International Ballet Academy

IBA nurtures dancers to achieve the highest levels of artistic excellence.

Today, join us in celebrating the achievements of Elizabeth Cameron, Emma Lin, and Daria Naumova, who are graduating from IBA’s Professional Division.

Elizabeth Cameron began her ballet training at the age of three and since then has gained tremendous artistic experience by performing with IBT in Dracula, The Nutcracker, Giselle, Jungle Book, and Don Quixote. She has also participated in ADC/IBC and the Hungarian National Ballet Grand Prix.

“Starting next fall, I will attend Wesleyan University to major in psychology, with a minor in dance. After college, I hope to pursue graduate education in medicine or law.”

Emma Lin began studying classical ballet after falling in love with the elegant classical music of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake. She joined IBA in 2023 after attending a summer intensive and was invited to join the IBA Professional Division where she participated in productions with IBT, including The Nutcracker, Don Quixote, and Giselle. She has competed in and been awarded at TANZOLYMP in Berlin, ADC IBC, and the Taiwan Grand Prix.

“Next year, I will be going to the University of California, Santa Barbara, studying economics and ballet. After college, I wish to attend law school to practice law and continue teaching ballet. Thank you, IBA, and all the faculty, for all the training and guidance!

Daria Naumova began ballet training at the Ledyakh Ballet School and the Lavrovsky Ballet Academy. Soon after, she continued her studies at the Bolshoi Ballet Academy, and during her summer breaks trained at the Vaganova Ballet Academy. She continued her studies in the US at the Pacific Northwest Ballet School before joining IBA where she traveled to Berlin to attend the TANZOLYMP and ADC IBC. She has also received a contract with the International Ballet Stars touring company!

“I have been dancing since I was 13 and always wanted to dance at a professional company. IBA gave me this opportunity, and after graduation, I will hopefully be joining The Washington Ballet. I am very thankful for IBA and the teachers for having the best time at school!

Photos by Rex Tranter

Train this summer with world-renowned artists at the International Ballet Academy Summer Intensive!

Join an exceptional faculty dedicated to inspiring the next generation of dancers:

Artistic Director Vera Altunina, an internationally respected choreographer, ballet master, and founder of International Ballet Academy, brings the traditions of the Vaganova method and decades of professional experience.

Francois Serre y Berga, IBA’s Assistant Artistic Director and acclaimed instructor in ballet and contemporary dance, is known for cultivating artistry, versatility, and technical excellence.

And Stephanie Saland, a former New York City Ballet principal dancer under George Balanchine, celebrated worldwide for her transformative teaching, artistry, and mentorship.

Refine your technique and expand your artistry as you train in a professional and inspiring environment alongside passionate dancers from around the world.

Make IBA your home this summer. Visit our website at www.intballetacademy.org to register for Summer Intensive auditions.

Photos by Rex Tranter

Celebrate our first group of graduates!

The International Ballet Academy Professional Program sees dancers climb to incredible artistic heights. Graduates from our Professional and Pre-Professional Division leave our academy to attend the world's most prestigious universities and ballet companies.

Today, join us in congratulating Ella Saccone and Emily Sutanto!

Ella Saccone discovered her love for ballet at age nine, and in 2020, she moved to Sammamish, Washington. She joined IBT in 2024 and will graduate from IBA’s Professional Division this year!

"I have been dancing with IBA for 2 years in the Professional Division. Next year, I will be attending the University of Utah to double major in Ballet and Kinesiology (Sports Medicine). After college, I hope to pursue a career with a professional ballet company. I am so grateful for my past few years with IBT!”

Emily Sutanto has been part of IBA for many years. Starting ballet at the age of five, she has been a constant artistic force at our academy and company for the past 13 years. After finishing her second year in the Professional Division, Emily is excited to graduate and see where her dancing will take her in the coming years.

“I grew up with IBA, starting when I was 5. Over the last 13 years, I’ve made my way up to the Professional Division, and I’m excited to be graduating this spring. For the following years, I’ve committed to the University of Utah to double major in ballet and entrepreneurship. I’m looking forward to continuing my training and academic studies in the following years. Thank you, IBA, for everything!

Congratulations to these artistic forces of nature. We can’t wait to see them on stage one last time during our Stars of Tomorrow production, premiering June 13th.

For tickets and performance information, visit our website at www.ibtbellevue.com/iba-stars-of-tomorrow.

Photos by Rex Tranter

Join us for The Stars of Tomorrow, the International Ballet Academy’s annual showcase production presented by International Ballet Theatre.

This June 13th and 14th, 2026, the talented dancers of International Ballet Academy will take the stage at Meydenbauer Theatre in Bellevue for an inspiring celebration of artistry and dedication, showcasing the future of dance. Featuring performances by rising pre-professional dancers and students from our Children’s and Preparatory programs, this production highlights the passion and excellence that define IBA.

Bring your family and friends and experience the beauty and joy of dance with the next generation of artists.

Tickets available now at www.ibtbellevue.com/iba-stars-of-tomorrow

Photo by Rex Tranter

Join IBA's 2026|2027 Professional Program!

Auditions for IBA’s 2026-2027 Professional and Pre-Professional Divisions will be held on May 16th, 2026 and August 13th 2026 at the IBA Studio. Join us for our new academic season and expand your limitless artistic potential. IBA offers intensive dance training and personalized coaching to gifted dancers who have a strong desire to pursue a professional career in dance.

For audition and program information, or to register, visit our website at www.intballetacademy.org.

Photo by Rex Tranter

The story of IBT's Alice in Wonderland has concluded!

At least for now...

We are so grateful for the magic and wonder our dancers brought to the stage this past weekend. Our production of Alice in Wonderland was such an incredible thing to witness. Thank you to our magnificent cast of artists who set the stage ablaze with spectacle. Thank you to our illustrious choreographers for staging such a special ballet, and thank you to our crew and volunteers for making it all a reality! With your help, Alice's story no longer belongs in the pages of a book.

And finally, thank you to all of the patrons who attended our production. Without you, there would be no show, there would be no theater, and there would be no applause.

As the curtain falls on our last production, we welcome you to join us for the Stars of Tomorrow in June to see our dancers showcase their incredible talents. Until then, we return to the studio to dance our hearts out.

We will see you all at the theater once the curtain rises once more!

IBT's Alice in Wonderland premieres tomorrow!

The cast of this incredible IBT For Children production is off to the theater for last-minute preparations. This May 9th and 10th, join us at the Meydenbauer Theatre in Bellevue for a wonderful ballet production of magic and adventure.

Don't miss your very important date!

For performance and ticket information, visit our website at www.ibtbellevue.com/ibt-alice-in-wonderland.

Photos by Rex Tranter

Meet Alice!

IBT's Alice in Wonderland premieres this Saturday, May 9th, and we are overjoyed to introduce Payton Knauss, an incredible dancer who's been performing with our production for over a decade. From a little mermaid to an oyster and finally Alice herself!

Join us this weekend to celebrate our amazing dancers and see the show that's shaped the young artists of our community.

For performance and ticket information, visit our website at www.ibtbellevue.com/ibt-alice-in-wonderland.

Photos by Rex Tranter

Celebrate Mother’s Day with Alice in Wonderland!

Treat the mothers in your life to a magical experience the whole family can enjoy with IBT’s Alice in Wonderland, this May 9th and 10th at the Meydenbauer Theatre in Bellevue. Based on Lewis Carroll’s “Adventure of Alice in Wonderland,” step into a whimsical world of imagination and beautiful choreography that will captivate audiences of all ages.

Whether you’re planning a special outing or searching for a perfect gift, this enchanting production offers a memorable way to spend time together and create lasting memories.

Join us for a weekend of wonder and celebrate Mother’s Day with the joy of live ballet.

For performance and ticket information, visit our website at www.ibtbellevue.com/ibt-alice-in-wonderland

Photos by Rex Tranter

On this International Dance Day, we celebrate the universal language of dance and its power to connect and inspire across cultures and borders.

To every dancer, choreographer, and lover of the art form around the world, may your passion continue to shape stories that words cannot express.

Happy International Dance Day from the International Ballet Academy and Theatre!

Step into a world of imagination this May 9th and 10th with International Ballet Theatre’s Alice in Wonderland!

Join us at the Meydenbauer Theatre in Bellevue as we bring Lewis Carroll’s beloved story to life through vibrant choreography, storytelling, and the magic of dance. Created especially for young audiences, this one-hour ballet invites families to experience the wonder of theatre together, featuring talented dancers from the International Ballet Academy.

Part of our 25th Anniversary Season, Alice in Wonderland is a joyful celebration of creativity and curiosity that showcasing how the power of the arts can inspire the next generation.

Tickets available now at www.ibtbellevue.com/ibt-alice-in-wonderland.

Photos by Rex Tranter