OBA Alumni

OBA Alumni: Where Dreams Become Reality

At Osipova Ballet Academy, we are deeply proud of the students who began their journey with us and have gone on to achieve incredible success, both in ballet and beyond. Our graduates exemplify the strength of discipline, artistry, and dedication instilled through OBA’s training programs. Below, we highlight a few of our exceptional alumni and the paths they’ve taken, each one a testament to the power of world-class ballet education.

Valerie Sokolenko

Accepted into: Vaganova Ballet Academy (St. Petersburg, Russia)

Attending: College of William & Mary

Valerie Sokolenko’s journey began right here at OBA, where she trained intensively in the Vaganova method under the guidance of Founder & Artistic Director Marina Osipova, Ph.D. since the age of 10. She has earned numerous prestigious accolades, including Gold Medals at CDC, YAGP 1st, 2nd & 3rd Placements, VKIBC Bronze Medalist, YoungArts Winner, & was a 2022 USA IBC competitor.

Through years of focused, structured preparation and personalized attention, Valerie developed the technique, strength, and artistry needed to stand out on a global level. Her acceptance into the prestigious Vaganova Ballet Academy in St. Petersburg—the pinnacle of classical ballet training—marks a defining achievement. We are honored to have helped Valerie realize this dream and continue to follow her journey with great pride.

As of her graduation from OBA in 2026, Valerie will pursue a degree in Biology with a minor in Dance at College of William & Mary, and will attend Royal Ballet School's elite Summer Intensive.

Minna Ko

Attending: New York University

Minna has trained at OBA with Founder & Artistic Director Marina Osipova, Ph.D. since 2022. Since then, she has become a 2x CDC Gold Medal Award Winner in National Character, a YAGP Top 24 Contemporary Soloist, & a member of multiple award-winning ensembles. Minna will be attending NYU in the accelerated Nutrition & Food Studies program, pursuing a career in Physical Therapy, & will continue to dance in college & beyond.

Yuki Kishida

Attending: San Jose State University

Yuki has been training under the guidance of Founder & Artistic Director Marina Osipova, Ph.D. as OBA's first official student since 2021. Over the years, she has distinguished herself as both an accomplished dancer & dedicated Pre-Ballet teacher, earning multiple YAGP Top 24 Soloist Awards as well as 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Place honors in Duet, Trio, & Ensemble categories. Yuki will attend SJSU majoring in Industrial Design while continuing to teach at OBA next season.

Veronica Vorontsova

Attending: University of California, Berkeley

Veronica has been a valued member of OBA, recognized for her talent, dedication, strong work ethic, kindness, & genuine care for those around her. Her achievements include 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Place awards in YAGP Ensemble categories & multiple Top 12 & Top 3 Ensemble placements at YAGP Finals. Veronica will attend UC Berkeley majoring in Astrophysics while continuing her passion for dance through ballet & contemporary programs in college.

Alyssa Rodarte

Majoring in: Public Health

Alyssa has been training with OBA for multiple years and is recognized for her dedication, positivity, and commitment both in and out of the studio. Her achievements include 2nd & 3rd Place Awards in National Character at CDC as well as multiple top ensemble honors at YAGP. Alyssa plans to major in Public Health while pursuing her certification as a Pilates Instructor, combining her passion for wellness, movement, & helping others.

Lydia Petlick

Accepted into: Boston Ballet School
Performed in: The Nutcracker with Boston Ballet

Lydia Petlick holds a special place in OBA’s heart. A dedicated and passionate student, Lydia immersed herself in Osipova Ballet Academy’s training, refining her classical technique while developing strong stage presence and artistic maturity. Through her hard work and the expert guidance of our faculty, Lydia was accepted into the prestigious Boston Ballet School—one of the top ballet institutions in the United States. She went on to perform in The Nutcracker with Boston Ballet, a milestone that reflects her growth and talent.

In a message from her family, they shared: “Lydia is very excited to take this step in her ballet journey and she is grateful for the exceptional training at Osipova Ballet Academy.” They added that “these past two years have been filled with wonderful memories and opportunities, which she will remember for the rest of her life.”

OBA has been described by Lydia as “a second home… a place she looks forward to going to every day.” Her time with us has been more than just training—it has been a joyful and formative experience, and we are proud to have played a role in her development as both a dancer and a person.

Nyla Craig

Accepted into: Colorado Ballet Academy (with scholarship)

Nyla Craig’s journey is a beautiful reflection of what focus, hard work, and the right environment can achieve. From her very first classes at Osipova Ballet Academy, Nyla showed promise, determination, and a strong work ethic. Over time, she blossomed into a graceful and technically strong dancer—prepared for the demands of professional training.

In 2025, Nyla was awarded a partial scholarship to attend the prestigious Colorado Ballet Academy for the 2025–2026 school year. As her family shared with us: “Your guidance and support have been instrumental in her growth as a dancer, and we truly believe she would not have reached this level of improvement without your mentorship.” They also expressed: “OBA will always hold a special place in Nyla's heart… the community and training she has received here are invaluable.”

We are honored to have supported Nyla on her path and proud of the confident, capable artist she has become. Her success is a testament to her dedication—and to the transformative power of quality ballet education.

Aria Gao

Accepted into: Princeton University

Aria Gao represents the rare balance of academic excellence and artistic discipline. Her years of training at Osipova Ballet Academy were not only a foundation for artistic growth, but also a significant asset in her university admissions journey. In the United States, a deep commitment to classical ballet is recognized as a prestigious and highly respected achievement—demonstrating perseverance, dedication, and creative excellence. Aria’s accomplishments in ballet played a key role in her acceptance to Princeton University, one of the most selective and renowned academic institutions in the world. We are proud of her success and hopeful that she will continue to thrive in both her academic and ballet pursuits, building a future as graceful and powerful as her performances on stage.

Our Legacy: Empowering the Next Generation

Each of our alumni carries with them the values and discipline of OBA, whether they pursue careers on stage or in the classroom. We are honored to support every dancer who walks through our doors, helping them find their voice, refine their technique, and discover their strength. The journey begins here—and the possibilities are endless.

At Osipova Ballet Academy, we believe that intensive ballet training and participation in international ballet competitions not only develop artistic excellence, but also help students build a powerful and well-rounded university application. These experiences reflect the qualities top universities seek: determination, resilience, the ability to overcome challenges, and a clear focus on long-term goals. Ballet shapes more than dancers—it shapes exceptional, goal-driven individuals prepared for success in every arena of life.