Teacher Credentials and training

Daily virtual classes: Ulian Topor, Young Stars Ballet (Berlin, Germany), Youth American Grand Prix; Frank Bove, Center of Dance (Berlin, Germany); Anastasia Kurkova, Berlin Ballet Company (Berlin, Germany)

Currently pursuing elite pre-professional classical ballet training under a distinguished master faculty. Regular training includes intensive technical and variations coaching from Anastasia Kurkova (former Demi-Soloist, Berlin State Ballet & Bolshoi Ballet), Ulian Topor (former Demi-Soloist, Berlin State Ballet & Zurich Ballet), Mónica Lima (former professional dancer, New York Theatre Ballet), and Frank Bove (former Principal/Soloist, Cleveland & Milwaukee Ballet). Training focuses on world-class Vaganova methodology, clean classical lines, and graceful musicality.

Ulian Topor

    Kateri virtually trains under Ulian Topor, a distinguished international ballet master, elite competition coach, and former demi-soloist with the Berlin State Ballet (Staatsballett Berlin). Initially trained at the State School in Chisinau and the Vienna Conservatory, Mr. Topor graduated with honors from the prestigious John Cranko School in Stuttgart. On the competitive stage, he earned 1st Prize at both the St. Pölten and Luxembourg International Ballet Competitions, as well as 3rd Prize at the renowned Varna International Ballet Competition. His performance career spans over two decades of elite stage experience, including soloist roles with the Jeune Ballet de France and the Zurich Ballet before his 17-year tenure in Berlin. Since 2018, he has specialized in coaching dancers for the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) and has served as a guest master and choreographic assistant for the Berlin State Opera’s Opera Studio and the Staatliche Ballettschule Berlin.

Anastasia Kurkova

Kateri virtually trains under the distinguished mentorship of Anastasia Kurkova, an acclaimed ballet master and former Demi-Soloist with the Berlin State Ballet (Staatsballett Berlin). An alumna of the prestigious Moscow Academy of Dance, Ms. Kurkova is a laureate of both the Moscow International Ballet Competition and the Prix de Lausanne. Her elite performance background includes dancing with the world-renowned Bolshoi Ballet and a 15-year tenure in Berlin, performing across the globe from the Paris Grand Opera to the Metropolitan Opera in New York. Under her precise guidance, Kateri refines their classical line, variations mastery, and elite Vaganova-rooted stagecraft, instilling the deep technical discipline required for the professional industry.

Frank Bove

Kateri virtually trains under the distinguished mentorship of Frank Bove, an accomplished international ballet master, choreographer, and director. Mr. Bove received his elite classical training at the world-renowned Joffrey Ballet School in New York City before going on to dance principal and soloist roles with the Cleveland Ballet, Milwaukee Ballet, and Colorado Ballet companies. A veteran leader in the industry, he served as the Artistic Director of the Virginia Ballet Theatre for 18 years, where he was responsible for staging iconic, historic masterworks by George Balanchine, Agnes de Mille, and Lew Christensen. Under his precise guidance, Kateri integrates a rich lineage of American classical precision, clean technical lines, and an expansive choreographic vocabulary.

Monica Lima

Kateri virtually trains under the distinguished mentorship of Mónica Lima, a highly accomplished international professional dancer and educator. A graduate of the National Ballet School of Portugal, Ms. Lima expanded her training globally across Madrid, London, and Cannes, and attended the Joffrey Ballet School in New York City. Her elite stage career includes seven years as a standout professional dancer with the New York Theatre Ballet, where she performed acclaimed works at world-renowned venues such as Carnegie Hall and Tanglewood. Having worked directly with industry legends like Nina Ananiashvili, Yannick Boquin, and Frank Anderson, Ms. Lima infuses Kateri's training with a masterclass level of classical precision, versatile contemporary musicality, and a deep knowledge of renowned diverse repertoire.