Miss Irina Lavrova, a prima ballerina for 18 years, was born in Kiev, Ukraine. She started dancing recreationally at the age of four. It quickly became apparent that she had a gift for ballet and at the age of ten, Irina auditioned for Kiev State Choreographic School. Her talent allowed her an immediate acceptance into the professional ballet school. Out of 300 applicants she was one of 30 to be chosen. During her eight years of study, she received professional training in character dance and ballroom dance, with the main focus in ballet. While being a full time student, she also graduated from an academic and music school.
By the time she reached the age of eighteen, Irina graduated from Kiev Choreographic Academy with honors.
After graduating, she left her hometown and moved to Odessa, Ukraine where she was invited to dance with the Odessa Opera and Ballet Theatre. She began dancing as a soloist, and shortly became a principal dancer where she performed the most famous classical ballets known today. Some of the ballets include: Nut Cracker, Don Quixote, Sleeping Beauty, and many more.
In 1995, Irina and her family immigrated to Vancouver, Canada.
In 2004, Irina successfully completed the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) program and received her teaching certificate. Today, Irina is not only an award-winning choreographer, but she is also a certified Rhythm Works Integrative Dance instructor (a program for children with special needs), and she is certified in Progressive Ballet Technique (PBT).
Irina’s vast knowledge and passion for ballet allows her to welcome and teach students of all ages. She will continue to teach and to inspire her students as long as the love for ballet stays alive in her heart.