Professional Ballet Training from Russian Ballet Dancer, LA Choreographer, and YAGP Judge. Elevate and Refine your Technique!

Find out more about Masha

• What age did you start tarining for Ballet? Tell us about this time or moment in your life.

  I started taking classical ballet lessons at the age of 5 and began professional training at the age of 11. As a child I was always dancing around the house and couldn't sit still. I would watch the Nutcracker every week and dance all the parts in the living room with my white "ballerina" dress. I began training more seriously after watching a live performance of world-renowned ballet stars in a contemporary ballet-after the show I remember telling my mom that all I wanted was to be able to move like them.

• What are your favourite dance form: those that you practice at a high level, a simple hobby, and a dance form that you'd still like to discover?

  My professional craft is in dance and choreography train and practice all types of dance ranging from ballet to floor work to folk dancing. I also enjoy outdoor activities like surfing and hiking. I would still like to discover aerial silk and aerial dancing.

• What gives you the motivation and passion to pursue dance?

  The endless research and discovery of myself through dance motivates me to continue working on my craft as a dancer and choreographer. Dance has taught me the power of a mind and body connection to help us move through life and experiences.

• Do you have an achievement that you're particularly proud of?

  One of my proudest moments as a dancer was not a special role nor my first professional show, but my ability to shift into teaching and choreographing after choosing to leave Russia and my position as a ballet dancer in 2022. I was trained to strive for perfection and to dance synchronously with 30 other girls on stage-I didn't have the opportunity to find my voice in dance. And when I had to abruptly leave Russia I didn't have a plan and was faced with uncertainty. I realized I wanted to discover how and what I can offer the world through dance, and began teaching and experimenting with dance and movement. A year after leaving my position as a ballet dancer, I choreographed my first full length ballet.

• How have your achievements and challenges made you a better dancer?

  Ballet is a very difficult dance form to master, I spent many hours watching myself through the mirror and critiquing every movement, even the placement of my little finger. This level of perfectionism has humbled me and allowed me to continue working on my craft everyday, not because someone told me to, but because I am interested in it and love doing it. The perfectionism that comes with ballet has helped me become a more genuine sportsperson--someone who practices their craft out of love.

• If you had to go for a jog with a famous dancer/choreographer, who would you choose? And what questions would you ask them?

  If I could go on a jog with any famous dancer/choreographer I would choose Pina Bausch. Pina was a dancer and choreographer who developed radical methods to elicit deeper emotions in her dancers. By emphasizing feelings over form and technique, Pina moved audiences with her dynamic choreography. I would ask Pina about her methods in opening up her dancers towards creativity and virtuosity. I would also ask her what she thinks dance can improve on, where she sees dance going/innovating.

• How do you help people stay motivated?

  I help others stay motivated by actively expressing interest in their progress and encouraging them to continue. Sometimes I like to bring up inspirational people, music, or art that gets me excited and motivated to move forward.

• What makes you a Superprof in sports?

  I am a SuperProf in ballet and dance because I have committed the past 20 years practicing and engaging in dance everyday. Through these years I have connected myself with the dance world and continuously push the extent of my knowledge by keeping up to date with choreographers, dance techniques, and dance artists.