Bringing a family legacy to new ballet dancers

This month for our spotlight series, we will be highlighting our fabulous ballet instructor, Anna.

A smiling woman with long black hair stands en pointe in a green leotard and tutu

A woman with poses on one knee with arms extended forward

Classical ballet has always been a part of Anna’s life: her parents, cousins, and uncles had developed a family tradition of ballet from before she was born. She describes her mother as a ‘dedicated ballet artist’ and shared that her father was a ballet principal—the highest rank in a ballet company--and international ballet star. Her father trained with renowned dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov in St Petersburg prestigious A.Vaganova Ballet Academy School. Amongst her father in the professional ballet world were her cousins and uncles. This legacy created ‘a vibrant artistic lineage’ that has shaped both her memories and the values at the core of her identity as an individual, performer and teacher.

Anna began her training in State Ballet Academy in Tbilisi, Georgia, in Vagonova method Bolshoi Moskow Classical Ballet Programme. The State Ballet Academy which holds a great reputation for training many world-renowned ballet dancers. During this time, she also received training from her father, who was dancing at the State Ballet Theatre of Georgia as a Principal Dancer. After training in the State ballet Academy, she became a professional ballet artist and progressed to her role as a ballet artist with the Music and Drama State Theatre of Georgia. These productions blended classical technique with theatrical storytelling. She also performed in solo roles that highlighted her ability to bring both emotional depth and technical precision to the stage.

She has successfully performed on stage and worked as a touring freelance ballet artist for over 15 years, with a repertoire that includes classical ballet, character dance, jazz, Irish, and modern styles. This versatility allows her to connect with dancers from varied backgrounds and bring fresh energy to each performance and class.

A woman looks at the camera wearing a fedora on the side of her head

Ballet is Anna's lifelong passion, and she brings that energy into every class she teaches. She dances from the soul—always. It’s the foundation of her teaching, her artistry, and her connection to others. Whether in the studio or on stage, that’s where discipline meets depth.

Anna’s approach is joyful, inclusive, and deeply mindful. Her previous and current students come from diverse age groups and backgrounds, and Anna takes great care to protect their health and safety. She’s been teaching adult ballet learners for over five years, guiding them with clarity, warmth, and care.

Three women stand smiling pointing one leg forward

Three women sit on yoga mats in a straddle, holding their arms out

She recognises that ballet can be complex, but she makes it a point of pride that each of her classes is accessible: she breaks down technique into simple, clear steps so that every student feels empowered and graceful, like a true ballerina. Indeed, in Anna's eyes, ballet is not just technique, but transformation—a way to reclaim space, express emotion, and rediscover strength. Each class honours each dancer’s journey. Whether they are just beginning or returning after years away, Anna ensures each dancer feels seen, supported, and inspired in a class that pushes them through gentle progression to prevent injury.

Moreover, Anna believes ballet can be a pathway to wellbeing—a quiet reclamation of strength, grace, and self-trust. In her classes, movement becomes a ritual of care, where dancers feel held, empowered, and free to grow at their own pace. Her students often share that my classes feel empowering, welcoming, interesting, full of knowledge and deeply respectful. They appreciate the clarity of her instruction, the emotional support she offers, and the sense of belonging they find in the studio. Their feedback continues to shape Anna’s approach, reminding her that ballet is not just about movement—it’s about connection, care, and transformation.

Three women stand next to ballet barres with one leg up in a posse

She believes ballet belongs to everyone, and teaches with clarity, care, support inspiration and respect so that each of her student might feel the truly transformative power of this physical art form that Anna has experienced herself.

Join Anna’s next class on Tuesdays from 7:15pm - 8:30pm, as part of our Wellbeing programme: register now.