FACULTY
At Indiana Ballet Conservatory, our faculty is committed to fostering a love for dance in every student. With expertise in the Vaganova method, our ballet teachers also bring you a rounded education encompassing contemporary, character, and musical theatre styles.
Meet the talented individuals who inspire and guide dancers of all ages along their artistic journeys.
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Alyona Yakovleva
Founder, Artistic Director, Master Teacher, Coach, and Choreographer
As Founding Artistic Director, my goal is to provide every student with the tools they need to succeed to become the best dancer they can be - a strong curriculum, professional performance opportunities, master classes, and diverse outreach programs to foster their sense of community.
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Tatiana Pali
Principal Teacher, Coach, and Ballet Instructor
It is an honor and joy for me to share my experience and knowledge with a new generation of talented students.
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Sergey Sergiev
Principal Contemporary Instructor, Coach, and Choreographer
In teaching contemporary dance, I strive to bring out the best in each student, pushing them beyond their comfort zone to explore their fullest expression and broaden their creativity and artistry.
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Roman Nikiforov
Ballet Instructor and Coach
A native of Ulan-Ude, Russian Federation, Roman Nikiforov started his Vaganova ballet training at age 10 in 1992 with the Buryat Choreography College, Ulan-Ude.
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Brooke Napier
Contemporary Instructor, Coach, and Choreographer
Brooke Napier is an award winning Contemporary teacher and Choreographer.
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Chris Lingner
Business Operations Manager & Ballet Instructor
Chris Lingner began his career joining the 2009 National Tour of Twyla Tharp’s Moving Out, dancing the principal roles of Eddie and James, making him one of the youngest performers to ever dance these roles.
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Lalah Hazelwood
Modern & Jazz Instructor
Lalah Ayan Hazelwood began her dance training in Indianapolis, Indiana at Kenyettá Dance Studio under the direction of her mother, Vanessa Owens.
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Shelby Hildebrand
Prep Division Manager
Shelby Hildebrand is a dancer, teacher, and choreographer from Arcadia, IN. She received her training from Central Indiana Academy of Dance and spent her summers doing intensives with companies such as Grand Rapids Ballet and Oklahoma City Ballet.
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Kylie Williams
Prep 1 & 2 Instructor
Kylie grew up dancing in the greater Indianapolis area. Her passion for the performing arts led her to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where she received her BA in Dance with a modern concentration.
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Iryna Rozenberg
Hip-Hop Instructor
Iryna Rozenberg, a highly skilled choreographer from Ukraine with over 20 years of experience in both performing and teaching, working with dancers of all ages. Known for expertly conveying emotion through dance with precise facial expressions and graceful movements, their choreography blends technical precision with creativity.
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Valeriia Patalashka
Hip-Hop Instructor
Currently assisting rising star Lera Patalashka, a 14-year-old champion with extensive experience in hip-hop, jazz funk, and waacking. Passionate about artistic direction, they are eager to contribute their skills in choreography and teaching to further the artistic vision of future projects.
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Pinot Yakovleva
Ballet Security
Pinot is a sweet and playful girl dog who belongs to the owner of the Indiana Ballet Conservatory. With her gentle nature and lively spirit, she brings warmth and joy to the studio. Often seen trotting through the hallways or relaxing during rehearsals, Pinot has become a favorite among the dancers, offering a calming presence amidst the hustle and bustle of daily practice. Her friendly demeanor and affectionate personality make her a beloved member of the ballet family.