About US
BAC's Mission
Our mission is to develop character, discipline and grace among our students, as well as build their confidence by teaching ballet to and producing classical ballet shows for the local community.
We program promotes awareness about the history and foundation of all dance - Classical Ballet. As the premier Russian Vaganova-based ballet school in Cebu, Ballet Academy of Cebu is not only dedicated to creating the very best ballet dancers in the country but is also committed to developing the skills to succeed in life, good values, discipline, confidence, and a positive outlook.
Our TEACHERS
Maria Christina Javier Samonte
Founder and Co-owner | Ballet Teacher
She began her classical ballet training under Madam Fe Sala Villarica, where she became a principal dancer of Queen City Chamber ballet. After dancing in Cebu, she continued performing and training in New York, California, and France, studying with John Barker and Mariam Lenova. Later, she moved to Texas and continued to take master ballet teacher classes from Marina Almalyeva (Marina Almalyeva School of Classical Ballet) and Luba Kozertova (Kirov Ballet). Through her love of children, she developed “Baby Ballerinas Song & Dance” classes, a fun and effective way to teach young children ballet technique and musicality while having fun!
Meghan Dallas Samonte
Artistic Director | Ballet Teacher
Meghan is a third generation ballerina, beginning with her grandmother Adelaide Page Javier. She began her training under her mother, Christina Javier Samonte and continued to learning classical ballet with international renowned teachers such as Alexander Vetrov (Former Bolshoi Ballet Principal Danseur), Maria Kudyakova (Art Ballet Academy), Dallas, Texas), Lisa Macuja-Elizalde (Ballet Manila, Manila, Philippines). She performed with ballet companies such as Ballet Manila, Mejia Ballet, Ballet Concerto, and Ballet Arlington. She first began teaching at the age of 13 at Ballet Academy of Cebu, at 19 was Artistic Director of Korpi’s Ballet School and was Youth American Grand Prix Coach for the International Ballet Company, where two of her students placed top 12 in the Youth American Grand Prix in the semi-finals in 2012 Dallas, TX. Her passion is in developing strong and passionate dancers who wish to become ballerinas and learn how to have strong values in life.
WHAT IS THE
VAGANOVA TECHNIQUE?
Vaganova ballet training is based on an 8-year training program developed in Russia by Agripina Vaganova. It is a system that gives dancers grace, elegance, long lines, correct execution of each delicate step in ballet, and the ability to one day fly, jump, and turn. To become a true and professional ballet dancer, one must have proper technique, excellent musicality, and keen intelligence. Famous dancers who were raised on this system are Mikhail Baryshnikov, Natalia Makarova, and George Balanchine.
