Kara Shannon

Kara was trained by esteemed Mariinsky (Kirov) Ballet figures Nadia Kolmanovskya and Ninel Kurgapkina. Her technical expertise is cemented by teaching certifications from the Bolshoi Ballet, including a certification to teach the full, comprehensive Vaganova Syllabus (Levels 1–8). Kara holds a BA from UCLA’s World Arts and Cultures Program with a concentration in Dance and Choreography. With over 15,000 hours of teaching experience and 17 years directing large ensembles, Kara guides her students with remarkable skill and insight. Under her mentorship, aspiring artists achieve extraordinary success, gaining placement into the world’s top companies and academies, including National Ballet of Canada, Royal Ballet of London, San Francisco Ballet, Paris Opera Ballet, Bolshoi Ballet. Her students are also frequent, competitive award winners at prestigious events like the Youth America Grand Prix and California Dance Classics.