FAQ
Your Questions Answered
Classical Coaching
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The Vaganova Method is one of the world’s most respected systems of classical ballet training, used to develop such legendary artists as Rudolf Nureyev, Natalia Makarova, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Diana Vishneva, and generations of Mariinsky and Bolshoi dancers.
Known for its strength, precision, and expressive power, the method develops the whole dancer through a carefully structured progression of training. For serious students, Vaganova training often transforms classical ballet from something distant and mysterious into something clear, measurable, and truly obtainable.
And while teaching focuses on the whole room, classical coaching focuses only on you.
Combining the Vaganova Method with individualized correction, diagnostic training, and long-range artistic guidance, coaching allows strengths to be developed intentionally and technical obstacles to be addressed directly. For serious students, this kind of focused mentorship can become the bridge between recreational training and the level of refinement, artistry, and technical command required for pre-professional and professional opportunities.
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Boris Kniaseff Floor Barre by Yasna Stevovich© is a classical training method rooted in the work of Russian dancer, choreographer, and teacher Boris Kniaseff, who developed his floor-barre technique in the 1950s. Yasna Stevovich has continued to develop and expand the method for contemporary dancers.
By transposing classical barre exercises to the floor, the method allows dancers to work with exceptional precision on placement, flexibility, strength, posture, and coordination without the usual demands of maintaining balance against gravity.
For students—and especially for dancers managing injury, hypermobility, or scoliosis—I find floor barre can be transformational. Weaknesses are clarified. Movement becomes more intelligent. Extensions become expansive. Technique grows cleaner, stronger, and more expressive—opening a door to a new level of classical possibility.
I am proud to be a certified instructor of the method.
To learn more about the Boris Kniaseff lineage and Yasna Stevovich’s work please visit Boris Kniaseff Method by Yasna Stevovich
Interdisciplinary Art Education Residencies
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Creative Strategy brings Design Thinking, Systems Thinking, artistic process, and human-centered inquiry to complex educational, cultural, and community challenges—particularly those that resist conventional solutions.
Working collaboratively with educators, organizations, local government, and community stakeholders, the process can uncover overlooked resources, connect people and ideas, strengthen participation, and transform students and audiences from passive observers into active participants, creators, leaders, and volunteers.
The work can begin with a problem, an opportunity, or simply a strong idea that needs a path forward—from strategic planning and creative development through program design, implementation, staff training, and support until the work can successfully stand on its own.
Creative Strategy & Arts Program Design
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To begin the process, simply reach out through the inquiry form with a brief description of your setting, students, goals, or ideas. From there, we can quickly explore what kind of experience would be the best fit for your students, audience, or community.
As an approved Tennessee Arts Commission Teaching Artist, I can also help schools and organizations explore funding opportunities that may support a residency. The Tennessee Arts Commission Teaching Artist Roster connects approved professional artists with grant funded Tennessee Arts Commission projects and programs, including Student Ticket Subsidy opportunities for eligible school-time programming. Or we could add a Explore Arts Education Grants.
Contact me to discuss a Residency
About the Process
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Start with a conversation. Share a little about yourself, your organization, or the challenge you’re hoping to address, and what you would like to make possible. From there, we can determine what the next step should be.
Contact me to start the conversation. -
Yes. I travel for residencies, master classes, intensives, consulting, and special projects. Travel requirements and expenses are discussed as part of project planning.
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Yes, when the work is well suited to it. Creative Strategy, program design, consultation, MBTI-based coaching, and selected coaching and educational services can be offered virtually or in a hybrid format. In person work is recommended when the nature of the project benefits from direct observation, participation, or hands-on collaboration.
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As early as possible, particularly for residencies, intensives, travel, and larger projects. A limited number of engagements are accepted each year to protect the quality and individual attention of the work. Shorter-term opportunities are sometimes possible, so it is always worth asking.
Contact me to get started.
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Classical Coaching is based on a rate of $100 per hour, with additional information on the Classical Coaching page.
Residencies, master classes, intensives, and Creative Strategy projects are priced according to the scope of the work, including preparation and design, number of participants, length of engagement, and travel when required. A clear scope and fee are agreed upon before the work begins.
Still Have a Question?
Some questions are easier to answer in conversation.