Name Tatiana Stepanova | Role Ballerina | |
Full Name Tatiana Stepanova Occupation Artistic Director, Choreographer, Prima Ballerina, | ||
Tatiana Stepanova, also Tetyana Stepanova, (Russian: Татьяна Степанова; Ukrainian: Тeтяна Степанова, Tatiana Stepanova) (born, Odessa, Ukraine then Soviet Union) is a highly accomplished ballerina and choreographer. She is now the Artistic Director of Stepanova Ballet Academy and Toronto International Ballet Theatre. As Prima Ballerina of the Odessa State Ballet Company, she was awarded the honorary title of People's Artist of Ukraine for her excellence in the art of ballet.
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Stepanova is married to Ukrainian footballer Vasyl Ishchak.
Biography
Mme. Tatiana Stepanova completed her training at the world-renowned Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Moscow. Upon completion of her training, she returned to her native home in Odessa, where she was invited to perform as Principal Dancer for the Odessa State Ballet Company. It was here that Mme. Stepanova was given the opportunity to dance the Principal Roles in an extensive classical, contemporary, and modern repertoire. As an exceptionally talented dancer, she was honored with the status of Prima Ballerina. She was later recognized for her talents, by being awarded as a People's Artist of Ukraine, an honor given to those whose merits were exceptional in the sphere of development of the performing arts.
Her combination of unique style, technique, and dramatic excellence, led to Mme. Stepanova's invitation to perform and work with the legendary Ballet Russes. She was given the opportunity to work with such great artists as: Natalia Krassovska, George Zoritch, and Irina Baronova. Mme. Stepanova's international travels involved performing in many countries throughout the world including, Japan, Italy, Malta, Finland, Hungary, Bulgaria, Taiwan, Romania, and many cities across North America.
Mme. Stepanova was inspired by such great artists as Galina Ulanova, Marina Semyonova, and Maya Plisetskaya.
Stepanova Ballet Academy
In 2004 Stepanova founded Stepanova Ballet Academy, located in Thornhill, Ontario, Canada. Under the artistic direction of Stepanova, Stepanova Ballet Academy has quickly become among the premier ballet/dance schools in Ontario.
Toronto International Ballet Theatre
In 2007, Stepanova founded Toronto International Ballet Theatre. By bringing together young talented dancers with international stars to perform in professional productions with spectacular sets and beautiful choreography, Stepanova seeks to attract and expose Toronto's diverse community to the wonder and value of the art form of dance.
Under the Artistic Direction of Stepanova, Toronto International Ballet Theatre has successfully put on six professionally staged productions of The Nutcracker.