Elena Kunikova is a graduate of Vaganova Ballet Academy (the Kirov Ballet School), in St. Petersburg,
Russia. At Maly Theatre, where Elena started her career, she performed more than thirty principal
and soloist roles in classical and contemporary ballets including Swan Lake, Nutcracker, Giselle,
Paquita, Serenade (by Balanchine), and many others.
In the U.S. Elena performed as a guest star. She was well received by audiences and very favourably
reviewed by the press (New York Times, Dance Magazine). Subsequently, Elena pursued teaching and
choreography.
In NYC Elena taught ballet and repertoire at School of American Ballet, Joffrey, The Juilliard, and
Columbia University/Barnard College. At Barnard Elena taught technique and academic courses in
repertoire/history. Other engagement included American and Japanese ballet companies, as well as
art festivals.
In addition to master classes Elena conducts Vaganova Technique seminars, and coaches professional
dancers. Many of Elena's students became well-known performers with the best ballet companies
(NYC Ballet, ABT, Boston Ballet, Joffrey, Dutch National, Berlin Ballet, Kirov Ballet, and many others).
A large number of them were noted for their exceptional artistic achievements.
Over the past few years, Elena was active in staging of classical repertoire. Most recently Elena
staged and rehearsed a number of pieces for The Ballet Trocadero. As a result, "The Trocks" popularity
has grown considerably. Flattering press in NYC, London and Tokyo would always mention choreographic
and stylistic authenticity accentuated by a healthy dose of irreverent humour in their performances.
Stagings included full-length productions of Don Quixote, Giselle, Sleeping Beauty and Les Sylphides
as well as Grand Pas from Paquita, Little Humpback Horse, Esmeralda, Harlequinade, Pas de Quatre,
Pas des Odalisque and other staples of Russian classical ballet.
Interviews with Elena have appeared on BBC, in Ballet Review, Dance Spirit, and Dance View.
As a dance writer Elena has been contributing to Dance Magazine, Pointe and Wall Street Journal Europe.
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