ABOUT
I am an artist.
I have a range of experience and knowledge in art history, interior design, digital marketing, costume design, choreography, classical ballet training and elite coaching.
I am inspired by the beauty of historic objects and art and contemplate how I can bring timeless beauty and wisdom of design into our contemporary lives.
ART & DESIGN
ART & DESIGN
M.A. ART HISTORY, 2020 | University of Wisconsin - Madison
B.A. ART HISTORY, 2016 | University of Wisconsin - Madison
DESIGN CONSULTANT | Affordable Granite & Cabinetry
my passion for art history inspires my design aesthetic for
interiorSPACES
COACHING IN CLASSICAL TECHNIQUE
COACHING IN CLASSICAL TECHNIQUE
Anna provides individualized training that pushes dancers to become their best.
TRAINING DANCERS IN CLASSICAL TECHNIQUE FOR OVER 10 YEARS
I have been teaching ballet since 2013 and instruct all ages and levels. I specializes in classical technique and coaching classical variations.
VAGANOVA TEACHER TRAINING, completed Elizabeth Shipiatsky’s Vaganova Teacher Training Program at Classical Ballet Academy of Colorado in Denver, CO.
BALLET CO.LABORATORY - St Paul, MN 2022 - Present | School Manager
KANOPY DANCE - Madison, WI 2013 - 2019. Taught ages 7 - Adult with an emphasis on developing strong technique and performance qualities in preparation for a professional career.
STORYBOOK BALLET - Madison, WI 2014 - 2020. Taught ages 3 - 10 with an emphasis on building the proper technical foundation for young dancers while encouraging creativity and self-expression.
STUDIO 4 DANCE - Burnsville, MN - 2021 to 2022
CLASSICAL BALLET ACADEMY - St. Paul, MN - 2021 to 2022
PRIVATE LESSONS - Anna offers private lessons for students of all ages and abilities, including pointe work and preparation for major ballet competitions such as the Youth American Grand Prix. Please email for inquiries: betzanna2@gmail.com
photo by Nir Arieli
“When I take her classes it’s so refreshing and engaging to be taught by someone who is fully passionate and committed to teaching the Vaganova Technique and seeing her students grow.”
-Maya Finman-Palmer, a former student of Anna’s who danced with Ailey II, Jennifer Muller/TheWorks, and Company of Collaborative Arts. Follow her @officialmaya_fp on Instagram
Ballet Training & Performance Experience
Classical Ballet Academy - St. Paul, MN (1999 - 2010)
Trained and completed all 8 levels with the Classical Ballet Academy and graduated in 2010. Performed as a soloist, demi-soloist, and corps de ballet member with Ballet Minnesota during her years at the Academy.
Ballet Minnesota - St. Paul, MN (2011)
Anna was awarded the role of Apprentice with Ballet Minnesota in 2011, and retired a year later due to a spinal injury. Anna has performed soloist roles in Don Quixote, The Sleeping Beauty, The Classic Nutcracker, Swan Lake, La Bayadere, and original works of choreography by Andrew Rist including Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony among many others. Her career-ending injury has motivated her to help her students develop practices that lead to healthier, longer careers in dance.
Additional Training/Coaching:
American Ballet Theater Summer Intensive, 2010.
Anna has received additional coaching from Elizabeth Shipiatsky, Tatiana Berenova, Gelsey Kirkland, Oksana Konobeyeva, Lisa Thurell (Martha Graham Technique), Ted Kivitt, Karen Burns, Kiril Bak and Svetlana Gavrilova.
Schedule a Private or Small Group Lesson
Whether you are a beginning ballet student looking to accelerate your training, a pre-professional student preparing to audition for ballet companies - or anything in between - I can help you develop your strength, technique, and artistic/stage performance abilities with regular 60 minute or 90 minute sessions. Please email me for inquiries, rates, and scheduling.
“Anna is a passionate, caring, and experienced ballet teacher. She is well versed in the Vaganova method and is highly demanding of her students but always in a positive manner. Whether you are an aspiring dancer or a professional with many years of experience, Anna’s classes are an excellent way to challenge yourself and improve your technique and strength. She is also a great coach with great attention to fine details, including epaulement, arm and hand placement, and musicality.”
— Juan Carlos Diaz-Velez, Former Principal Dancer with Eugene Ballet