Built upon a 300‐year foundation of excellence via the Vaganova total-body ballet training method, the mission of Indiana Ballet Conservatory in Carmel is to fuse the finest, classical ballet instruction with the best of contemporary techniques.
Alyona Yakovleva, IBC founder, artistic director, master teacher, coach and choreographer says IBC's faculty strives to provide their students with opportunities to thrive and achieve their goals, all within a professional and nurturing environment.
She says the Vaganova curriculum employed by IBC provides ballet students with a structured, scientific dance methodology and encompasses a holistic, pedagogical approach. This training was created by Agrippina Vaganova in the 1920s, and it combines French technique, Italian virtuosity and Russian romanticism. "It takes the human anatomy into consideration and emphasizes technical prowess, strength, precision, artistic creativity and épaulement (shoulder/head movement) to develop powerful, fluid and artistic dancers," she adds.
IBC strives to share the art of dance through performances as well as outreach programs for the underserved, and to instill in its students the desire to give back in a way that will change lives and connect a community.
Catch the group's youngest dancers as they perform onstage for their first time at 7 p.m. on May 16 at The Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The enchanting event, titled Ballet Fairy Tales, is offered through a $25 general admission.
A second set of performances is slated for May 22 (7 p.m.) and 23 (4 p.m. and 7 p.m.) at The Tarkington in Carmel as IBC dancers present a unique interpretation of the timeless tale, Romeo & Juliet, reimagined by Alyona. She says this show isn't just a performance; it's a family tradition that celebrates dedication to the artistry of ballet.
Additionally, IBC will host a 15th anniversary gala in Carmel on July 23 at Hotel Carmichael, complete with an extraordinary alumni performance, followed on Sept. 18 by a 15th anniversary Hickory Hall Polo Club special event.