Lena Chizhova Ballet Instructor
At the age of 18, Lena graduated College of Cultural Arts, Faculty of Dance, with a diploma in Professional Dance and Dance Education. There she studied Classical Ballet and Character Dance. After she graduated, she started her career as a professional dancer and, in 1989, moved to Odessa (Ukraine). She then established the Ballet Studio “Nocturne,” which is still operating and well-known in Odessa.
While at the Nocturne Ballet Studio, Lena served as the Manager and Head Choreographer until 2009, when she moved to Canada. One of Lena’s career highlights was being the recipient of the 2007 Best Teacher and Manager Award from the Ukraine Minister of Education. Lena was also instrumental in organizing and choreographing cultural events, showcasing many of her students in Munich and Paris. Lena was also invited to judge dance competitions held in Odessa. Many of Lena’s students have gone on to have successful dance careers as dancers and dance instructors.