END OF YEAR EDITION
April/May/June 2025
The Akhmedova Ballet Magazine is a product of the collaborative efforts of the students of the Akhmedova Ballet Academy. We wish to spread our ideas and knowledge, and connect with other dance communities.
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A magnificent composition blending visual arts, music, and dance, producing and performing ABA’s 2025 spring show, Pictures at an Exhibition, has been a preciously memorable process. Choreographed by Jessica Novakovich, the premiere of this performance details the experience of a young artist, Christina, as she traverses through her imagination, within which several paintings come to life and guide her to realize her true dream as an artist. I was fortunate enough to be given the role of Christina, and now that the year has come to an end, and as I reflect on this experience, I have come to realize how much I have grown and gained throughout this incredible opportunity.
Through playing the role of Christina, I have developed physically, mentally, and emotionally. Having the honor of being assigned the protagonist also came with high integration in the choreography. With an active role in each piece, I was required to be alert and involved throughout the entire choreography, building physical and mental stamina as well as stage presence. Memorizing all of the choreography and prop movements was a mental challenge for me, but it was later rewarding and valuable once I was able to grasp it. Lastly and most prominently, my role has taught me to mature emotionally through its demand for variance and range in expression. I learned to express changes in mood not only through facial expression, but through the execution of my movements. I began learning to leverage expansion and breath more significantly; Pictures at an Exhibition, hence the name, is filled with picturesque moments, and I discovered strength in the tools of stillness and softness.
Ultimately, as with any successful performance, the final outcome was the result of an extensive preparation process. I enjoyed watching the creativity of the choreographic process, which aimed to reflect the paintings’ demeanors and personalities while effectively transforming visual art into dance and into moving stories. The placement of formations was a vital part, as well as the selection of music, costumes, and props which further brought the paintings to life.
However, it was not any of those things that made the performance truly memorable for me; it was the opportunity to be able to dance and perform with the people I care about and work with every day. I will remember curiously pretending to mimic one of Degas’ ballet dancers, and the small sense of accomplishment I felt as we landed our pirouettes together. I will remember the anticipation as the child with a dove dragging me up from the ground, inviting me to dance and to play. I will remember the excitement as I waved to the two sisters, and when I saw children of life, skipping and holding hands. I will remember the chest-gripping fear I felt as Death made their entrance, and the tensions between us as I dared not to move a step. I will remember the magnificent wonder I indulged in as I watched the swan princess leap overhead as I scribbled all that I saw in an exhilarating frenzy.
The special moments I had on stage are never-ending, as are the countless emotions I felt as I performed. But most of all, I will remember the feeling of turning around and seeing not just characters of my imagination, but the faces of my dearest friends, who were waiting for me. Friends who had put their hands on my shoulders and pointed to the future. Friends who lifted me and granted me the feeling of flying, of touching the sky. Friends who created worlds of magic, or perhaps were magic after all --- merely figures inside pictures at an exhibition, born from a young artists’ boundless imagination.
Performing Pictures at an Exhibition has been nothing short of magical, and I am most grateful for all that I have experienced and created, and for the memories that I know I will remember, always.
-Elaine
DANCE OF THE HOURS
Throughout the countless hours of rehearsal, ABA was able to share our hard work during the Spring show. During this show, we were able to perform Dance of the Hours choreographed by Mme. Akhmedova. This dance was composed by Amilcare Ponchielli as part of the famous opera La Gioconda and leads the audience through dawn, day, dusk, and night. The dance is set in 17th century Venice and depicts life and festivities. This piece features soloists and a corps de ballet to help show the different times of day. The music goes from light and active to smooth and legato then to active and lively. These changes in music allowed the audience to have an immersive experience and be drawn into a day in Venice.
When working on this piece, I thoroughly enjoyed learning how to be expressive and change tempos throughout a piece. During the rehearsals, Mme. helped us and taught us the different tones and how to dance to the changes in the music. I learned how to have control in the adagio and use my port de bras while still being together with my peers even in the slower parts of the music. In the Coda, I learned how to be sharp and light at the same time and learned how to dance with a partner. We also learned how to dance with not only emotion but technique by refining it through practice. Using our technique that we learned in class; we were able to apply these corrections when performing Dance of the Hours.
Some of my favorite parts of Dance of the Hours were the adagio, and the coda. During the adagio we were able to show off our control and our arms when doing the port de bras. I also enjoyed learning how to work with my peers and trust them when doing the coda. I also enjoyed performing this part for the audience because it was fun and the end was exciting and allowed people to experience the liveliness of a day in Venice.
Throughout the process, I enjoyed learning about the history of the dance, expanding my knowledge about technique and learning the piece through the guidance of my teachers at ABA. I am so grateful for the experience and the lessons it taught me from rehearsal to the performance.
-Eliana
ABA’S SPRING GALA PERFORMANCE
WITH ELAINE & ELIANA
May 3rd marked a truly remarkable occasion - the celebration of Mme. Akhmedova’s 60 years in Ballet. This milestone was one that the students of ABA eagerly prepared to commemorate.
After graduating with honors from the Bolshoi Ballet Academy and the Munich State Opera Ballet, Mme Akhmedova embarked on a professional career that spanned over two decades. She captivated the dance world with her artistry, pouring passion and dedication into every role she performed. Her extraordinary talent earned her recognition as a principal dancer with the Bolshoi Ballet in Tashkent, the Munich State Opera Ballet, and the Vienna State Opera Ballet, where she danced major roles in both classical and contemporary repertoire.
Following her illustrious career as a performer, Mme Akhmedova transitioned to the noble profession of teaching, determined to pass on her wealth of knowledge to the next generation of dancers and artists. She established a professional training program at the Anne Wyman School of Dance Arts in Canada, and in 2001, Mr. Vinogradov invited her to teach at the Kirov Academy of Ballet in Washington, DC. There, she served as a senior teacher for eight years before becoming the ballet master and rehearsal director for City Dance Ensemble, founding the City Dance Conservatory Ballet Program at the Strathmore Center for the Arts.
In 2011, Mme Akhmedova founded the Akhmedova Ballet Academy, where she has since prepared students for competitions and successful careers in the dance world. Many of her graduates have gone on to perform with renowned ballet companies across the globe. Her Professional Training Program offers well-rounded training with personal and artistic mentoring to prepare young dancers to become strong and fully developed artists ready to take their places in major dance companies around the world.
On Saturday, May 3rd, the students of ABA gathered to honor their beloved Artistic Director. This date holds special significance, as it marks the anniversary of Mme Akhmedova’s first ballet class—the beginning of a lifelong journey in dance. In a heartfelt surprise celebration orchestrated by ABA’s students, they reenacted key moments from her life, set to exquisite classical music. The tribute continued with a digital presentation curated by the students, featuring cherished memories in photos and videos, along with well wishes from Hee Seo, a former student and principal dancer with ABT, as well as friends from Mme Akhmedova’s years performing in Europe.
Students, teachers, family, and friends all came together to celebrate Mme Akhmedova and express their deep appreciation for the extraordinary world she has created through her dedication to ballet.
-Jessica
A LIFE IN DANCE
MME AKHMEDOVA’S 60TH ANNIVERSARY
WITH JESSICA
This May, several students from the Akhmedova Ballet Academy had the remarkable opportunity to perform at the Sheppard Pratt School in Rockville, Maryland. The Sheppard Pratt School serves students ages 5 to 21 with a range of needs, including autism, developmental delays, emotional and learning disabilities, speech or language impairments, and other health-related challenges. We performed several solos that we had been rehearsing with our teachers throughout the year, dedicating countless hours of hard work, commitment, and focus in preparation for various competitions and performances. These pieces reflect not only our technical growth, but also our artistic expression and personal journeys as dancers. Each solo told a story, and it was deeply fulfilling to share those stories with such an appreciative and engaged audience. In addition to these individual pieces, we enthusiastically presented an excerpt from our spring show, “Dance of the Hours”—a vibrant and captivating piece choreographed by Madame Akhmedova, filled with energy, elegance, and dynamic movement. This ensemble short performance was a true celebration of rhythm and unity, and performing it for the students and staff at Sheppard Pratt added a new layer of meaning. Knowing that our dancing could bring moments of joy, wonder, and inspiration to others reminded us of the deeper purpose of our art form: to connect, to uplift, and to share beauty in all its forms.
This performance was a completely new and eye-opening experience for me, as I had never danced at a school specifically for students with special needs. From the moment we stepped into the building, we were met with warmth, curiosity, and genuine excitement from the staff and students. The audience’s energy was contagious, and the students welcomed us with open hearts and incredible enthusiasm, creating an atmosphere unlike any I had ever performed in before. Their reactions were spontaneous and pure; some students clapped along joyfully to the rhythm, extremely excited to see the next dances, while others sat completely captivated, their eyes wide with wonder. It was deeply moving to see how dance could hold their attention, light up their faces, and spark such visible delight. As we performed, I realized how powerful and exuberant the performing arts can be for all. Not just as a form of entertainment, but as a means of communication and connection between the performers and their audience. Dance has always been an enormous part of my life; however, this performance helped me see dance in a new light, almost as a bridge between people, even in the absence of traditional forms of communication, we were still communicating with the crowd on a deeper and more cherished level.
The students didn’t need to understand the technical aspects of ballet to feel something meaningful; they simply responded to the movement, the music, and the emotion. It reminded me that, at its core, dance is a universal language, even if not everyone dances, it is one that speaks directly to the heart. I felt truly honored to be part of something that brought joy and comfort to others, and the experience left a lasting impression on me, both as a dancer and as a person. It was humbling to realize that by simply sharing something we love and practice every day, we could create such a meaningful impact on an audience for whom this art form was entirely new and unfamiliar. This performance inspired me to continue seeking out opportunities to use dance as a way to give back, to connect with different communities, and to introduce the beauty of this art form to as many people as possible. I hope to return to Sheppard Pratt or similar schools in the future, and to continue growing not only in my technique, but in my understanding of the transformative power of dance.
-Emma
IN THE COMMUNITY
ABA STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
WITH MIYA, ISABELLE AND JULIANA
Hello I am Miya, 12 years old and this is my 4th year with ABA. My ballet community shines because it's a place where everyone, no matter their level, lifts each other up with genuine kindness. What makes it truly special is the shared joy, creating a family on the dance floor unlike any other place.
Hello, my name is Isabelle, I am 17 years old and I am training with ABA for 4 years. What I love about ABA is that it provides a positive and supportive environment where everybody is kind, and collaborative. It’s a wonderful and diverse place to build lasting friendships and grow both academically and personally.
Hello, my name is Juliana, I am 20 years old and I trained with the Akhmedova Ballet Academy for the past 5 years. I am extremely proud to be a graduate of ABA and I will carry the skills and knowledge that I have learned here with me for the rest of my life. I am so grateful for my teachers' patience, dedication, and commitment to helping me be the dancer and person I am today.
Throughout my time at ABA, I have learned how to push myself to reach my goals and to not be afraid of the unknown. Having goals in mind is encouraged because it makes you specifically think about what you would like to accomplish. You are also encouraged to voice those goals and discuss how to achieve them with your teacher. ABA has given me so many exceptional opportunities to grow as not only a dancer but as a person.
Mme. Akhmedova and the teachers at ABA have been instrumental in supporting and guiding me to follow my dream of becoming a professional dancer. Their knowledge and direction through the audition process have opened many doors for me and the lessons will stay with me as I advance into the professional world.
ABA emphasizes teaching the rich history of ballet and character dance to their students, which is only experience here. By learning and performing these cultural dances, we are doing our part to spread the history, love, and appreciation of many dance forms to our community. My teachers focus on each student, through small classes, which allows for more personal training. The environment is focused and hardworking, much like a professional ballet company.
I am eternally grateful for my time at ABA and to all of my teachers for guiding and supporting me. ABA truly cares for the success of their students, and I couldn’t be prouder to be a graduate of such an esteemed school starting my journey as a professional dancer in the fall.
From May 28th through June 1st, ABA proudly participated in the 2025 Universal Ballet Competition (UBC) Grand Prix Finals. This year’s finals were hosted in the heart of Chicago, right next to the iconic Cloud Gate, also known as “The Bean.”
The eventful week was filled with energy, passion, and nonstop performances. ABA dancers showcased their hard work in solo categories and group pieces across contemporary, character, and classical styles. The highlight for many of us was being selected to perform in the Gala on May 31st! Not only was I able to perform with many UBC award winners in a piece by Jodie Gates and Peter Chu, but “Avant-Garde,” an award winning piece choreographed by our very own choreographer in residence, Jessica Novakovich. With the unique ambience of the Harris Theater stage, the intense spotlight at the beginning of our piece, and the professional dancers who preceded and succeeded us, we were inspired to bring our artistry to the next level, eager to share the story behind our avant-garde performance. Representing ABA during such an event was both an honor and a testament to the power of our choreography and our creative voices.
In terms of the actual competition portion, our ABA dancers performed as true artists and dancers. While there are always things to improve on back in the studios, it was really nice to have been acknowledged for our facial expressions, technique, and stage presence by other teachers and members of the UBC community! And, through each quick change and moment practicing in the rehearsal room, we supported each other as a team. We attacked each performance with strength, unity, aggression, soulfulness and expression.
Bringing home, a number of awards and an unforgettable week of memories, this year’s UBC Finals are officially in the books. As we finish off the school year, ABA dancers shift their attention back to honing their technique, getting ready for the 3-week Variations/Repertoire Summer Intensive program starting June 23rd.
-Lucy
UBC AWARDS
Best Choreographer- Jessica Novakovich
1st in Classical and 15th in Senior Contemporary Category - Lucy Qian
1st in Senior Ensemble Division - Avant-Garde
1st in Senior Duos and Trios Category - Troika
5th in Senior Duos and Trios Category - Perception not Reality
4th in Junior Duos and Trios Category - Chiara di Luna
5th in Junior Duos and Trios Category - This and That
ABA at UBC Grand Prix Finals
WITH LUCY
A SNEAK PEAK INTO ABA’S SPRING GALA
Ask the Artistic Director
WITH MME. AKHMEDOVA
To our Graduates 2025 Juliana Anderson & Lucy Qian:
From the countless hours spent at the barre to the breathtaking moments on stage, your evolution as dancers have been nothing short of extraordinary. You’ve faced challenges with grace, pursued perfection with relentless determination, and infused beauty into every movement. Witnessing your artistry flourish has been an incredible privilege.
But remember, the lessons you’ve learned extend far beyond the studio. Discipline, creativity, and the courage to express yourself will be your guides in all that you pursue. Carry them with pride as you step into the next chapter of your journey.
Life is a magnificent path, shaped by the choices you make each day. As you venture into the world, armed with knowledge and finely honed skills, I urge you to embrace it with optimism and unwavering spirit. Celebrate your victories, but also prepare for the inevitable challenges. Even with the most thoughtful decisions, life will test you—but those moments will reveal your character.
“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful”
You are extraordinarily gifted and accomplished dancers, but never forget the lessons you learned here. Talent alone is not enough—you must nurture and refine yourself every single day, both as an artist and as a person.