Our Story
About Brevard Ballet Academy
Melbourne, Florida
Meet Our Director
Elena Shokhina
Elena Shokhina's journey to becoming one of Florida's most respected classical ballet educators began at the world-renowned Vaganova Ballet Academy in St. Petersburg, Russia — the same institution that trained Rudolf Nureyev, Mikhail Baryshnikov, and Natalia Makarova. Elena graduated with distinction, having trained under master teachers who have shaped the art of classical ballet for generations.
Following her graduation, Elena performed as a principal dancer with leading companies in Russia before joining Nevada Ballet Theatre in Las Vegas, where she continued a distinguished performing career. Her repertoire spanned the full range of classical ballet — from Swan Lake and Giselle to contemporary works.
In 2010, Elena relocated to Brevard County, Florida, where she discovered a community deeply passionate about the arts. Recognizing the need for rigorous, authentic classical training in the region, she founded Brevard Ballet Academy in 2014 at 1399 Highland Ave in Melbourne's Eau Gallie Art District.
Today, Elena brings the full depth of her training and performance experience to every class — from three-year-olds discovering movement for the first time to advanced students preparing for pre-professional careers. Her teaching reflects the Vaganova philosophy: that technical excellence and artistic expression are inseparable, and that the highest standards are within reach of every dedicated student.
Our Method
The Vaganova Method
The Vaganova method is widely regarded as the world's most comprehensive and effective system of classical ballet training. Developed by the legendary Russian ballerina and pedagogue Agrippina Vaganova in the early twentieth century, the method is the foundation of training at the Bolshoi Ballet, the Mariinsky Ballet, and the most elite schools worldwide.
Unlike some other pedagogical approaches, the Vaganova method emphasizes the harmonious, coordinated use of the entire body — arms, head, torso, and legs moving as one unified, expressive instrument. This produces dancers who are not only technically precise but deeply musical and artistically alive. Every movement has a reason, a direction, and an aesthetic intention.
At Brevard Ballet Academy, the Vaganova curriculum is applied at every level — from Pre-Ballet through the most advanced classes. Students trained in this system develop exceptional strength, flexibility, and artistry, and they build the correct habits that prevent injury and support a long, healthy dance career.
Elena Shokhina's authentic training at the Vaganova Academy in St. Petersburg means that BBA students receive instruction directly connected to the highest tradition of classical ballet — right here in Melbourne, Brevard County, Florida.
Our History
Our Story
2010
A New Chapter in Florida
After a distinguished career as a principal dancer in Russia and with Nevada Ballet Theatre in Las Vegas, Elena Shokhina relocated to Brevard County, Florida — drawn by the community's vibrant arts culture and quality of life.
2014
Brevard Ballet Academy Opens
Elena founded Brevard Ballet Academy at 1399 Highland Ave in Melbourne's Eau Gallie Art District. The academy opened with a mission to bring world-class Vaganova method training to Brevard County students.
2018
Brevard Ballet Youth Company
As the academy's advanced students developed into accomplished dancers, Elena established the Brevard Ballet Youth Company — a pre-professional company that performs full productions for the Brevard County community.
Present
200+ Students and Growing
Today, Brevard Ballet Academy serves over 200 students from across Brevard County, from 3-year-olds discovering Creative Movement to adult returners finding the joy of ballet at any age.
Our Team
Faculty
In addition to Director Elena Shokhina, Brevard Ballet Academy is served by a dedicated faculty of classically trained instructors. Faculty information is updated seasonally — please contact us for current teaching staff details.
Contact the AcademyBegin Your Ballet Journey in Brevard County
We welcome students of all ages. Contact us to find the right class and start your training with one of Florida's finest classical ballet academies.
Enroll Today