extensively worked with the youth and adolescent population, Rob's approach to education and training emphasizes providing a safe space to center health and wellness for longevity in career and in life.
Rob has previously served as the resident physical therapist for the UC Irvine Department of Dance, served on faculty at Chapman University’s Department of Physical Therapy, and guest lectured at dance institutions and dance medical conferences, both domestic and international.
| Open Adult Ballet Classes Ballet is an expressive and beautiful art form. It is also a fantastic way to stay in shape and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Intermediate and Advanced/Professional Level with Sharon Savoy Friday from 10 - 11:30 a.m. Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. $20 Cash/Venmo Beginning Adult Ballet Class with Alexander Saveliev Thursday 10-11:30 a.m. Sunday 10-11:30 a.m. $25 Cash/Venmo We look forward to welcoming you! DKCBA - 23091 Del Lago Dr, Laguna Hills, CA 92653 |
Why choose us
World-class faculty
Our faculty are renowned dancers and teachers, with extensive experience in the Russian Vaganova method.
Commitment to artistic excellence
We are dedicated to providing our students with the highest quality dance education, and we strive to maintain the highest standards of classical ballet.
Unparalleled dance education
Our curriculum is designed to cultivate talent and foster a lifelong passion for dance.
Performance opportunities
Students are given the opportunity to perform in various venues throughout the year, including our annual Nutcracker production.
College and professional placement
Our graduates have been accepted to prestigious ballet programs and companies around the world.
Financial assistance
We offer financial assistance to qualified students, to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to study dance.
Get in touch
Our experts will help you start your ballet journey
Contact us anytime
23091 Del Lago Drive, Laguna Hills, CA 92653
(949)360-4233
dance@dkcba.com
(949)360-4233
dance@dkcba.com
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