Meet our Team
Originally from Constanta, Romania, Ms. Alina has been dancing her entire life while traveling the globe (55 different countries!). She studied at the National College of Arts “Regina Maria” in Constanta and graduated with her Certificate of Vocational Proficiency as a Professional Dancer acquiring choreography knowledge. In Romania she was taught and trained to teach the Russian Vaganova Ballet method. After completing her studies, Alina started her professional dancing career at the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet “Oleg Danovski” and performed in various operas and ballet performances such as Traviata, Aida, Coppelia, Sleeping Beauty and La Fille Mal Gardee. She then branched out to take her talents all over the globe. Starting in 2000, Alina performed different styles of dance at the Huis Ten Bosch – Amusement Park in Japan. From there she was contracted by the National Theatre of Operetta and Musical “Ion Dacian” where she toured both Germany and Austria. Furthermore, Alina spent quite some time on various luxury cruise ships such as The Queen Mary II, Carnival Fantasy, and Carnival Inspiration where she performed and taught a variety of different dance styles such as ballet, contemporary, Broadway, and ballroom. Alina now calls Kingston home and resides here with her husband Mat and her daughter Caleesi. Alina is delighted to announce her affiliation as a teacher with the Society of Classical Ballet here in Canada. She enjoys imparting her enthusiasm for technique and artistry, particularly through the Vaganova Ballet Syllabus. Furthermore, she is qualified to conduct exams for ballet classes in collaboration with the Society. Additionally, Alina has earned certification to incorporate another renowned program, Progressing Ballet Technique, into her classes. She can’t wait to pass on her knowledge, professional experience and passion for dance to new generations of young, aspiring dancers. As a teacher, coach, and mentor, her goal is to share the expertise she has gained from over two decades of professional dance training. She aims to offer her students exceptional ballet instruction, ensuring they understand the true essence of classical ballet within a pleasant environment. Additionally, her students are introduced to a diverse range of dance styles beyond ballet, enriching their overall dance education.
Ms. Alina
Artistic Director, Owner
Ms. Kathryn
AB Elite Company Director
Kathryn began dancing at the age of 7 and quickly fell in love with the art form. She trained exclusively in Jazz, Tap and Ballet and began assisting dance at age 13 and teaching dance at age 16. Kathryn pursued dance through her higher education, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in dance from the State University of New York at Buffalo. She went on to dance abroad in Italy with a contemporary study abroad program and then spent 2 seasons as a Toronto Argonauts Cheerleader before moving to New York City where she lived and trained for a year. Upon her return to Toronto, always eager to further her dance education, Kathryn received her teacher’s certification in Jazz and Tap through ADAPT, in acro through Acrobatic Arts and became certified as an Affiliate Teacher with the Society of Classical Ballet. Kathryn opened her own dance studio just outside of Toronto in 2008 and operated it for 12 years. Here she trained and prepared numerous students who successfully participated in and passed their SRB Ballet exams from the pre-primary through to Intermediate levels. After welcoming her daughter in 2019 and moving to Kingston in 2021, Kathryn is now very excited to resume her original passion, teaching dance at Alina Ballerina and introducing the joy, beauty, and numerous benefits of the art of ballet to a new generation of children.
Ms. Alannah
AB Elite Company Assistant
Alannah was born in Ajax, Ont and raised all throughout Durham Region. She began to dance at the early age of three. Alannah learned ballet, tap, and jazz at a studio in Pickering and Scarborough. Continuing with her training, she later learned hip-hop, lyrical, and contemporary. She was recognized for her hip-hop when she auditioned for Thrive! Entertainment, a professional hip-hop company in Toronto; which she was in for four years. Alannah took part as a tap dancer in the Cavalcade of Lights in Toronto, as well as danced in numerous shows for charity. Alannah has trained with several choreographers, such as Mia Michaels, Shawn Byfield, Faye Rauw, and many more. Alannah began to assist tiny tots and beginner class in her early teens. This is where she found her love for teaching. Alannah enjoys finding new ways to make her students think outside the box. She enjoys the energy and passion in which she shares with her students. Alannah encourages everyone to enjoy the music and feel the passion of dance. “Some say even to walk is a dance.”-Lilli-Alice Baxter
Ms. Sarah
Dance Instructor
Sarah started dancing when she was 6 years old and trained in a variety of styles including ballet, jazz, tap, musical theatre, and hip hop. Sarah started teaching when she was 16 and enjoyed choreographing dance pieces for completions and her studio’s year end recitals. Sarah joined her university dance team during her first year, then continued to teach dance for her home studio, summer camps and for a community musical theatre company. Since moving to Kingston to complete her Master’s in occupational therapy at Queens, Sarah has continued to take dance classes through Queen’s Dance Club and Kingston School of Dance. Sarah has a passion for teaching children which she brings when teaching dance. She is excited to teach at Alina Ballerina and share her love of dance.
Ms. Jessica
Camps Instructor & Coordinator
Jessica began dancing at the young age of 3. She grew up dancing and danced competitively for several years. During her time as a competitive dancer, she trained extensively for numerous years in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, musical theatre, cheerleading, modern, and contemporary and competed in several national and international competitions receiving numerous awards, including an International Title. As a dancer she also successfully completed Jazz and Tap exams under A.D.A.P.T. Jessica’s passion for the arts continued and she later went on to study dance in a professional education setting. She is a graduate of York University's School of the Arts, Media, Performance and Design. She graduated with Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) specializing in Performance and Choreography. During her time at York, she has performed in many dance shows such as Fleur De Sel, Dance Innovations Counter/Point, Terpsichore-in-progress and Beginnings & Endings. Jessica was also a member of the York Dance Ensemble's pre-professional modern dance company and has performed with them in numerous shows and on TEDX. While at York, Jessica trained in the Cecchetti Ballet Syllabus, and the modern dance styles of Jose Limóné and Martha Graham. She also completed competitively on the York Dance energy team winning many awards. During her final year at York, she studied under the direction of Modern Dance artist, Julia Sasso, participating in choreography and performance intensives. Jessica has also been a company member of TDC Entertainment, Sole Power Productions and D'air Dance Collective where she performed professionally in numerous commercial dance shows. Most recently she has continued her love of performance and been a company member of Movement Market since 2017 when she performed in numerous shows, such as the Ground Up Dance Festival, Grounded, Juvenis Festival’s. Jessica is continuously seeking opportunities to professionally develop and has thus participated in various master classes and workshops from professional dance artists such as Blake McGrath, Danny Lawn, and Mia Michaels. She is also in the process of completing her DANCE PL3Y qualifications. Additionally, she has completed her level 1-3 Alexia Flexibility course and is trained in Acro-Demics advance Acro techniques with the completion of her Beginner, Junior, Intermediate and senior Acro levels. She is also currently a member of the Professional Adjudicators Alliance and has adjudicated for different competitive dance competitions. Jessica is also graduate from Queen’s University Bachelor of Education program and specializes in teaching Primary/Junior Grades. She also worked for Princess Parties companies as a dancer, singer, and actress. She has also worked alongside the H’ART Centre and HAAP program teaching dance to adults with intellectual exceptionalities and delivering dance programs to those in long-term care facilities helping to prolong their longevity and quality of life. Jessica has extensive experience teaching both recreational, and competitive dancers of all ages. She has worked as a dance teacher for over 15 years at various reputable studios all over Toronto and Kingston and has choregraphed and coached many competitive dancers to overall wins and won numerous choreography awards for her outstanding choreography. She has a robust passion and extensive experience in performing professionally and teaching dance to all ages. Jessica continues to learn and grow as a dance artist, choreographer and teacher and hopes to share her passion of dance, choreography, and education with others, while inspiring her own students to work hard and dream big because anything is possible. She is excited to be joining the Alina Ballerina team and looks forward to working with new many dancers.
OUR MISSION STATEMENT:
Dedicated to capturing the transformative essence of ballet, we aim to ignite and nurture a profound passion for dance within each student. Drawing from elite techniques that have shaped the world's premier ballet dancers, we offer an unmatched learning environment. What sets us distinctly apart is our exclusive focus on the esteemed Vaganova method, a rarity among studios. Additionally, we introduce students to a diverse range of dance disciplines, ensuring our school stands unparalleled in delivering a comprehensive dance education. By embracing various genres, we cultivate well-rounded dancers who excel not only in ballet but also in contemporary, jazz, and beyond, reflecting the true spirit of versatility and artistry in dance.
ABOUT THE VAGANOVA METHOD:
The Vaganova Method, crafted by Russian ballet dancer and teacher Agrippina Vaganova, is a classical ballet training system renowned for its emphasis on a robust technical foundation. This method prioritizes achieving a harmonious balance between expressive artistry and precise technique. Key principles encompass classical foundations, gradual difficulty progression, coordination of movement, proper execution of demi-plié and full-plié, and a focus on port de bras (arm movements). Dancers trained in the Vaganova Method are distinguished for their technical precision, strength, and expressive qualities. Additionally, the method is designed to prevent injury by emphasizing proper alignment and muscle development, ensuring dancers can sustain long, healthy careers.
WHY CHOOSE OUR SCHOOL?
Selecting our dance school means embracing the Vaganova method alongside other dance styles, offering students a comprehensive, versatile, and innovative training experience. This approach cultivates well-rounded dancers equipped with the skills, versatility, and creativity to excel across various dance genres, preparing them for future professional opportunities. Our commitment to excellence ensures each student receives top-tier instruction, fostering both technical mastery and artistic growth.