Svetlana Waisman, Artistic Director

Born in the Ukraine, Svetlana trained in the best traditions of Russian classical ballet. After completing an eight year program of formal studies in ballet and character dance in 1985, she graduated with honors from Voronezh State School of ballet and choreography. Svetlana then danced professionally with the Voronezh Opera and Ballet Theatre and later became principal with Don Cossaks Dance Ensemble. In between world tours she also served as choreographer and teacher of classical ballet and character dance for the Rostov Cultural Academy. With over twenty years of professional experience, she provides instruction that molds young dancers into beautiful budding artists that reflect her exclusively Russian style, poise, grace, and technique. 

 

George Ortiz

George received his formal training at the Edge Performing arts center in Hollywood in jazz, hip hop, and ballet. He began his successful career working with LA's leading choreographers in film, television,commercials, music videos and tours. Television appearances include Friends, Six Feet Under and The Drew Cary Show. Film appearances incluce The Sweetest Thing, Flinstones Viva Las Vegas, and Three to Tango. Videos include Matchbox 20, Bare Naked Ladies, Jennifer Lopez, Ricky Martin, Offspring, Smashmouth and Michael Jackson. He went on world tours with Ricky Martin and Jennifer Lopez, and was featured in GAP and Carl's Jr. commercials. He's performed before live audiences on the Oprah, Jay Leno, Rosie O'Donnell, Today Show, Latin Billboard Awards, World Music Awards, VH1 Fashion Awards, and Blockbuster Music Awards.

George Ortiz in IVCBT's 2008 Nutcracker
as Drosselmayer

Robyn Grimsley

Robyn is a local dancer from Murrieta who began her ballet training under tutelage of Linda Yourth at American Ballet. She also studied at California Ballet and later at Black Mountain Dance Theatre with Silvia Palmer and Ahita Ardalan. Her flawless technique and positive attitude sets a wonderful example for the other girls to follow, and her passion for ballet is clearly evident. Svetlana's Dance Academy is proud to have Robyns's warmhearted and gentle character shining throughout the studio.

Robyn Grimsley and Vitaliy Nechay in
IVCBT's 2008 production of The Nutcracker

Vitaliy Nechay

Joined the faculty last season, Vitaliy Nechay graduated from the Ukraine Ballet School in Kiev. He was a soloist with the National Ballet of Kiev, and is currently a principal with California Ballet. He has performed in Giselle, Don Quixote, Swan Lake, Nutcracker, Cinderella, and many others.

Wendy Serrano-Petite ballet,Ballet, Tap, Jazz

Wendy Serrano in IVCBT's 2008 Nutcracker
as Mother Ginger
Caytie McKeown-Beg.ballet, I, II, III
Jamie D'Santi-Beginning Ballet