“Every day, I realize more and more just how lucky I am to be able to call myself a graduate of the Akhmedova Ballet Academy. ABA is not only unique because of its semi-private class structure that provides each student with personal technical and artistic development, but also because of its warm and nurturing environment, neither of which would be possible without Madame Akhmedova‘s constant hard work and dedication to each of her students. Madame Akhmedova‘s tutelage goes above and beyond producing strong and successful dancers; producing artists that are empowered with the knowledge that by being hard-working and respectful, as well as a good person, it is possible to achieve all of your goals. Mme. Akhmedova has been and continues to be the most wonderful and supportive mentor and teacher I could have ever asked for, and I am forever thankful. Everything Madame Akhmedova and my time at ABA taught me allowed me to embark on my professional career and I know I could not be where I am today without her.”
— Deanna Pearson – Boston Ballet, MA
“I was with ABA for four years and just recently graduated as a part of the Class of 2021. I cannot express how valuable an experience it was for me to grow as a dancer under Madame Akhmedova’s tutelage. I had previously danced at several other studios during my dance education, but it was when I arrived at ABA that I finally felt like I had found my home. From the very beginning, Madame Akhmedova saw the potential in me and did everything she could to foster my growth. She helped me correct mistakes and poor habits that I had formed in the past and provided me with numerous opportunities that challenged me as an artist and helped me improve. Madame’s experience as a professional dancer and the vast amount of knowledge she has garnered from her many years of teaching make the corrections and insight she gives invaluable. She knows exactly what needs to be done in order to be successful in the dance industry and devotes her life to helping each and every one of her students achieve their personal goals. Not only this, but Madame Akhmedova has created a learning environment that feels like family, rather than a collection of dancers. I made many close friends during my time at ABA and was able to learn something from each of them. We motivated each other to work hard and supported each other during long rehearsals and stressful times. I looked forward to going to dance every day because I knew I was getting the best training and developing as a dancer, and because I was excited to laugh with all of my best friends.”
— Isabelle Wu – ABA graduate 2021
“Thank you for inviting Logan to teach class while he was up in Silver Spring on his break between performance seasons. He definitely does not forget his roots. He’s very grateful for the excellent training and mentoring he received from you, and he has said to me on many occasions that he knows he wouldn’t have such a perfect job right now with Richmond Ballet if you hadn’t taken him under your wing. I’ve always been so impressed that you gave, and continue to give, such individualized attention to every student and really seem to care deeply about the success of each one, professionally and personally. So we’re all very grateful to you and want to continue supporting you in any way we are able.”
— Abby Hillman – PTP graduate parent
“Akhmedova Ballet Academy has been an extraordinary part of our daughter’s life for the past seven years since she joined ABA at the age of nine. The level of training is truly remarkable: every class is taught with precision, discipline, and attention to detail. Students are not only taught technique—they are challenged to think, interpret, and perform as artists. The teachers maintain high standards while providing individualized guidance that helps each dancer continue to improve and reach their full potential. ABA also provides an impressive range of performance and competition opportunities. Students perform in beautifully produced Nutcracker and spring shows, participate in community outreach events, appear in local cultural celebrations, and compete at prestigious competitions at the regional, national, and international level. One of the things we appreciate most about ABA is the dedication of its faculty. They invest tremendous time and energy in their students, offering encouragement, honest feedback, and mentorship both inside and outside the studio. Especially during competition season, the teachers work tirelessly—not only training each dancer, but also designing and preparing costumes, coordinating travel logistics, and spending countless hours backstage supporting every student. Mme. Akhmedova and all of the ABA teachers are true artists. Their passion for ballet and commitment to their students extend far beyond developing strong dancers; they help build confidence, resilience, professionalism, and a strong work ethic that students carry with them throughout their lives. The atmosphere at ABA is supportive, respectful, and focused. Students learn the value of discipline, accountability, and perseverance while forming lasting friendships with peers who share their passion. ABA is certainly not the easiest path, nor is it intended to be. It is a school for students who are serious about ballet training and willing to embrace the dedication and discipline that artistic excellence requires. We are incredibly grateful for the training, mentorship, and opportunities our daughter has received at Akhmedova Ballet Academy. It has been a transformative journey, and we feel fortunate to be part of such a special community.”
— Daisy Xu Qion - PTP Parent
“Our daughter started at ABA at 8 years old (now 10). She absolutely loves it and looks forward to each class. She has made some great friends and looks up to the older, more experienced, girls. The instructors are excellent - they’re warm and caring and make the girls feel welcomes. We’re amazed by the public performances that the school puts on in December and June. Look forward to the years ahead!”
— Dimiriy Vilenskiy – PTP Parent
“Akhmedova Ballet Academy provides outstanding ballet training through its rigorous Vaganova-method instruction and small, elite class sizes. My daughter has been a student of ABA for almost 10 years, and we are fortunate to call ABA our family. ABA students receive comprehensive dance education that extends beyond classical ballet technique to include contemporary and character dance, helping develop versatility, artistry, musicality, and stage presence. Training is further enhanced through strength and conditioning, Pilates, flexibility and stretch classes, as well as injury prevention practices that support the physical demands of dance. Students also learn healthy approaches to pain management, recovery, and body awareness, equipping them with the tools needed to train safely while pursuing excellence. Additionally, students learn about ballet history and cultural traditions of other countries. Throughout the year, students gain valuable performance experience at events including Arts Parade, Thanksgiving Parade, Around the World Bazaar, MLK Day Performance at Strathmore Arts Center, and various performances at Montgomery County’s Senior Centers, as well as Montgomery College Cultural Arts Center. ABA dancers also participate in studio showcases such as Meet the Dancers, the Black Box Theater Performances, and the annual Spring Show. In addition, students have the opportunity to compete on national and international stages. ABA combines artistic excellence, comprehensive training, performance opportunities, and a warm family atmosphere that helps every dancer thrive.”
