The Academy of Russian ballet was founded in 2001 by Svetlana Gavrilova and Kirill Bak. Their devotion to ballet is rooted in years of training and experience:
Svetlana Gavrilova graduated from the world famous Vaganova Ballet Academy in St. Petersburg, Russia. She studied under Alla Sizova and Marina Vasilyeva, both former soloists from the Kirov Ballet. As a soloist, Svetlana performed and toured around the world with The Musorgsky State Opera and Ballet Theater.
Kirill Bak graduated from the same Vaganova Ballet Academy in St. Petersburg, Russia; under the instruction of Vladlen Semenov- a former Kirov Ballet soloist and instructor. After graduation, Kirill joined the Boris Eifman Ballet Theater, where he danced many solo roles. Additionally, with the Musorgsky State Opera and Ballet Theater, Kirill toured and performed as a soloist in many countries across Europe.
Krysti Wiita teachers Pre-ballet 1 and Hobbyists. Krysti came to ARB as at student at age nine, and studied ballet technique for eight years. During this time Krysti performed many of the solo roles in ARB’s Nutcracker including Clara and Snow Queen. She also performed with the Radio City Rockettes as Clara in their touring show. She won several national talent titles in dance with classical variations. More recently, Krysti performed as Alice in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers at the Chanhassen Dinner Theater.
Administrator Michelle Erickson has been active at ARB for eight years as a parent, volunteer, production stage manager, and now administrator of volunteers and communication. She has twenty years of experience teaching and directing youth programming. Michelle teaches social studies at a local Performing Arts charter high school.
