The Russian School of Ballet and Dancing under the Russian House in Colombo is the foremost ballet and dance institution in Sri Lanka, established 24 years ago. Beginning with just four young girls, it has since grown and flourished remarkably.
Throughout comprehensive programs, students master classical dance, historical dance, character dance, and acting, paving the way for them to turn their passion for ballet into a professional career. The school employs the Vaganova method, a ballet technique developed by Russian dancer and pedagogue Agrippina Vaganova, where each element of classical ballet is meticulously studied through structured lessons.
The school was initiated with the support of then Director of the Russian House in Colombo Mikhail Ustinov and Chief Executive Officer Buddhapriya Ramanayaka, with Galina Pleshakova as the founding instructor. Cultural Officer of the Russian House Chandi Aluvihare conceptualised and standardised the school in 2001.
Annual concerts, presented with grandeur, gain significant attention and provide students with the opportunity to showcase their talents to parents. The Russian School of Ballet also conducts annual examinations, overseen by Oxana Karnovich from the Moscow State Academy of Choreography.
The school is home to over a few hundred students who study classical ballet under the expert guidance of Galina Pleshakova, Samantha Samararathne, Niluka Madurawala, Radisha Bodiyabadu, Lasni Subasinghe, and a team of assistant teachers including Sadani Peiris, Kavishka Prematilake, Shenaalie Dias and Samindi de Silva, all distinguished former students of the school.
