Our Founders
Founders & Directors
Artistic Leadership
Artistic Leadership
At Nona Ballet, we believe classical ballet training should be grounded in strong technical foundations, thoughtful progression, and respect for each dancer’s individual development. Our approach emphasizes correct placement, coordination, musicality, and artistic awareness from the earliest stages, allowing dancers to grow safely and with intention.
We value long-term development over short-term results. Through structured, consistent training and clear expectations, we guide students to understand not only how to move, but why movement works. By balancing discipline with support, and rigor with care, our goal is to cultivate intelligent, confident dancers with a deep appreciation for the art of ballet, whether their path is professional or personal.
At Nona Ballet, we believe classical ballet training should be grounded in strong technical foundations, thoughtful progression, and respect for each dancer’s individual development. Our approach emphasizes correct placement, coordination, musicality, and artistic awareness from the earliest stages, allowing dancers to grow safely and with intention.
We value long-term development over short-term results. Through structured, consistent training and clear expectations, we guide students to understand not only how to move, but why movement works. By balancing discipline with support, and rigor with care, our goal is to cultivate intelligent, confident dancers with a deep appreciation for the art of ballet, whether their path is professional or personal.
Alexandra Dugarte
Alexandra Dugarte
Co-Founder & Artistic Director
Co-Founder & Artistic Director
Alexandra Dugarte is a professional ballet dancer and educator with classical training rooted in the Vaganova method. Born in Caracas, Venezuela, she began her ballet studies under the guidance of the late Nina Novak, renowned Polish ballerina and former prima ballerina of the Ballets Russes de Monte Carlo, where she developed a strong early foundation in classical technique and artistry.
She later continued her professional training in Russia, culminating at the Perm State Ballet School, one of the world’s most respected institutions for classical ballet education. Immediately following graduation, Alexandra began her professional career in Moscow, where she worked with the company of Ballet Moskva and the Bolshoi Theatre.
In addition to her performing career, Alexandra has led educational initiatives internationally, including the creation and direction of a Russian-method ballet summer intensive in Caracas, Venezuela.
Her international performing experience shaped a deep understanding of discipline, musicality, and stage presence, all of which inform her work as an educator today. As a teacher, Alexandra is committed to building strong technical foundations while nurturing artistry, musical sensitivity, and confidence in young dancers. Her approach emphasizes correct placement, thoughtful progression, and long-term dancer development rather than short-term results.
At Nona Ballet, Alexandra brings a structured and intentional approach to training inspired by professional ballet standards, while maintaining a supportive, age-appropriate environment that allows dancers to grow with clarity and purpose.
Alexandra Dugarte is a professional ballet dancer and educator with classical training rooted in the Vaganova method. Born in Caracas, Venezuela, she began her ballet studies under the guidance of the late Nina Novak, renowned Polish ballerina and former prima ballerina of the Ballets Russes de Monte Carlo, where she developed a strong early foundation in classical technique and artistry.
She later continued her professional training in Russia, culminating at the Perm State Ballet School, one of the world’s most respected institutions for classical ballet education. Immediately following graduation, Alexandra began her professional career in Moscow, where she worked with the company of Ballet Moskva and the Bolshoi Theatre.
In addition to her performing career, Alexandra has led educational initiatives internationally, including the creation and direction of a Russian-method ballet summer intensive in Caracas, Venezuela.
Her international performing experience shaped a deep understanding of discipline, musicality, and stage presence, all of which inform her work as an educator today. As a teacher, Alexandra is committed to building strong technical foundations while nurturing artistry, musical sensitivity, and confidence in young dancers. Her approach emphasizes correct placement, thoughtful progression, and long-term dancer development rather than short-term results.
At Nona Ballet, Alexandra brings a structured and intentional approach to training inspired by professional ballet standards, while maintaining a supportive, age-appropriate environment that allows dancers to grow with clarity and purpose.
Alexey Minkin
Alexey Minkin
Co-Founder & Artistic Director
Co-Founder & Artistic Director
Alexey Minkin is a professional ballet dancer and educator with classical training rooted in the Vaganova method. He completed his formal ballet education at the Perm State Ballet School, widely regarded as one of the top three ballet institutions in Russia.
Following graduation, Alexey was invited to join the Kremlin Ballet as a soloist, touring internationally and performing an extensive classical repertoire. He has also worked with internationally recognized ballet companies in Latin America and the United States, including Ballet de Santiago and Ballet Teresa Carreño.
As an educator, Alexey is known for his clear, structured approach and strong attention to technical detail. His teaching emphasizes strength, coordination, alignment, and efficiency of movement, helping dancers develop clarity, control, and confidence in their training.
At Nona Ballet, Alexey is deeply committed to developing disciplined, thoughtful dancers through consistent training and purposeful progression. His work reflects professional ballet standards while remaining supportive and age-appropriate at every stage of development.
Alexey Minkin is a professional ballet dancer and educator with classical training rooted in the Vaganova method. He completed his formal ballet education at the Perm State Ballet School, widely regarded as one of the top three ballet institutions in Russia.
Following graduation, Alexey was invited to join the Kremlin Ballet as a soloist, touring internationally and performing an extensive classical repertoire. He has also worked with internationally recognized ballet companies in Latin America and the United States, including Ballet de Santiago and Ballet Teresa Carreño.
As an educator, Alexey is known for his clear, structured approach and strong attention to technical detail. His teaching emphasizes strength, coordination, alignment, and efficiency of movement, helping dancers develop clarity, control, and confidence in their training.
At Nona Ballet, Alexey is deeply committed to developing disciplined, thoughtful dancers through consistent training and purposeful progression. His work reflects professional ballet standards while remaining supportive and age-appropriate at every stage of development.