Established 1982
Master Teacher Series
Summer 2023
The Master Teacher series, a component of the esteemed Bayview School of Ballet Program, caters exclusively to professional ballet students seeking to refine their craft. The school is dedicated to providing the highest calibre of dance education, and as such, invites world-renowned artists to impart their expertise upon its students. These classes offer professional ballet students a rare and invaluable opportunity to study with some of the most highly regarded professionals in the industry, allowing them to advance their skills and techniques to the highest level.
Master Teachers:
Calley Skalnik
Friday, July 7th, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Calley started dancing at the Tulsa Ballet Center for Dance Education when she was eight years old. In 2012, she attended the Youth America Grand Prix in New York, where she was offered a scholarship to Canada’s National Ballet School. She dances the principal role of The Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker as well as featured roles such as Russian Princess in Swan Lake, Calliope in Apollo and Kitty in Anna Karenina. Calley’s repertoire includes The Sleeping Beauty, Romeo and Juliet, Giselle, Onegin, Frame by Frame, Manon,The Dream Chaconne, The Second Detail, Genus, Angels’ Atlas and Orpheus Alive, among other works.
In 2016, Calley represented the National Ballet in The International Competition for The Erik Bruhn Prize. Choreographic Associate Robert Binet created the contemporary pas de deux, Self and Soul, for the competition. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Calley began offering movement and fitness classes online. Their popularity led her to create a personal training business, Coach Calley.
Irina Lerman
Friday, July 14th, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Irina Lerman graduated from Vaganova Ballet Academy in 2011 in the class of professor Ludmila Kovaleva (coach of Diana Vishneva, Olga Smirnova and Maria Khoreva) and joined after graduation the Mariinsky Ballet where she was dancing for 7 years. Irina Lerman performed classical, neoclassical, contemporary and modern repertoire of the Mariinsky Theatre including M. Petipa, G. Balanchine, A. Ratmanskiy, and Sasha Waltz. In 2015 Irina trained at the Netherland Dance Theatre, performed repertoire of Chrystal Pite, Paul Lightfoot and Sol Leon. At the same period, Irina was fortunate enough to participate at workshops of renowned choreographer Wayne McGregor and work with choreographer EdwardClug.
At the age of 21 Irina made her choreographic debut at the Workshop of Young Choreographers in Mariinsky Theatre and in a few years obtained a Master’s Degree in Choreography from Vaganova Ballet Academy. Irina became a Finalist in an International Competition in Riga, Latvia and won a Silver medal as a Choreographer. Irina had the privilege to perform at the Closing Ceremony of the Olympic Games 2014 and participated in the Cannes Film Festival 2012 as an Actress. In 2022 Irina launched Artistry and Performance, a Summer Intensive in Ballet with Irina Lerman in Toronto, Canada.
Brennan Clost's career in the entertainment industry began at a young age when he started training in dance. He developed a passion for the art form and pursued it rigorously, eventually leading him to study at Juilliard, one of the world's most prestigious performing arts schools. Clost's extensive training has enabled him to showcase his skills in a variety of roles, including his breakout role as Daniel in THE NEXT STEP.
Clost's natural talent and dedication to his craft have been recognized through numerous awards and accolades. In addition to the World Silver Medal he received in the International Dance Organization in Germany and being named one of the Top Senior Male Dancers at The Dance Awards in New York City, he has also been recognized for his choreography. Clost's passion for storytelling extends beyond dance and into acting, which he began to pursue during his time at Juilliard.
Brennan Clost
Friday, August 11th and 18th 6:30pm - 8:30pm
He has since landed roles in a number of TV shows and movies, including his most recent role as Shane in the Netflix series TINY PRETTY THINGS. Clost's ability to bring depth and nuance to his characters has earned him critical acclaim and a growing fanbase.Despite his success, Clost remains dedicated to his craft and is constantly striving to improve and evolve as a performer. He continues to be inspired by the power of storytelling and is committed to using his talents to share meaningful stories with the world.
Oksana Bondareva
To Be Announced
Oksana Bondareva is a Ukrainian ballerina who has made a name for herself through her impeccable technique and breathtaking performances. She began her training at the Ballet School of the Dnepropetrovsk Opera and Ballet Theatre in Ukraine, where she honed her skills and developed a deep passion for dance.
After graduating from the ballet school, Bondareva joined the ballet company of the Dnepropetrovsk Opera and Ballet Theatre, where she continued to refine her technique and expand her repertoire. In 2008-2009, she decided to further her training and enrolled at the Moscow State Ballet Academy.
In 2009, Bondareva joined the Mikhailovsky Theatre, where she spent five years as a principal dancer. During her time there, she performed a wide range of roles, including Kitri in Don Quixote, Sylphide in La Sylphide, Odette/Odile in Swan Lake, and Princess Aurora in The Sleeping Beauty. She also had the opportunity to work with some of the world's most renowned choreographers, such as Nacho Duato and Slava Samodurov.
In 2014, Bondareva joined the Mariinsky Theatre, one of the world's most prestigious ballet companies. Her time there was marked by a number of memorable performances, including her portrayal of Giselle in the eponymous ballet, and her interpretation of the title role in the ballet Raymonda.
After leaving the Mariinsky Theatre in 2017, Bondareva continued to perform as a guest ballerina with a number of companies, including the Mikhailovsky Theatre, where she had previously spent five years as a principal dancer. Throughout her career, she has been lauded for her artistry, technical mastery, and emotional depth, making her one of the most sought-after ballerinas of her generation.