Instructors

Elena Tiuriakulova

Elena Tiuriakulova, a Vaganova Academy graduate, was a principal dancer at the Kyrgyz National Theatre (1976–1992), performing major classical roles. Since 2000, she has taught at leading U.S. ballet schools and brought dance education to Philadelphia public schools.

Elena Tiuriakulova

Elena graduated with excellence from the prestigious Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet in 1975. Following her dancing career, she taught at the Kyrgyz State Conservatory, and the Kyrgyz Children’s Academy of Music. She was a principal dancer at the Kyrgyz National Theatre of Opera and Ballet in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, from 1976 to 1992. She danced principal roles in Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty, La Bayadère, Don Quixote, Paquita and many others. Since coming to America in 2000, she has taught at the Pennsylvania Academy of Ballet, Wissahickon Dance Academy, Gwendolyn Bye Dance Studio, Christina Pulcini Dance Academy, Pennsylvania Academy of Ballet, as well as teaching the “Participate in Dance Program” in several Philadelphia public high schools.

Svetlana Morozova

Svetlana Morozova, a Ukrainian Ballet Academy graduate, danced with the Ural State Dance Ensemble for 15+ years. Holding degrees in folk dance and arts, she has 20+ years of teaching experience and is celebrated for her artistry, passion, and dedication to dance education.

Svetlana Morozova

Svetlana Morozova’s journey through the world of dance began at the tender age of 9, when she took her first graceful steps into the realm of ballet. Her dedication and passion for the art form led her to the prestigious Ukrainian Ballet Academy in Kiev, where she honed her skills and blossomed into a talented dancer.

Upon graduating from the academy, Svetlana embarked on a remarkable career with the renowned “Ural” Russian State Dance Ensemble, captivating audiences with her mesmerizing performances for over 15 years. Her exquisite mastery of folk dance earned her recognition and admiration both nationally and internationally.

In pursuit of further academic and artistic excellence, Svetlana pursued her studies and earned an Associate’s degree in folk dance, followed by a Bachelor’s Degree of Arts from Chelyabinsk State Pedagogical University in 2006. Her thirst for knowledge and commitment to her craft have been unwavering throughout her journey.

With over 20 years of experience teaching various styles of dance, Svetlana has become a revered mentor and instructor, inspiring countless students with her expertise and passion. Her dedication to preserving and sharing the beauty of dance continues to touch lives and spread joy wherever her graceful feet tread.

Jesse Sani

Jesse Sani, a Lehigh Valley native and Charter Arts graduate, trained at The Ailey School, New World School of the Arts, and Jacob’s Pillow. He’s performed with PHILADANCO, BalletX, and more, and now shares his passion for dance as part of the School of Philadelphia Ballet team.

Jesse Sani

Jesse Sani is a Lehigh Valley native and a graduate of the Lehigh Valley Charter HS for the Performing Arts’ dance department. He trained at institutions such as New World School of the Arts, The Ailey School and Jacob’s Pillow. He has taken the stage with Momentum Dance Company, Philadelphia’s own PHILADANCO under the direction of Joan Meyers Brown and later BalletX under the direction of Christine Cox. He has guested with companies such as Whim’whim, Ballet Hawai’i-Washington Ballet, Capitol Ballet, The Ballet Guild and has been brought in to teach around the U.S. Jesse is honored to be a part of the School of Philadelphia Ballet’s team!

Gabriela Mesa

Gabriela Mesa graduated from the National Ballet School of Cuba in 2011, and was one of Youth America Grand Prix New York top 10 female finalists the same year. From 2011 to 2016, she danced with the National Ballet of Cuba under the direction of Alicia Alonso. She was promoted to the rank of Soloist in 2015. She also danced with Dimensions Dance Theater of Miami from 2016-2019, under the direction of Jennifer Kronenberg and Carlos Guerra.

Performance Highlights

Don Quixote (Queen of Dryads, Bridesmaid)
Reverberance by Garrett Smith
Balanchine’s The Nutcracker (Coffee, Hot Chocolate)
Bayadere (Third Shade)
Raymonda Suite (Second Soloist)
Dance Card by Russell Ducker
Landscaping the Mist by Angel Corella

Jennifer Tedesco

Jennifer Tedesco began her training at Mount Laurel Regional Ballet School. She trained under Lorraine McAdams with summers at The Rock School of Ballet. At 15 years old, Jennifer went to train with Irina and Alexander Boitsov, with coaching by Leslie Browne. At 17, she performed in the corps de ballet with The Russian Ballet Theatre of Delaware before moving on to touring the US and Canada with the International Ballet Theatre. Jennifer performed in the The Nutcracker, Les Sylphide, Les Corsaire, Raymonda, Swan Lake, Bolero, and Esmerelda. She also performed with the Pennsylvania Ballet (now Philadelphia Ballet) in Dracula as a Bride and in PB’s The Nutcracker. Jennifer was a Principal artist with Roxey Ballet, dancing principal roles in Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker and many pieces by director Mark Roxey. Jennifer retired from the stage at a young age to start a family and begin a teaching career.

Jennifer thoroughly enjoys teaching and takes pride in helping her students overcome technical obstacles. She is a certified Pilates teacher and is certified in Progressive Ballet Technique. Jennifer has been and is a valued teacher in the South New Jersey area, and is very excited to work with students at The School of the Philadelphia Ballet.

Courtney Conigatti

Courtney Conigatti began her dance training at the Professional Performing Arts School in New York City. As a dance major, she trained in various styles at the Ailey School under the direction of Hassan

Blandford. After high school, she went on to study at The University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where she earned her BFA in dance. While at the university, Courtney performed the works

of many respectable choreographers such as Ronen (Roni) Koresh, Wayne St. David, Douglas Becker and Sidra Bell. In 2014, she had the opportunity to participate in the “DanceAbility” (dance for able and

disabled bodies) teacher certification course in Vienna, Austria under the direction of Alito Alessi. Upon graduating, Courtney performed in Opera Philadelphia’s production of “Turandot,” choreographed by

Renaud Doucet. As Courtney has been dancing from a young age, she found Pilates to be a reliable form of cross-training

and injury prevention. She began seriously training in Pilates under the instruction of Sabrina Collins in 2012. Later, Courtney progressed through the Pilates Comprehensive Teacher Training under the direction

of Ellie Herman through the internationally recognized Pilates certification program. This program consisted of ten intensive modules covering Mat, Barre, Springboard, Reformer, Cadillac, Pilates Arc, and

Wunda Chair. Courtney hopes to share her love for movement as well as provide her students with the necessary tools to ensure their bodies remain strong and aligned throughout their career.