I am Irina Radtchenko, a classical ballet and pointe teacher.
Ballet has been my passion since childhood, and I want to pass this on to my students along with my experience.
My experience in classical ballet spans more than 50 years: from student to soloist, teacher, and choreographer.
After my successful ballet career in Russia, I have been teaching ballet and pointe classes in various schools in Russia and the Netherlands for decades.
To me, ballet is first and foremost a dance. Therefore, I pay a great deal of attention to stage presence and presentation: musicality and emotion give dance more color and expression, and appeal to the audience. However, I also consider learning ballet technique important, as this ensures the student's safety, helps develop their physical capabilities, and pushes boundaries in ballet.
I teach classes using the Vaganova system, a system that helps bring the student's ballet technique, sense of dance, and musical and artistic development to a higher level. The Vaganova system teaches us that small details can make a big difference in dance.
Education
2022-present: Attending NBA seminars 2019-2020. Courses in Pedagogy & Psychology, Anatomy & Injury Prevention from Dansbelang; Certificate.
2018: Masterclass Classical Ballet and Pointe, Summer Dance Impulse of Dansbelang, Chassé Studio, Amsterdam.
2017: Masterclasses Caractère Dans, Ballet Studio Le Rêve under the direction of M. Peeters.
2016: Per Bristow Method to improve performance skills, London.
2016: Seminar Pointe Work, National Ballet Academy, Amsterdam, Certificate.
2014: Kuramshin Masterclass (classical ballet for children from age 8 (incl. pointe) and adults, Vaganova method), The Hague; certificate.
2008: Bournonville Masterclass (style, teaching method, choreography), Ballet School under the direction of M. Peters, Gouda.
1995: Russia, Russian Research Institute of Physical Education, aerobics trainer; certificate.
1994: Russia, Igor Moiseyev Dance Company, Moscow, Masterclass Character Dance.
1975-2000: Internal ballet education (Vaganova system), dance experience and experience as a ballet teacher at Het Volks Ballet Theater in Izhevsk, Udmurt Republic, Russia.
Awards
1995: Award from the Government of the Russian Republic of Udmurt for the Promotion of Ballet Culture; certificate, medal.
1995: Decision by the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Udmurt for promotion to the highest category as a classical ballet teacher; certificate.
1991: Prize of the Perm Ballet Academy. Classical Ballet Festival. Perm, Russia.
Awards of my students
2026: III Prize Young Adults ballet group, AmsterDans, The Netherlands.
2023: Grand Prix Smile Art Competition, The Netherlands