The school founders
The school founders
The Finest Instruction
The Academy founders, Kristof and Hanna Starczewski have both performed internationally as Principal and Soloist dancers while members of respected dance companies. After learning the Vaganova teaching method in National Ballet in Poland and in the University of Frederic Chopin in Warsaw they began to begin the process of passing on their knowledge to young and hopeful ballerinas. The Starczewskis have a deep love and appreciation for the discipline, resulting in quality instruction rarely found outside of Europe. Their extensive international performing and teaching backgrounds have led to many of their students being accepting into professional companies.
Kristof Star (Starczewski) -
Artistic Director, teacher, former principal dancer. Mr. Star is a graduate from the National Ballet School of Poland under the guidance of Vera Logwina from Legendary Vaganova Academy and Kirov Ballet. During the course of his international career, he has performed as a principal dancer throughout many worldwide centers including Moscow, Bolshoi Theatre, New York, Warsaw, Amsterdam, Stuttgart, Lyon and Toronto to name a few. He worked with Conrad Drzewiecki, Brigit Culberg, Irena Fokina, Adam Hanuszkiewicz, Irina Kolpakova, Lambros Lambrou, Brian Macdonald, Ali Pourrfarokh, John Taras, Gray Veredon and Ewa Wycichowska among others. His talent brought him to North America where he has performed across Canada and the US with Alberta Ballet and Ballet Austin Texas. Mr. Starczewski has taught dance internationally in National Ballet School of Poland, Ballet Austin Texas, University of Calgary, Calgary Opera and Starchevski School of Ballet
Hanna Starczewski, M.A., RAD.
Ms. Starczevski was a professional dancer and soloist for 15 years and is also a Professor of Dance, choreographer and a member of Royal Academy of Dancing. She had her early dance training at the National Ballet School of Poland, and then she joined the Poznan Opera-Ballet House and Grand Theater in Lodz. Ms. Starchevski obtained her Master Degree from prestigious dance program at the Frideric Chopin University in Warsaw. She then became a dance professor at the National Ballet School of Poland. Ms. Starczewski, together with her husband, has dedicated her professional experience to conduct a ballet school in Calgary, the Starchevski School of Ballet Inc.
Natalka Lewis, Ballet, Jazz, Tap
Miss Natalka is excited to be a part of Starchevskis School of Ballet. She brings with her a vast knowledge of dance and theatre. Having over 17 years of formal dance training, Miss Natalka is educated in ballet, contemporary, Ukrainian folk dance, jazz, modern, lyrical, musical theatre and tap. Natalka has taken part in numerous professional dance shows throughout Alberta and is very proud to be a part of this thriving dance community.
Natalka is currently working towards her Bachelor of Arts in Dance (Specializing in Ballet) at the University of Calgary. Natalka plans on attaining her Masters of Arts in Children’s Studies. She hopes to work with families, educating parents in the psychology of their children’s learning. Aside from her university studies, Miss Natalka is training in the pedagogy classes at the School of Alberta Ballet. She hopes to take her Associate Diploma exam in the upcoming spring!
Miss Natalka is eager to be a part of such a dynamic dance school. She looks forward to meeting lots of new people and she is certain we will all have a lot of fun!"
Katherine Mandolidis, Ballet, Jazz, Hip-Hop
Miss Katherine is thrilled to be joining the faculty, as she was a student at Starchevski School of Ballet for eight years. Upon meeting Hannah and Kristof Starczewski at the age of six, her passion for dance was revealed. For the next 14 years Katherine has taken classes in ballet, jazz, lyrical, modern and hip hop and participated in a variety of dance workshops. Since ballet was her main focus it is also her favourite style. This passion led her down a new route and recently discovered her love for teaching and is very excited to share her knowledge at the studio!