[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]”By way of introduction, I am both a former ballerina with American Ballet Theatre and a tenured Assistant Professor of Dance at Kansas State University. I am currently Artistic Associate of Director Dennis Nahat’s Ballet San Jose, as well as a ballet instructor in New York City … at both The Joffrey Ballet School and Ballet Academy East.
For the past nine years, I have been invited to be a guest teacher for Ballet Virginia International. I consider it a privilege to work with ballet students who are not only respectful and disciplined, but also have an excellent work ethic. In these times, that is an unusual combination, indeed!
It is my extreme pleasure to rate Ballet Virginia International as a first-rate pre-professional academy, as well as a pre-professional performing company of delightful and amazing capabilities. Expertly directed by Janina Michalski Bove and Suzanne Lownsbury Long, it adheres to the highest levels of teaching standards and performing esthetics.
In my book, Ballet Virginia International has created a mold which should be replicated again and again in this twenty-first century of pre-professional ballet education and performance. Needless to say, many of its students and alumni have been accepted for summer intensive study at prestigious ballet companies on an international scale. Some have subsequently been invited to remain.”
In the past few years, BVI has unquestionably grown into the premier ballet academy in the region. Under the tutelage of Janina Bove and Suzanne Lownsbury, the students evolve into outstanding performers as well as accomplished technicians. The impeccable training adheres to the highest standards. The imaginative choreography of BVI’s productions gives the dancers an invaluable opportunity for artistic growth….and the audience THE TIME OF ITS LIFE!!
Roni Mahler[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]”Teaching at BVI is such a pleasure, the students are very well mannered and creativity is always abuzz in the studios”
Guest Artist and Instructor Todd Fox[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]”…Sarah…puts on shows for me and her dolls, which is a hoot as she improvises! I just wanted to thank Janina, Suzanne, Ms. Lisa and Ms. Helen for providing such a wonderful experience for her. I know you remember how very shy she was when she began ballet. Over the months, with her instructors’ patience, kindness and expertise, she just blossomed. She is very confident and outgoing now, as well as graceful, and ballet contributed greatly I feel.”
Carol Baden[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]”Dear Janina,
Thank you so much for taking time with Paisleigh. She pulled out of ballet last summer after many years of frustration and negative feedback from instructors and teachers. She missed it desperately and was very hesitant to return but immediately felt at home at BVI and has never enjoyed ballet more! Though she would love to “graduate” from the younger class, she has loved getting to know everyone. She regularly comments on how kind and welcoming all the girls have been. I truly appreciate the nurturing environment along with the support and encouragement everyone at BVI has shown her.
Thanks again!!”
Sharon[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]