Love Is in the Air – Photo by Tom Alvarez
The Indiana Ballet Conservatory (IBC), founded in 2010 by Artistic Director Alyona Yakovleva is a premier ballet academy located in Carmel, Indiana. Dedicated to providing world-class dance education to aspiring ballet dancers of all ages and skill levels, it was formed with a mission to cultivate artistic excellence and nurture young talent. Evidence of that superiority was Love Is In The Air, a performance held at IBC’s Studio One on Saturday.
IBC offers a comprehensive curriculum rooted in classical ballet techniques, with influences from Russian, American, and European traditions. The conservatory is renowned for its faculty, which includes highly experienced professional dancers and teachers who have performed and taught internationally. Their expertise ensures that students receive top-tier training, developing technical proficiency, artistry, and discipline.
IBC’s programs range from introductory classes for young children to pre-professional training for advanced students seeking a dance career. The academy emphasizes individualized instruction, ensuring that each dancer receives personalized feedback and support. Through master classes, workshops, and summer intensives, students have the opportunity to learn from guest artists and choreographers, further enriching their dance education.
Love Is In The Air – Photo by Tom Alvarez
The conservatory also hosts annual performances, including classical ballets and contemporary works, giving students valuable stage experience and showcasing their progress. Such was Love Is In The Air, which was attended by small groups of donors, supporters and parents of IBC students. During the two-hour evening, the performance was a fast-paced presentation for IBC dancers who performed thirty-seven separate numbers. The Valentine’s Day-themed performance featured the dancers all dressed in beautifully designed and exquisite costumes under minimal lighting. Each dance number was introduced by Yakovleva, who conducted brief interviews with many of the charming students following their performances.
Standout performances include Clara Crane & Gus Leinauer in the Don Quixote Pas de Deux, Harlow Rochford in Jenny of Oldstones, Adriana Lee and Alliston York in two separate excerpts of Coppelia, the large ensemble in Suits in Act. 1.
Act 2 highlights consisted of Abigael Kubiceck in Time, Philomena Ritter & Isaiah Kubicek in Catch Me If You Can, Nora Wolosyzn in La Fille Mal Gardee, and Lera Patalaska in Hiphop.
Love Is In The Air – Photo by Tom Alvarez
Showing star quality was Leinauer, who was spectacular in a solo turn in Buonasera. I predict great things ahead for this young artist who possesses uncommon stage presence and personality.
A marvel to behold, every dancer, ranging from ten to nineteen years old showed, poise, exceptional technique, musicality, and artistry in execution that was impeccable— with all reflecting IBC’s superb training.
The Indiana Ballet Conservatory is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, encouraging creativity, dedication, and a passion for dance. Its graduates have gone on to join prestigious ballet companies and pursue successful careers in the performing arts. With its strong reputation, exceptional faculty, and diverse programs, IBC continues to be a leading institution in the Midwest for ballet training and artistic development. As a ballet devotee, it warms my heart and gives me hope to know that IBC is ensuring that ballet, as an art form, not only survives but flourishes for generations to come.
For information about Indiana Ballet Conservatory and it 2026 Season, visit indianaballetconservatory.org
