About Us
Valentina’s School of Ballet is dedicated to nurturing ballet dancers of all ages in a supportive environment, empowering them to grow and excel in their ballet education.
Based in Michigan, we provide exceptional ballet training rooted in the rigorous Vaganova method— the world-renowned classical Russian ballet syllabus known for its precise technique and scientific approach.
Our dancers gain not only technical excellence but also valuable performance experience through studio recitals, community concerts, festivals, and national and international competitions. Whether students aspire to dance professionally or simply love ballet, Valentina’s offers the expert guidance and opportunities to thrive.
Meet Our Faculty
Valentina Barsukova
Owner / Director / Ballet Mistress / Choreographer
Valentina, the heart and visionary behind our studio, began her Vaganova ballet journey in Ukraine, training at the prestigious Kharkov Ballet School and later graduating from the Kiev Academy of Ballet. She performed professionally with the Kharkov Ballet Theatre in renowned productions such as Sleeping Beauty, La Sylphide, Don Quixote, and The Nutcracker. After moving to the United States in 1994, Valentina brought her artistic excellence to various dance academies, eventually becoming a beloved mentor known affectionately as “Miss V.” Her dedication has led many of her students to prestigious programs and professional companies around the world. With a Bachelor’s degree in Choreography and a Master’s in Engineering, Valentina is as accomplished in her academics as she is on stage. Her passion, discipline, and mentorship continue to inspire generations of dancers.
Natalya Makina
Ballet Mistress
Natalia Makina is an accomplished ballet artist and educator, originally from Russia. She enjoyed a distinguished career as a Principal Dancer with the renowned Perm Ballet Company, where she performed leading roles in classical masterpieces such as Giselle, Swan Lake, Serenade, and more. Since 2018, Natalia has taught ballet in the U.S. and serves as a Guest Instructor each summer in Malta, where she is highly respected for her mentorship and artistry.
Becca Grden
Contemporary Master Teacher / Choreographer
Becca Grden began dancing at age three in Livonia, Michigan. Trained in ballet (Cecchetti), modern, tap, and hip hop, she began teaching and choreographing at 17. Her choreography has received regional and national recognition, including the "Young Choreographer Award" at 18. Becca is passionate about helping students discover their unique voice through dance.
Christie Sciturro Garcia
Ballet Teacher
Christie Sciturro Garcia enjoyed a 19-year career with Miami City Ballet, performing works by George Balanchine, Paul Taylor, and other renowned choreographers. She received her classical ballet training at The Rock School and Miami City Ballet School. She studied with Valentina Barsukova herself, master teacher of Russian classical ballet and founder of Valentina’s School of Ballet, where she developed a deep appreciation for refined technique, discipline, and expressive artistry. She is passionate about nurturing the next generation of dancers and helping each student discover their unique voice in dance.
Olga Wiebelhaus
Conditioning / Acro / Stretch
With a strong foundation in Russian classical ballet and a background as a former competitive rhythmic gymnast in Russia, [Instructor’s Name] brings both athletic precision and artistic expression to every class. She holds a Master's degree in Education, specializing in Linguistics, and combines her academic knowledge with over 15 years of experience working with children of all ages. Her career spans teaching languages and coaching rhythmic gymnastics in both Russia and the United States. She is a certified USAG Professional Member and an active rhythmic gymnastics coach. Since winter 2015, she has been an integral part of Valentina's School of Ballet, leading conditioning and stretching classes that support dancers’ strength, flexibility, and injury prevention.
Emily Moser
Ballet Instructor
Emily Moser began her ballet training at The School of Ballet Iowa under the direction of Konstantin Uralsky and continued her early studies at Vine Street Ballet in West Des Moines. She pursued advanced training with Randy Newsom and earned a BFA in Dance Performance from Northern Illinois University, performing principal and soloist roles in classical ballets including The Nutcracker, Giselle, Don Quixote, and Paquita, as well as contemporary works. Following graduation, Emily danced professionally with several Chicagoland companies, including The Chicago Ballet and Momenta, and later performed with The Connecticut Ballet and Ballet Long Island. She brings a strong classical foundation and professional performance experience to her teaching, inspiring students to grow both technically and artistically.
Jennifer Defer
Costumes Manager / Future Ballerina Instructor
With over 25 years of experience, Jennifer has shared her passion for teaching dance to students of all ages and skill levels. Her versatile background spans instruction in Ballet, Lyrical, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom, Dance Team, Musical Theatre, Acting, Creative Movement, Conditioning, and Italian Cultural Dance. She has taught at numerous schools and programs throughout the community, including Suzette’s Masters of Dance, That’s Dancing, Fraser High School, and Macomb Community College. In addition to her teaching, [Name] proudly serves as the Costume Manager at Valentina’s School of Ballet and leads the Future Ballerina Program, nurturing the youngest dancers with creativity, joy, and strong foundational skills. Her dedication to both the artistic and behind-the-scenes aspects of dance makes her a beloved and integral part of the VSB faculty.
Lena Morrison
Studio Manager
With over 30 years of connection to Mrs. Valentina and the VSB community, my journey with this studio comes full circle. I was part of the very first Nutcracker production she produced, and I am thrilled to return to the environment that helped shape my love for dance. My training led to a professional career performing in Las Vegas Jubilee, Cirque du Soleil’s O, and aboard Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. I later spent more than a decade teaching dance at a variety of studios, gaining experience in both performance and education. Now, as a parent and the studio manager, I am excited to bring my history, passion, and perspective to this next chapter. My goal is to serve as a supportive and dependable bridge between VSB families and our dedicated staff, ensuring every dancer feels welcomed, informed, and inspired.
Our Alumni
Maria Beck
Principal of Budapest Opera / Stanislavsky Theater (Moscow)
At age 7, Maria began training with Valentina and, at age 11, competed in YAGP’s Chicago Semi-Finals receiving the Hope Award and then taking the Bronze Medal during the NY Finals.Maria received further training when, at age 13, she attended The Kirov Academy of Ballet of Washington, D.C. on scholarship and spent the next two years refining her technique.Then, after attending a Bolshoi Ballet Academy Summer Intensive, Maria was accepted into their residential program and spent the next 3 years completing her training. During this time, Maria danced solo roles in performances on the Bolshoi Main Stage.Currently, Maria is performing as a soloist with Moscow Stanislavsky Ballet Theatre and in 2013 was awarded Moscow International Ballet Competition’s 3rd Prize. “Valentina is like my second mother. She taught, first of all, great discipline which is one of the main principles in the ballet world. She didn’t just teach me great ballet technique. She taught me basic principles of life. Valentina is and will always be my first teacher, second mother, and friend.
Christie Sciturro
Miami City Ballet
At age 7, Christie began her dance training with Mrs Valentina. After competing at Dance Masters National Competition, decided to focus on ballet. She progressed rapidly and, during her initial Youth American Grand Prix (YAGP) competition, qualified for the New York City Finals. She continued honing her technique and, at age 17, her association with YAGP culminated during the NY Finals where she was awarded 1st place in the Classical Dance Category. Christie received additional training including summers attending American Ballet Theatre and Pacific Northwest Ballet intensives and one year at The Rock School for Dance Education. Returning “home”, Christie and Valentina began the search for the company which best suited her talents and objectives. During this process, Christie auditioned for Miami City Ballet (MCB), fell in love with the company, and, following graduation, attended their school. In 2008, she became a member of MCB’s Corps de Ballet and continues there today. “Ms.V took me under her wing when I was little girl. We worked on classical variations and contemporary dances. We selected summer programs together, prepared audition videos, and watched numerous ballet productions.
Sophie Miklosovic
Principal at BalletMet
Sophie Miklosovic received her pre-professional training under Magaly Suarez, Director of The Art of Classical Ballet school. Growing up in Michigan, she honed her performance skills as a competition dancer while enjoying coaching from master ballet teachers Meg Paul and Valentina Barsukova. Ms. Miklosovic joined BalletMet in 2017, at age 17. She was named one of Dance Magazines, “25 to Watch” in 2019 and had the opportunity to perform iconic roles such as Juliet in the balcony scene of Romeo and Juliet, adult Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker, and soloist roles in Edwaard Liang’s Giselle.
Casey McIntyre
Complexions Ballet / Koresh Ballet
CI began dancing at the age of 10, never imagining it would become a lifelong career. Four years later, after seeing a performance by Complexions Contemporary Ballet at the Music Hall, I was inspired to pursue life as a professional dancer and knew immediately that Complexions felt like home. Under Valentina’s guidance, I shifted my focus from competition dance to intensive ballet training, committing fully to developing strong classical technique. This path led me to continue my education at The Rock School for Dance Education, the Joffrey Academy of Dance—Official School of The Joffrey Ballet, where I participated in the Trainee Program—and The Ailey School, through its Independent Study and Scholarship programs. Along the way, I furthered my training through numerous summer intensive programs, including American Ballet Theatre, Planet Dance, The Rock School, Kirov Academy of Ballet, Ellison Ballet, Joffrey Academy of Dance, and The Ailey School. Throughout my journey, my goal has remained constant. During the 2012–2013 season, I had the opportunity to perform with Complexions Contemporary Ballet as an apprentice, touring both nationally and internationally. I am honored to continue my artistic growth as a full company member of Complexions Contemporary Ballet.
Mackenzie Bartlett
Avant Chamber Ballet / Ballet West
Mackenzie Bartlett, originally from Detroit, Michigan began her ballet training at Valentina’s School of Ballet under the direction of Valentina Barsukova. Along with her daily classes, she built her solid classical background and technique through her participation in several summer programs: The Kirov Academy (Washington DC), Bolshoi Ballet (NYC), A&A Ballet (Chicago), and Ballet West (Salt Lake City). Following Ballet West’s 2017 SI, she joined the Company as a trainee for 3 seasons. Mackenzie was hired into Ballet West II in 2020. Highlights of her professional career include performing as the 4th Movement Principal in Balanchine’s Western Symphony, 1 st Variation Soloist in Swan Lake Pas de Trois, Spring Fairy and Fairy Godmother in Pam Robinson’s Cinderella. She also performed with Ballet West in several full-length productions, including Michael Smuin’s Romeo and Juliet, Adam Sklute’s Giselle, William Christensen’s The Nutcracker, Sir Frederick Ashton’s Cinderella, and Jerome Robins’; Glass Pieces. This is Mackenzie’s second season with ACB.</
Jessica Humphrey
Fort Wayne Ballet
Jessica began her training in her hometown of Birmingham, Michigan. She attended summer intensives at the Kirov Academy of Ballet, Bolshoi Ballet Academy, BalletMet, and Oklahoma City Ballet. She was a trainee at the Joffrey Academy of Dance and performed works such as Coppélia, Paquita, Swan Lake, and Viva Vivaldi. She performed with The Joffrey Ballet in Glass Pieces and The Four Temperaments. Jessica joined Fort Wayne Ballet last season and performances included Gerald Arpino’s Italian Suite, Snow Queen in The Nutcracker, and Tracy Tritz’s Adagio for Strings. Jessica is grateful to start another season with Fort Wayne Ballet.
Alyssa Cebulski
Martha Graham Dance Company 2
Alyssa Cebulski was born and raised in Michigan where she trained in ballet, pointe, contemporary, and jazz from Valentina and other dance studios. Alyssa graduated from Marymount Manhattan College in May of 2016 with a BFA in Ballet under the direction of Katie Langan. She has performed works by Dwight Rhoden, Kate Skarpetowska, Aszure Barton, and Darrell Moultrie among others. Alyssa has also performed at the 92nd Street Y in Murray Louis’s Bach Suite in the year 2015. Other performing credits include the Inauguration of Marymount’s President Kerry Walk at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Katie Langan’s: Under The Surface performed at the Joyce Theatre. She is currently training at the Martha Graham Dance Company 2 in New York City.</
Zoe Shemet
Cincinnati Ballet Trainee Program
Carmen Rossi
Nevada Ballet
Lilly Massie
LA Contemporary Dance Company
Mikayla Anderson
Virginia National Ballet
Elizabeth Jenkins
Gwinnett Ballet Theatre
Olivia Bonich
Commercial Dancer, LA
Heather Kroshe
NYC Dancer
Riley McGuire
Ballet Teacher, Belarus Ballet School (Canada)
Cody Rowan
Trainee at BalletMet
Gabrielle Girard
Forest Ballet Academy
Awards and Scholarships
Valentina's School of Ballet students continue to receive national recognition and scholarships from some of the most prestigious ballet institutions in the country and internationally.
Notable Honors (2023–2025)
- Outstanding School Awards at YAGP (2023–2025), WBAC (2023, 2024), and ADC IBC
- Best Teacher Awards – Valentina Barsukova & Natalia Makina at WBAC (2023, 2024)
- Outstanding Choreography Award – Rebecca Grden (WBAC 2024)
- Top placements in solo and group categories at YAGP, ADC IBC, WBAC Finals
- Numerous Top 12, Top 24, and Podium finishes in Classical & Contemporary divisions
Scholarships & Acceptances
Students have earned full and partial scholarships, and trainee/company offers from:
- BalletMet
- Ballet West
- Washington Ballet
- Eglevsky Ballet
- Canada’s National Ballet School
- Sarasota Ballet
- The Rock School
- Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre
- Ellison Ballet
- Orlando Ballet
- New Ballet San Jose
- Richmond Ballet
- International Ballet Academy
- Avant Chamber Ballet
Featured Recipients
- Norah Meekins – Top 12 Senior Classical (YAGP), Full Scholarship to Eglevsky Ballet, Ballet Rhode Island, Acceptance to BalletMet Trainee
- Scarlett Lavery – 1st Place Contemporary (WBAC), 75% Scholarship to The Rock School, Accepted to Canada’s National Ballet School
- Faith Richardson – Multiple Top 3 finishes, Scholarships to BalletMet, Rock School, Ellison Ballet
- Annie Castellanos – 1st Place Contemporary (YAGP), Scholarships to Ballet Idaho, Orlando Ballet, BalletMet
- Gretchen Zerling, Bella Yi, Tatiana Avci, Cora Peraino – Awarded scholarships and top placements at major competitions
Past Achievements
- Alumni include dancers at BalletMet, Miami City Ballet, Complexions, Ballet West, Fort Wayne Ballet, Avant Chamber Ballet, and more
- Students accepted into Kirov Academy, Bolshoi Academy, The Rock School, Ailey School, and Joffrey Academy
- Past Outstanding Teacher (YAGP 2003, 2005, 2014) & Best Studio (2006) awards