“Pas de Deux” is the manifestation of love stories through the theory of ballet dance and of tenderness through the beautiful rendering of the romantic story of two people, a man and a woman, which essentially ensures a closer harmony between their romances, told within the framework of an ongoing choreographic ballet creation. Similarly, Lesko Ballet Academy begins with the origin of love in the relationship between the married couple Alex Bobrov and Maryna Bobrov. Mrs. and Mr. Bobrov, owner of Lesko Ballet Academy founded in June 2021. Bobrov’s motto is defined as follows: “Grace in movement, strength in discipline, passion in art.” Maryna Bobrov complemented her extensive knowledge in the world of choreography through her work as a ballet teacher at various institutions and is portrayed by her husband as a very passionate commitment through her many years of training ballet dance students.
“We envisioned a place where young dancers could receive professional training in an environment that fosters both discipline and artistry,” says Mr. Bobrov, going on to describe how they co-founded the Ballet Academy, whose goal is to nurture all aspiring artists so they can “learn amazing techniques, express themselves, and fall in love with the beauty of ballet.” While the Bobrov children continued their mother, Mrs. Bobrov’s passionate artistry by dancing at the World Dance Championships in July 2024, the Richmond County Orchestra presented a world premiere of the ballet “The Nutcracker” at the Concerto di Natale in December 2024, demonstrating their distinctive belonging, permanent talent in the ballet universe.
As opera ballet shows, ballet is a classical art form that exudes opulence and grandeur. Taking “Pique Dame” from Alexander Pushkin’s 1834 novella as an example, the famous adaptation of the stage plot by Hermann, a Russian officer of German descent, shows that the old countess in the story knows the secret of winning at faro, an uncompromising card game. Mr. Bobrov, who previously worked as an IT employee, emphasizes his fascination with the dazzling, painterly art of ballet. He describes himself as an “amateur writer” and admires ballet’s expressive power and how storytelling can convey the quality of emotions in a way that sometimes loses sight of their true meaning and content.
Such equivalent storytellings are developed at Lesko Ballet Academy in Staten Island, offering opportunities for children ages 3 to 15 to participate. Older dancers can also participate upon request. Mr. Bobrov explains, “Ballet and progressive ballet technique are at the core of our teaching, but we also incorporate modern and contemporary styles into our curriculum to ensure our students receive a well-rounded dance education.” This provides some variety and choice to best prepare students for the stage, after Lesko Ballet Academy has already prepared its dancers.
Long honored for its outstanding work and legacy, attendance, serious and sustainable development, the school was named “Best Ballet School 2024” by Distinguished Teaching among the 108 Vetter schools in Staten Island and the surrounding area. Lesko Ballet Academy students have won various competition awards, including first place for the Tarantella character dance at the Believe National Dance Competition and third place for the Waltz of the Flowers at the 2025 Jewels Festival. These are the most recognized reasons why Lesko Ballet Academy plays a prominent role in supporting aspiring dancers on their journey to becoming an award-winning ballet academy.
The astuteness of Lesko Ballet Academy is that a sophisticated system of discipline is integrated into each dancer’s development; nothing is left to chance, not even the most practical techniques. Therefore, the role of parents in encouraging and supporting their children is imperative. Their support ensures that ballet dancers develop both technical proficiency and a deep appreciation for this venerable form of movement. Their consistency and commitment are absolutely the most important prerequisites for regularly preparing their child for each class while promoting discipline and steady progress. This requires commitment and perseverance from parents who support their child by encouraging them, highlighting their abilities and celebrating their successes. Proper training and support at home, intensive home preparedness, safe stretching and exercise for children and a nurturing environment can enhance the learning experience. Respect for the educational process, trust in the teachers, respect for the Lesko Ballet Academy’s teaching methods and allowing ballet dancers to develop at their own pace create a healthy learning environment. Providing the right equipment, appropriate ballet clothing, shoes and accessories is crucial to performance and injury prevention.
Lesko Ballet Academy is available on Facebook, its website, and on YouTube for parents and dancers who want to become ballet dancers through Lesko Ballet Academy’s dance training and classes. “We welcome dancers of all levels and ensure they receive professional guidance in a supportive and inspiring environment. Those who are ready to dedicate themselves to the art of dance will find this journey as transformative as it is graceful,” emphasizes Bobrov. The community of dancers trains and develops grace, strength, and passion, experiencing more than just movement, but discipline, artistry, and self-expression. In the Lesko Ballet Academy studio, passion meets precision, whether beginners or dancers refining their skills.
