Yulia Gagarina

Yulia Gagarina, born in Russia, began her dance journey even before she was born, moving rhythmically in her mother’s belly. At the tender age of 6, she enrolled in a dance studio where she explored various dance styles and quickly became a soloist. Her passion for dance was solidified when she performed in a 3-hour concert with her studio, which led her to pursue formal training at a prestigious choreographic school.

Under the mentorship of the brilliant Victor Vasyutin, a distinguished graduate of the Leningrad School (now the Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet), Yulia faced challenges but persevered. After two years of relentless hard work, she earned solo roles in ballets and the opportunity to perform in theaters. Upon graduating from the academy, she taught elementary dance classes before advancing her studies to become a choreographer.

Yulia’s career took her to Moscow, where she taught dance, undertook advanced training courses, and mastered modern dance, contemporary, and jazz. She then traveled to Thailand to work in a studio and eventually opened her own studio a year before moving to California. Her studio catered to students aged 2 to 65, reflecting her inclusive and passionate teaching approach.

Yulia’s teaching methodology is based on the A. Vaganova method, and she has staged numerous performances. Her course of study includes:

• Health in Ballet
• Stretching
• Nutrition, Exercise, and Sports from the University of Wageningen
• Methods of Working with Preschool Children in Classical Dance
• Complex Breathing Techniques for Developing Plastic Expressiveness
• Exercises and Games for Warming Up, Attention Development, Improvisation Skills, and Interaction in Dance Groups
• And much more.

Yulia is committed to lifelong learning and continually seeks to expand her knowledge and skills.