faculty bios

Faculty of Excellence & Wellness

The American Classical Ballet Faculty Team is composed of internationally trained educators, former professional dancers, and wellness specialists dedicated to developing technically strong, artistically refined, and resilient dancers. With distinguished backgrounds from institutions such as the Moldovan Academy of Ballet (Vaganova Method), School of American Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, San Francisco Ballet, The Israeli Ballet, and leading companies across Europe and the United States, faculty members including Olga Balbocean, Tim Fox, and Mariia Rubinstein bring extensive expertise in classical technique, pointe, men’s training, repertoire, and coaching. Enriched by the artistic contributions of Olja Dukic and Micaela Taylor, and supported by specialized dancer care through Bravo Physio (Wellness Partner), the team integrates elite classical training with contemporary perspective and physical sustainability—ensuring students develop strength, artistry, and longevity in today’s demanding dance environment.

Head Rehearsal Director

Olga Balbocean

George Birkadze - ACB

Olga Balbocean is a seasoned ballet educator and the Head Rehearsal Director at American Classical Ballet, where she leads ballet, pointe, repertoire, and coaching for advanced students. She trained in the former Soviet Union, graduating from the Moldovan Academy of Ballet Dance (Russian Vaganova Method) and the University of Musical Theatre and Fine Arts in Chisinau, and enjoyed a distinguished career as a professional dancer and ballet master.

After performing with companies including the Moldavian National Opera and Ballet, Ballet Russe (U.K.), and the Crown of Russian Ballet (Moscow), she transitioned into teaching and artistic direction, also serving as Artistic Director of her own ballet school. Olga has earned recognition for her pedagogical excellence, including the Outstanding Teacher Award (Youth America Grand Prix) and the Honor Teacher Award (Washington D.C. Grand Prix), and continues to coach dancers for competition, performance, and professional development.

Faculty

Tim Fox

Ashley Ellis - ACB

Tim Fox is a distinguished ballet educator and faculty member at American Classical Ballet, where he teaches ballet, men’s class, and coaching. Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, he began his training with Moscelyne Larkin and Roman Jasinski—founders of Tulsa Ballet—and earned a Ford Foundation Scholarship to study at both the School of American Ballet and the American Ballet Theatre School in New York City.

During his time at SAB, he performed featured roles in works by George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins and was invited by Balanchine himself to join the New York City Ballet. Mr. Fox went on to have a celebrated performance career as a principal dancer with the San Francisco Ballet under Helgi Tomasson, dancing leading roles in ballets by Balanchine, Robbins, Jirí Kylián, Michael Smuin, Paul Taylor, and more.

After retiring from the stage, he built a successful teaching career with institutions including The Washington Ballet, The Boston Ballet School, Ballet Academy East (NYC), Maryland Youth Ballet, and Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet. His broad experience and deep musicality bring invaluable insight to students at all levels.

Faculty

Mariia Rubenstein

Ashley Ellis - ACB

Mariia was born in Russia and began her athletic training at age four at an Olympic Reserve School of Gymnastics in Moscow. She later transitioned to ballet, continuing her studies at the State Academic Bolshoi Theatre of Moscow. In 2015, she graduated from the Moscow Choreographic Academy at the Gzhel Theater, earning her professional diploma as a Professional Ballet Dancer. That same year, she moved to Italy, where she taught choreography and obtained certification as a Qualified Ballet Dancer and Teacher from the Russian Ballet College Genova.

Following her certification, Mariia performed with The Israeli Ballet and, beginning in 2016, danced and taught professionally with Ballet Panov in Israel. In 2018, she relocated to Dallas, Texas, expanding her professional scope and later earning credentials as a Certified Nutritionist and Health Coach (ISSA / IIN). Since 2022, she has served as Director of Ovsyanka LLC, continuing her work at the intersection of dance, wellness, and performance development.

Address:
6106 Frisco Square Blvd.
Frisco, TX 75034

Email: [email protected]
Contact number: (469) 269-2956

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