Our Teachers
Kasymbek Tynybekov
Ballet Master
Kasymbek Tynybekov stands out as a distinguished ballet master and choreographer with a profound legacy in the ballet world. His journey into ballet began at the tender age of 10, training at the Frunze Ballet School where he mastered the Vaganova Method. This foundational training led him to a vibrant career with the ballet company at the Opera and Ballet Theatre in Kyrgyzstan. Kasymbek's academic achievements include a Bachelor's degree from the esteemed Russian Institute of Theatre Arts in Moscow, Russia, under the tutelage of Lilia Talankina. Over the years, Kasymbek has dedicated himself to nurturing the next generation of ballet talent. He has imparted his knowledge and passion for ballet at Hacettepe University from 2010 to 2023, the Bishkek Ballet School during two significant periods (2006-2010 and 1992-2001), and the Lemon Dance Company in South Korea from 2001 to 2005. Under his guidance, students have achieved remarkable success on international stages, securing prestigious awards at TANZOLYMP in Germany, SPOLETO in Italy, ORLEU in Kazakhstan, and the International Junior Dance Festival in Bulgaria. These accolades, spanning both classical and modern ballet, are a testament to Kasymbek's expertise and his unwavering commitment to the art of ballet.
Katerina Bousleli
Contemporary Dance
Aikaterini (Katerina) Bousleli is an experienced and highly trained dancer, dance teacher and choreographer with a strong background in classical ballet, modern and contemporary dance. She grew up and studied dance in Greece, where she gained a strong dance foundation. She holds an M.A. in Theatre Arts from the San Francisco State University, which has provided her with a deep knowledge of the performing arts and the importance of dramaturgy into the choreographic process and composition. She has worked with several contemporary dance companies in Greece (b.area.4, Faos, Redance, and Animotus), while in 2020 she joined the Kinetech Arts dance company with artistic director Daiane Lopes da Silva, based in San
Francisco. Katerina has been teaching for over ten years, but in the last years she orients on contemporary dance and choreography. Through her class she explores the connection between the moving body and gravity, releasing any muscle tension and developing the flow of the movement. Her class utilizes improvisational scores to discover the function of the body, as well as movement combinations which travel through the floor to the standing position.
Sophie Kim
Classical Ballet
Meet Sophie, our esteemed ballet teacher, renowned for her deep grasp of Victoria's ballet philosophy. As an inspiring mentor, Sophie empowers aspiring ballerinas with her diverse training, spanning Vaganova, Balanchine, and Royal methods. Her approach balances tradition and innovation, infusing contemporary flair into classical technique. Sophie's mentoring extends beyond technique, embracing individuality and overall growth. A true disciple of Victoria's philosophy, she tailors training to each student's unique attributes, unlocking their fullest potential.
Notably, Sophie's teaching prowess shines in children's classes, reflecting her dedication and skill. Join us for a transformative ballet journey under Sophie's expert guidance.
Ballet Profile
2023 ADC IBC finalist
2023 WBC finalist
2023 WBAC semifinals 1st place, finals 4th place
2024 ADC IBC finalist
2024 San Francisco Ballet Summer Intensive
Emma Park
Classical Ballet
Emma grew up in Southern California and has been dancing ballet since the age of 7. She studied under Carolyn Lovett and attended summer intensives at the School of American Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, and Joffrey Ballet School. She has also performed professionally in musicals such as An American in Paris (Musical Theatre West) and A Chorus Line (Moonlight Stage Productions) and taught ballet classes at studios in Orange County and the Bay Area. She is currently pursuing a B.A. in Psychology at Stanford University. She is so excited to join the team at Victoria Ballet!