Growing up, I was surrounded by music, dance, and most importantly, love. With family from Russia and Ukraine, Russian was my first language. Shortly after learning English, I began to dance around the kindergarten class room singing in Runglish. I also started piano lessons, like a true Eastern European. After years of piano and ballet, I found my way to musical theatre with the help of my middle school choir director, Mr. Leigh. The rest is history!
Theater things I love: Fosse, Swinging (#swingnation), Big Band Jazz, working on New Works, seeing how fast I can memorize a patter song, and jumping from a Joan Jett rock cut to a Gilbert and Sullivan operetta aria within one audition.
When I’m not on stage, I teach dance from ages 3-35, styles including ballet, jazz, and tap. I am passionate about passing on great technique, but also a healthy, more encouraging, environment to the next generation of dancers. I never fail to remind my dancers that they are STRONG.
On a personal note, I am an adrenaline junkie! Yoga by day, adventure by night… balance baby! Most recently, I went skydiving!!! Give me a high tree top course, a long road trip, or a mountain, and I’m your gal!
