About the Academy
Artistic Director - Academy
Denis Gronostayskiy
Artistic Director of International Ballet Classique and Master Instructor with The Academy of International Ballet, Denis Gronostayskiy is a graduate of the world-renowned Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Moscow Russia and acclaimed as Artist of Distinction in the United States. Gronostayskiy was Principal Artist with the Moscow Renaissance Ballet in Russia, Philadelphia Ballet Theatre, the Richmond Ballet, VA and now with International Ballet Classique. He danced professionally throughout Europe, Japan and the US.
Denis has performed principal roles in Swan Lake, Don Quixote, Coppelia, Nutcracker, Giselle, Romeo and Juliet, Sleeping Beauty, as well as Balanchine productions and modern and contemporary works of choreographers such a Kirk Peterson, J. Butler, Malcolm Burn, V. Nebrada, C. Connor and others. He continues to perform as principal artist in galas and productions throughout the US.
In 2001, he co-founded the Academy of International Ballet and Performing Arts for the training of young, aspiring dance artists. Beginning students, adults, and those seeking professional training benefit under the expertise and nurturing environment provided in his classrooms. His students have gone on to receive scholarship at dance colleges and win national awards. Under Gronostayskiy’s artistic direction, International Ballet Classique, our ballet company, has presented a number of full length ballets, including Coppelia, Nutcracker, Giselle, Walpurgis Night, Swan Lake Act II, Paquita and numerous mixed repertory performances throughout the Delaware Valley and on tour.
Gronostayskiy’s artistic talents include prop and set design and professional photography, especially for dance and head-shot portfolios.
Ballet Mistress - Academy
Anastasia Babayeva
Ballet Mistress of International Ballet Classique and Master Instructor at the Academy of International Ballet, Anastasia Babayeva is a graduate of the world-renowned Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Moscow, Russia. She danced Soloist with the Bolshoi Ballet Theater in Russia and toured throughout Europe. Upon residing in the US, she became Principal Dancer at the Chicago Ballet, the Richmond Ballet, and now International Ballet Classique. She is currently Ballet Master Instructor with the dance department of the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA and continues to perform as Guest Artist with companies throughout the US.
Babayeva performed principal roles in great classical ballets such as Swan Lake, Don Quixote, Coppelia, Nutcracker, Giselle, Romeo and Juliet, Sleeping Beauty and others, as well as Balanchine ballets and contemporary works of renowned choreographers such as Kirk Peterson, J. Butler, Malcolm Burn, V. Nebrada, C. Connor and many others. In 2001 she co-founded the school of the Academy of International Ballet and Performing Arts in Media, PA and the ballet company, International Ballet Classique.
Babayeva received Outstanding Teacher Award from both the American Ballet Competition and YAGP (Youth America Grand Prix). Her unique talents and “hands on” teaching provides the greatest dance opportunity for all her students, youth through adult. With a love of teaching and commitment to her profession, Babayeva has trained and inspired her students to win medals in prestigious ballet competitions throughout the US and go on to join professional dance companies.
Babayeva’s talent does not stop at dance. Featured in Dancer Magazine, 2005, Babayeva creates professional ballet costumes, including tunics, tutus, and tiaras worn by dancers at competitions and ballet productions.
Executive Director - Academy
Josie Singer
Josie Singer is Executive Director of International Ballet Classique and co-founder of the Academy of International Ballet. As former board member and past president of Philadelphia Ballet Theatre, Singer coordinated behind-the-scene responsibilities necessary to ensure the smooth operation and quality of numerous ballet productions. First acquainted with the Russian classical style when seeking training for her daughter well over a decade ago, Singer recognized the exceptional training and high-quality instruction provided through the Vaganova method. The Vaganova method is a well-developed ballet curriculum that is followed at both the Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Moscow and the Vaganova Academy (formerly the Imperial Ballet School), in St. Petersburg, Russia, two schools that produce the worlds finest and strongest dancers. The founding of the Academy is, in part, Singer’s desire to ensure that the fine art of classical ballet is available to students in her home region of Delaware County and to provide training in an environment that cultivates a love for the art of dance.
In 2003, Singer helped orchestrate the opening of International Ballet Classique (IBC), a 501(c) 3 non-profit corporation and the only professional ballet company in Delaware County. IBC’s mission is twofold: to provide dance opportunity for rising dance artists who train and work alongside professional artists and to bring professional level ballet performances to the Delaware Valley and its surrounding regions. A resident of Delaware County for more than twenty years, Singer first received her A.A. from Delaware County Community College and recently was awarded their 2007 Star Alumni award for lifetime professional success with the establishment of IBC. After receipt of her M.A. from West Chester University, Singer has taught in area colleges and, with extensive research in dance history, lectures at various colleges, universities, and educational forums on the art of dance and its impact on culture. Singer is a member of the Middletown Township Business and Professional Association and represents International Ballet Classique as a council member of The Arts Guild at Neumann College.
The Academy of International Ballet offers the finest ballet and dance training in the tri-state area! Classes in Creative Movement, Pre-Ballet, Advanced and Intermediate Ballet, Character, Jazz, and Modern Dance. Classes for toddler thru adult and beginner thru professional. Competition training.
FIVE TOP REASONS TO CHOOSE US:
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The quality and diversity of our faculty
- the scope and excellence of our curriculum
- a state of the art facility at a convenient location
- a competitive and affordable pricing structure
- The Academy is the official school of International Ballet Classique offering performance opportunity.
The school is under the direction of Master Instructor Denis Gronostayskiy, joined by Ballet Mistress, Anastasia Babayeva. Both are graduates of the Bolshoi Ballet Academy, Moscow, Russia, esteemed as the finest in ballet training throughout the world and known to produce many of the strongest and most talented dancers. Both have danced professionally and taught master classes throughout Europe, Japan, and the United States. Gronostayskiy has been recognized as Artist of Distinction in the U.S. Babayeva is also on faculty as Master Instructor at the University of the Arts, Philadelphia, PA, and has received Teacher of Distinction and Outstanding Teacher Awards from associations such as the American Ballet Competition and the Youth America Grand Prix.
Students have the unique opportunity to study the Vaganova syllabus, as taught at the Bolshoi. The Vaganova method is a solid dance curriculum systemized by Agrippina Vaganova, one of the most important dance teachers of the twentieth century. Vaganova’s system of teaching spread throughout the former Soviet Union and, eventually, throughout the world when her book,
Basic Principles of Classical Dance, became the curriculum of master teachers in England, Germany, France, America, Spain, and the Netherlands.
This strong technical foundation of classical ballet not only creates the ballet artist but also gives a student of jazz, modern or hip-hop the greatest opportunity for success.
Our jazz, modern, and hip-hop instructors have studied under some of the finest instructors in their field and continue to dance professionally. Our youngest students are introduced to proper technique in a nurturing environment that develops their love of dance in a format that stresses fun, posture, body positions, and playground movements that become dance steps. Our advanced students have received top awards at international competitions, received dance scholarships to universities, and have gone on to work with other professional companies.
The Academy is the official school of International Ballet Classique (IBC), the first and only ballet company in Delaware County. Students at the Academy of International Ballet are invited to perform with IBC and are given the opportunity to work and perform with professional dancers. Check our Classes and Registration.
We are here to increase the educational and enjoyment level of students and produce exceptional quality performances in dance. Under the direction of Master instructors Denis Gronostayskiy and Anastasia Babayeva, our school, the Academy of International Ballet and Performing Arts, inspires students to achieve their highest individual potential through training and development in the art of classical ballet and dance.
Whether looking to enjoy a single class or aspiring for a professional career in the arts, all students receive the same professional, high level quality of instruction. A wide selection of classes: Creative Movement, Pre-Ballet, Intermediate and Advanced Ballet, Jazz, Modern, and Character Dance, provide training for all ages, toddler thru adult, and beginner thru professional. We offer private instruction and international competition training.
All Academy students are invited to perform in International Ballet Classique productions.
Additional performance opportunities are available to the Upper Division throughout the year.
A private lesson with one of the faculty members may be arranged by completing a Private Lesson Form found on the bookcase in the lobby. Submit the completed form to the Administrative Office and you will be contacted with an arranged time.
The dance season begins after Labor Day and continues until the recital which is held in late May or early June. All students are strongly encouraged to participate in the recital. For many it is the first time on stage, and our experience indicates that stage performance builds self confidence and develops presentation skills. Information regarding this event is distributed in January. Parent observation is scheduled in the winter. Holiday closings are posted at the beginning of each dance season. You can see the calendar for important dates.
