Faculty

Ms. Emily grew up in Needham and trained at Boston Ballet School. She then enjoyed a seven-year career as a professional ballet dancer with Nevada Ballet Theatre and Boston Ballet. In 1997, she planted the seeds of her school by starting a children's summer ballet program in Needham. In May 2001, she retired from the stage and expanded her program to form Charles River Ballet Academy, where she is the principal teacher. Ms. Emily loves helping each student become the best dancer he or she can be, while never losing sight of how important it is to enjoy every step of the way.

Ms. Robin trained with San Diego Civic Youth Ballet, Regina Karoly in Italy, and the Virginia Ballet Company. She also studied ballet at Goucher College where she performed ballets staged and choreographed by Jean-Pierre Bonnefous.  In addition to teaching at CRBA, Ms. Robin holds a Ph.D. in Biology and works at a lab at Harvard.  Ms. Robin's great dedication to the philosophy of CRBA, and her desire to foster an atmosphere of team building, help her to bring out the best in her students.

Ms. Barbara-Jean holds a BFA in Dance from the Boston Conservatory and further trained on full scholarship at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center. She danced professionally with Chambers Ballet, Nicola Hawkins Dance Company and several local choreographers as well as producing her own choreography. Well versed in both ballet and modern, Ms. Barbara-Jean strives to inspire a love of movement and passion for expression in her classes.

Ms. Sarah trained in the Cecchetti method of ballet, achieving the advanced level from the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing. She then studied Dance and Biochemistry at Connecticut College.  A woman of many talents, in addition to teaching at CRBA, Ms. Sarah is also a pediatric gastroenterologist, teaches at Harvard Medical School, and is a certified yoga instructor.  We are delighted that Ms. Sarah is bringing her expertise, passion and drive to the students of CRBA.

Ms. Kseniya trained in the Vaganova method of ballet at the Berezniki School of Ballet in Russia.  She went on to dance professionally with the Panfilov Ballet Company in Russia and later as a principal dancer with City Ballet Boston. In addition to her extensive ballet training, performing and teaching experience, she holds degrees in linguistics, translation, and Pilates certification.  We are thrilled that Ms. Kseniya will be sharing her talents in helping CRBA students reach new heights.