Inessa Plekhanova

Inessa Plekhanova is a Professor at Radford University's Department of Dance, where she serves as Director of the Ballet Program and Artistic Director of RU Ballet Theatre. Previously, she was a soloist with the Estonian National Ballet and Colorado Ballet, performing principal roles in iconic ballets like Swan Lake, Don Quixote, and The Nutcracker. She has taught at prestigious institutions including the Vaganova Ballet Academy and Colorado Ballet Academy.

• Education: Master of Fine Arts from State Vaganova Ballet Academy

Her research and professional focus centers on classical ballet technique, specifically the Vaganova method, and its pedagogical applications. She has choreographed and produced 18 full-length ballet productions at Radford University, including The Nutcracker, and founded the Radford University Ballet Youth (RUBY) program in 2006 and the International Summer Dance Intensive in 2007.

Scientific awards include multiple Youth America Grand Prix Outstanding Teacher Awards, the Radford University Distinguished Creative Scholar Award (2014), and the Dalton Eminent Scholar Award (2020), recognizing her international reputation in dance.

Ms. Plekhanova is annually invited as a guest master teacher, choreographer, and judge to ballet events across the U.S., Russia, Japan, and South Korea.