HOLIDAY EDITION

October/November/December 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.


Cover


For every young dancer, there is a moment when the dream they’ve carried quietly in their heart steps into the light. For me, that moment arrived this season at the Akhmedova Ballet Academy’s Mini Nut and Nutcracker Night performances—my very first time dancing the Sugar Plum Fairy.

I had imagined this role for years: the shimmering music, the delicate balance of strength and softness, the responsibility of welcoming Marie—and the audience—into the Land of Sweets. But nothing prepared me for the feeling of stepping onto the stage and realizing that I was no longer just a student dancing a part. I was becoming part of a tradition, a legacy, and a community that believes in the transformative power of ballet.

Our Mini Nut performance was my first chance to share this role with the youngest members of our ABA family. Their eyes sparkled with the same wonder I once felt watching older dancers float across the stage. As Sugar Plum, I wasn’t just performing for them—I was guiding them, showing them what patience, discipline, and joy can grow into. Their excitement was contagious. In that moment, I understood that the Sugar Plum Fairy isn’t just a character. She’s a symbol of possibility.

When Nutcracker Night arrived, the energy shifted. I felt the weight of the role in the best possible way—like a crown placed gently on my head. As the music began, my nerves melted into something electric. Every step felt like a conversation with the audience: This is who I am. This is what I’ve worked for. This is the magic we create together.

I could feel the support of my teachers, the pride of my fellow dancers, and the warmth of the ABA community surrounding me. It wasn’t just a performance—it was a celebration of everything ABA stands for: artistry, discipline, passion, and heart.

Being Sugar Plum for the first time wasn’t about perfection. It was about becoming part of something bigger than myself. It meant honoring the dancers who came before me and inspiring the ones who will follow. It meant trusting my training, embracing my individuality, and letting myself shine.

Most of all, it meant joy—pure, sparkling, unforgettable joy.

As the final notes faded and the applause washed over me, I realized that this role had changed me. It taught me to lead with grace, to dance with generosity, and to believe in the beauty of my own voice.

And as I look ahead, I know this is only the beginning. The Land of Sweets has opened its doors to me, and I am ready to keep dancing forward. 

with Natali Fani-Gonzales

ABA’S NUTCRACKER PERFORMANCES

WITH THE SUGARPLUM FAIRY

Each December, the Akhmedova Ballet Academy extends the magic of The Nutcracker beyond the theater and into the heart of our community. This year, ABA’s dancers once again brought joy, beauty, and connection to two cherished senior communities: the Schweinhaut Senior Center and Riderwood Senior Living. These outreach performances are more than a tradition—they are a reflection of ABA’s mission to share the transformative power of ballet with audiences of all ages and backgrounds. For many residents, the Nutcracker has been a lifelong holiday ritual. Seeing it performed live, up close, and with such artistry rekindles memories, sparks conversation, and fills the room with warmth.

At Schweinhaut Senior Center, dancers performed excerpts from the beloved ballet, turning the community hall into a festive stage. Residents smiled, clapped along, and welcomed the dancers with heartfelt appreciation. The intimacy of the setting allowed for a rare closeness between performers and audience, reminding everyone that art is most powerful when shared.

At Riderwood Senior Community, ABA’s dancers were greeted like family. The performance lit up the auditorium, and the residents’ enthusiasm created an atmosphere of celebration. Many expressed how meaningful it was to experience live ballet again—some for the first time in years.

These outreach events are a cornerstone of ABA’s commitment to service, empathy, and artistic excellence. They offer young dancers the chance to perform with purpose and to understand the profound impact their art can have on others. And for the seniors who attend, the performances bring beauty, nostalgia, and a sense of connection during the holiday season. All seniors received a heart-filled gift bag with a bear, a candle, an ornament, and chocolate-small gestures that brought them genuine joy. Their appreciation was felt in every smile, every question, and every moment of connection shared with our dancers.

As ABA continues to grow, so does its dedication to enriching the community through dance. The Nutcracker outreach performances at Schweinhaut and Riderwood are a shining example of how art can bridge generations, uplift spirits, and remind us all of the joy that lives in shared experiences.

IN THE COMMUNITY


Dancers posing
On Stage
after show Q & A with the dancers

ABA AT WBAC AND IDTCI

WITH SOPHIA

In November, I had the incredible opportunity to travel with the Akhmedova Ballet Academy (ABA) to the World Ballet Competition Finals in Niagara Falls, and it was such a positive and unforgettable learning experience. As a new student at ABA, I was especially excited to compete with the school for the first time and share my artistry on stage. I performed both classical and contemporary solos, including the Pizzicato variation from Raymonda, the Medora variation from Le Corsaire, and my contemporary solo Wabi Sabi, which challenged my technique and pushed my artistic growth.

One of the most exciting parts of my experience was competing in small ensembles for the first time. Learning how to dance in sync and move as one with my friends was both challenging and incredibly rewarding. Seeing my hard work pay off in my solo performances was equally fulfilling, as I placed 5th in the female classical division and 6th in the female contemporary division. As a school, ABA received significant recognition for its remarkable teaching and dedication, earning awards for Best School, Best Teacher, and Best Choreographer. We also achieved outstanding ensemble results, placing 2nd in the classical ensemble, 1st in the contemporary small group ensemble, and earning both 1st and 2nd place in the large ensemble category with Jota Aragonesaand Shumka. Being part of such a dedicated and passionate school made this experience truly inspiring and unforgettable

Sophia

Awards
Awards

WBAC Grand Prix Finals Canada Awards

BEST SCHOOL AWARD - Akhmedova Ballet Academy

BEST TEACHER AWARD - Mme. Akhmedova

BEST CHOREOGRAPHY AWARD - Jessica Novakovich

GROUP E CLASSICAL

2nd Elaine Zhang

5th Sophia King

GROUP D CLASSICAL

4th Eliana Honda

GROUP C CLASSICAL

6th Miya Jonen

GROUP F CONTEMPORARY

3rd Isabelle Cespedes

GROUP E CONTEMPORARY

4th Emma Paskhal 

5th Elaine Zhang

6th Sophia King

GROUP D CONTEMPORARY

6th Eliana Honda

ENSEMBLE AWARDS

SMALL ENSEMBLE

2nd Echoes of Her

3rd Enigma

MEDIUM ENSEMBLE

1st Voices of Resilience

2nd Ondine Pas de Quatre

LARGE ENSEMBLE

1st Jota Aragonese

2nd Shumka

IDTCI Semi Finals Italy Awards

JUNIOR II CLASSICAL

2nd Eliana Honda

SENIOR CLASSICAL

3rd Elaine Zhang

SENIOR CONTEMPORARY

3rd Elaine Zhang

3rd Sophia King

SENIOR CHARACTER

1st Isabelle Cespedes

CLASSICAL ENSEMBLE

1st Ondine Pas de Quatre

CONTEMPORARY DUET

2nd Enigma

CHARACTER ENSEMBLE

1st Jota Atagonese

2nd Shumka

CONTEMPORARY ENSEMBLE

2nd Echoes of Her

3rd Voices of Resilience

ABA’S AT THE BLACKBOX THEATRE

WITH ISABELLE & ELIANA

The BlackBox Theatre performance, Visions in Motion, was a completely different experience from any other performance I’ve been a part of. What made it stand out the most was the close setting of the theater. The audience was much closer than in a traditional theater setting, which made every movement feel more intentional and personal. Being able to see the audience and feel their energy created a stronger connection, making the performance feel more meaningful and immersive.

Preparing for Visions in Motion was a process that required both focus and collaboration. During rehearsals, I spent a lot of time working with the other girls, refining group pieces and making sure we were moving together as one. Outside of rehearsals, I also used my private lessons to clean and strengthen my solos, paying close attention to details and musicality. The preparation pushed me to be more confident and present in my dancing, especially knowing how close the audience would be during the performance.

One of the most special parts of the show was getting to perform in the piece Love and Passion, choreographed by Ms. Jessica. This piece was originally created for the WBAC Finals Gala in Canada, which made it feel even more meaningful to be a part of. The choreography was powerful and expressive, and performing it alongside my peers made the experience even more memorable. I really enjoyed the process because it was both challenging and fun, and it allowed us to truly connect as a group.

What made Visions in Motion different from other performances was the way it blended artistry, emotion, and connection. The BlackBox setting stripped away distractions and allowed the focus to remain on the dancers and the stories we were telling. This performance reminded me how important connection is not just between dancers, but also between performers and the audience. It was an experience that pushed me artistically and left a lasting impression on me as a dancer.

Isabelle

all dancers bow

The Akhmedova Ballet Academy's latest local community performance at the Black Box Theater in downtown Silver Spring showcased many of ABA’s award-winning contemporary solos as well as group pieces. Throughout the countless rehearsals leading up to this performance, I have thoroughly enjoyed working with my teachers, Mme. Akhmedova, Ms. Jessica, and Ms. Marina and gained a deeper appreciation for their guidance and corrections. Every rehearsal is full of improvements, corrections, and even some laughs along the way. I am truly appreciative for my teachers and dance mates who have learned alongside me in preparation for this performance. 

At the Black Box show, ABA presented, along with other competition pieces, Love and Passion choreographed by our in-studio choreographer, Ms. Jessica. This piece was picked to be debuted at the World Ballet Art Competition finals in Canada. Love and Passion is about the love and passion life can bring through unity. The beginning of the piece showcased the gentle aspects of love when working to help one another and the end of the piece showcased vibrancy and passion for life. 

Performing at the Black Box theater is always a joy because of the wonderful and encouraging environment. I love how connected I can get with the audience when I am dancing. Every dance I performed I was able to see my audience and feel the emotions emanating from each person from the audience. I enjoy dancing in this environment and how it produces a more intimate connection with the audience that I cannot receive anywhere else. I sincerely hope to perform in this environment again and look forward to our next performance.

Eliana

INTO THE AUDITION SEASON

TESTIMONIALS FROM SUMMER INTENSIVES 2025

Dancer in Arabesque

I chose to attend Akhmedova Ballet Academy's Professional Training Program because I knew that the elite training and intimate class settings would be essential in shaping me to become the dancer I've always dreamed of. Joining ABA has been one of the most exciting, challenging, and thrilling transitions of my dance journey. During my first week, I was challenged both physically and artistically in ways I didn't know were possible. This transition was a completely new experience for me, mainly because I had never trained under the Vagonava method before. There were so many new elements of the Vagonava method to learn, and contemporary skills that seemed almost impossible to do. But ABA quickly showed me that anything is possible thanks to the support of Madame Akhmedova and Ms. Jessica, who graciously offered their assistance. Since the moment I stepped foot into ABA, I was immediately embraced with kindness and warmth from everyone. I couldn't help but notice the passion and attention to detail that every teacher poured into each individual student. The devotion to teaching and nurturing atmosphere at ABA is undeniable. In just one week, ABA has helped me see all the possibilities my future holds. At ABA, growing is always a collaboration. It’s never “you” need to work on improving this; it's always “we” need to work on improving this. ABA has shifted my mindset and instilled a new motivation and hunger inside me. From the excellent training to the loving kinship, Akhmendova Ballet Academy is beyond anything I could wish for in a program, in a family. While I still have learning to do, I am proud to say that ABA is the place that will be by my side every step of the way.  ~ Sophia

I am so grateful to have been selected for ABA’s summer intensive program! I cannot express how honored I am that I was given this opportunity, and am so grateful to Madame Akhmedova for the chance that I got to improve my understanding and technique for ballet. The intensive was amazing, and I feel that I have gained so many new things, from strength, to discipline. Thank you to the ABA staff for seeing my potential to grow and improve! ~ Eva

When I arrived at ABA for the first time at their summer intensive, it was immediately apparent to me that this place was a special one. The teachers are incredible and believe in every student, and the small class sizes allow for each teacher to share wisdom and technique to each dancer individually. Another perk of the school’s small size is that everybody knows each other. The students seem like sisters rather than simply just classmates. These factors have turned ABA into not just a school for dance, but a wonderful community and environment for growth and excellence. ~ Ellie

I really enjoyed my summer intensive with the Akhmedova Ballet Academy. I liked being in a small group, as well as the detailed attention of the teachers to the students with technique. After only a few weeks, I feel like my technique definitely improved. All these things made me want to join the year round program so I could continue progressing. ~ Nikki

The teachers at the Akhmedova ballet academy create such a welcoming and supportive environment. I had so much fun at the ABA summer intensive where I met so many new people. I have learned so much from the Akhmedova ballet academy and am always left so inspired, motivated and eager to learn more after every class. I decided to join the year around program because of how amazing the teachers are and how much I grew in just the three weeks at the summer intensive. I am so grateful for the amazing opportunity to learn at my school and get such amazing corrections and feedback from my teachers everyday. ~ Sophie

dancers at the parade

MONTGOMERY COUNTY

THANKSGIVING PARADE

Dancers before the parade
with officials

Ask the Artistic Director

WITH MME. AKHMEDOVA

Final Bow after Nutcracker

As we close 2025, I am filled with pride for the growth, dedication, and artistry my dancers have shown. Every class, rehearsal, and performance have filled studios and stages with beauty and purpose.

I am grateful to our exceptional faculty for their guidance, and to our families for the support. To my dancers: your commitment and passion is inspiring!

As we look ahead to a new year, I am excited for the creativity, challenges, and opportunity waiting for us. Together, we will continue to build a community where excellence and artistry thrive.

Happy New Year 2026,

Mme. Akhmedova