Mission

Cultivate Excellence. Embrace Artistry.

Ballet Melange Academy (BMA) is dedicated to providing the pinnacle of classical ballet training in Colorado, grounded in the esteemed Vaganova Method. This approach fosters the development of impeccable classical technique, exquisite artistry, profound musicality, and pristine lines. Guided by a distinguished faculty, rigorously trained in the Vaganova curriculum, BMA cultivates well-rounded dancers through comprehensive instruction encompassing classical technique, pointe work, intricate Pas de Deux, vibrant character dance, and dynamic contemporary movement. Founded upon the visionary leadership of Artistic Director Elizabeth Shipiatsky, BMA addresses the complete spectrum of dancer development, from aspiring beginners to emerging early-career professionals. Furthermore, our affiliated professional company, Ballet Mélange, offers unparalleled opportunities for students to grace the stage throughout the year, serving as a nurturing launchpad for young dancers embarking on their professional journeys."

Accomplishments

At Ballet Melange Academy, we take pride in our students' outstanding achievements, consistently securing top placements in prestigious ballet competitions. Our training program prepares dancers to excel on stage and in professional careers worldwide.

Competition Successes

  • Multiple students have placed in the Top 12/10 in both Junior and Senior Classical & Contemporary categories at YAGP, UBC, ADC IBC, and Denver Ballet Guild.
  • Our ensembles and Pas de Deux dancers consistently rank among the top winners.
  • Finalists at Grand Prix Kiev in 2018, 2019, and 2020, with students earning special jury prizes and international professional opportunities.
  • First-place school and classical coaching awards at local competitions in 2018, 2022, 2023, and 2024.
  • In 2023-24 ADC IBC-Seattle: Sr Classical 2nd Place, Sr Contemporary 2nd Place
  • In 2023-24 UBC - Denver: Ensembles 1st & 3rd, Sr Classical 2nd, 7th & 8th, Sr Contemporary 7th & 9th, Jr Classical 15th Primary Classical 13th.
  • In 2023-24 ADC IBC - Denver: Sr Classical 3rd, Sr Contemporary 11th, 15th, Junior Classical 3rd, Jr Contemporary 12th
  • In 2023-24 YAGP - Denver: Sr Classical Men 2nd, Sr Contemporary Men top 12
  • In 2023-24 Tanzolymp Private Schools: Sr Classical 3rd
  • In 2023-24 Denver Ballet Guild - Category IV 5th
  • In 2024, Ballet Melange Academy student Elizabeth Kokaska won First Prize at the Japan Estonia Ukraine International Ballet Competition (Tokyo).
  • In 2025, Ballet Melange Academy students won 3rd place Senior Classical, 4th place Ensembles, 5th place Duets/Trios, 5th place Senior Contemporary 8th at the ADC IBC Ballet Competition
  • In 2025, Ballet Melange Academy students won 2nd place in junior intermediate contemporary, 2nd place senior competitive contemporary 3rd place senior competitive classical, 1st place overall senior competitive duet, 1st place senior competitive ensembles at the UBC Ballet Competition

Alumni and Professional Success

Our graduates are in demand at top theaters worldwide, and our students have the opportunity to continue their training at prestigious ballet schools and companies, including:

  • Ballet Arizona
  • Colorado Ballet
  • San Francisco Ballet
  • Virginia National Ballet
  • Richmond Ballet
  • Vaganova Academy (Saint Petersburg)
  • Bolshoi Academy (Moscow)
  • Dutch National Ballet (Amsterdam)
  • English National Ballet School (London)
  • National Ballet of Ukraine
  • Klaipeda Music Theater (Lithuania)
  • JKTyl Theater (Czech Republic)
  • Ballet West
  • Houston Ballet
  • Tulsa Ballet

Our Greatest Achievement

Beyond awards and accolades, Ballet Melange Academy is a place where dancers thrive artistically and personally. Our supportive and inspiring community nurtures passion, discipline, and excellence—preparing students for success on stage and beyond.

Performances

An important part of dance training is to develop artistry and stage presence, which can only be cultivated through performance experience. Throughout the year, all levels of BMA students have the opportunity to audition and participate in various ballet productions with our professional company Ballet Melange. Among these are the beloved production of The Nutcracker every winter, and the annual spring productions of full length classical ballets such as Giselle, Le Corsaire and Cipollino. Academy students also perform in our spring show which showcases their hard work and progress as they perform excerpts of famous classical ballets and innovative contemporary pieces. at BMA, there is always an exciting production to look forward to!

We'd love to hear from you and answer any inquiries you have!