Alena began her dance education in classical ballet in the Vaganova method, in Toronto, under the direction of Victoria Mironova and Elena Dmitrieva at Victoria International Ballet Academy.

She went on to coach privately with local pedagogues of the Russian school including Anna and Vladimir Karpov and Vadim and Chieko Dulepa.

At age 18, Alena moved to Perm', Russia to study at the Perm Choreographic State Choreographic College under pedagogue Svetlana Sidorova.

Next year, she followed up with an 8 month apprenticeship at the Kiev State Ballet School in Kiev, Ukraine, under Marina Dobriakova.

Finally, at age 20, Alena studied for one year at the Koltun Ballet Boston professional program training intensely under Alex Lapshin and Alexandra Koltun.

Pictured:

1) Centre, in maroon tutu, Paquita rehearsal at Koltun Ballet Boston

2) 3rd from left, Victoria Ballet Academy open class, 2nd year studying classical ballet

3) 2nd from left, Kiev State Ballet School, Class of Marina Dobriakova

4) On left, preparing to perform with classmate at Perm' State Choreographic College

5) 5th from left, Class of Svetlana Sidorova, Perm; State Choreographic College