Solomon Tencer, who co-directs Academy of Ballet and Jazz with his wife and ballet teacher Nadia Veselova, sums up the school’s approach to teaching: “Nadia tells me to come and look at a girl who has blossomed,” he says. “It’s like the story of the ugly duckling that turns into a swan. That’s Nadia’s talent. She finds the golden key and the beauty in each person.”
Nadia comes from an impressive family background of Russian ballet, and has experience both as a performer and a teacher. She danced with the Kirov Ballet and was taught by ballet star Alla Osipenko, who was a student of Galinova, the founder of the form. At Academy of Ballet and Jazz, she brings out the gifts of each student through careful nurturing. “Nadia knows the secrets,” says Solomon. “We accept boys and girls without auditions and install a beautiful love for this art.”
While ballet training for fun or professional development is the main activity at the school, jazz dance is also on the program with, enthuses Solomon, “some of the best jazz teachers in Canada.”
