By: Marina Osipova
Marina Osipova, PhD, is a force of nature, a testament to the power of passion and dedication. Just four years ago, she opened the Osipova Ballet Academy in the San Francisco Bay Area, and already, her influence on the American ballet scene is undeniable. This scholar and artist is bringing the revered Vaganova method to a new generation, proving that ballet transcends borders and speaks a universal language of beauty and discipline.
Osipova’s journey to the United States began in 2018, an invitation to teach that ignited a dream. Her family, including her husband who left a successful executive career, embraced the adventure, sharing a single bedroom as they navigated the initial challenges of immigrant life. “We were happy,” Osipova recalls, “It was my son’s dream to move to the country of possibilities. And he was right. I fulfilled my own long cherished dream of opening my ballet school, of becoming a producer of ballet performances. I’m humbled and tremendously thankful to the US for this opportunity.”
Her “extraordinary abilities” were quickly recognized, granting her a green card without interview, a testament to her profound contribution to the arts. Back in Russia, Osipova had built a formidable reputation. Twice a graduate of the prestigious Russian Ballet Academy, first as a dancer and then as an educator, she earned a PhD in Pedagogical Sciences, specializing in the science of jump movements in ballet. Her career spanned performances at the Mikhailovsky State Opera and Ballet Theatre, teaching at the Vaganova Academy, and leading the Classical Dance Department at the Boris Eifman Ballet Academy.
For Osipova, ballet is more than just dance; it’s a unifying force. “I believe that ballet can unite people, triggering something beautiful inside of them,” she says. “It shows how wonderful creatures we humans can be, how much love, elegance, expression, tenderness and kindness we can bring to this world.”
And she’s extending that belief beyond the traditional stage. Osipova and her family have also established a charity that promotes ballet as a therapeutic tool for children with autism. Dancers from the academy visit special communities, performing for children who react with joy and wonder to their graceful movements. This initiative showcases the profound impact ballet can have, fostering connection and emotional expression.
At the Osipova Ballet Academy, the love of dance begins early. A specialized program for children as young as four years old cultivates musicality and physical development, laying the foundation for future dancers while promoting overall well-being. The academy also offers programs for casual students, recognizing the benefits of ballet for fitness and strength.
She is a modern champion of the Vaganova method, a system developed by the legendary Agrippina Vaganova, which blends French romanticism with Italian virtuosity. This method, emphasizing whole-body engagement and a deep understanding of movement, has become the cornerstone of ballet education. Osipova has even authored a textbook, “Professional Training of Future Ballet Dancers to Perform Allegro” (ISBN 9785811438402), pushing the boundaries of the Vaganova method for today’s taller, stronger dancers. This work is now housed in the Library of Congress, a testament to her scholarly contributions.
Her research extends beyond the studio. In a recent publication in the American Scientific Journal, she explores the emotional language of jumps in classical ballet, revealing the subtle ways dancers express complex emotions through movement. This work builds upon her previous publications, which include: “Establishment of Methods of Teaching Jumping Exercises in St. Petersburg Ballet Schools” (2018, Lan Publishing House, a textbook for college students), “Training Future Ballet Dancers to Perform Jumping Movements” (2011, Vaganova Ballet Academy Magazine), “The Evolution of Jumping Movements in the History of Western European Ballet” (2016, Musica Publishing).
Osipova’s impact is evident in her students’ success. They shine in prestigious international competitions like YAGP, ADC, and IBC, with one student even securing the Grand Prix at the ADC IBC in 2022. Her expertise has also been recognized through invitations to judge international competitions and membership in the International Dance Council (UNESCO).
The Osipova Ballet Academy is now a beacon of the Vaganova method in the United States. In just three years, her students have garnered top awards at competitions like YAGP, earning Osipova the title of Outstanding Teacher. In 2024, her student Ekaterina Pichkova received the Youth Grand Prix Award, and Valerie Jia earned 2nd Place. Most recently, at YAGP San Francisco 2025, Lena Mehta and Manon Godet secured top placements, and the academy received the Outstanding School Award.
Now, Osipova is focusing on preparing her talented students for the “World Olympics in Ballet” – Prix de Lausanne (Switzerland). Though the competition is for dancers 15 and older, her students are already working tirelessly to achieve their dreams.
“I believe that ballet in the USA has a great future!” Osipova states. “I see a rising interest from year to year to this art form and to ballet as a way of physical development for kids and adults. It makes me happy, and I’m open to sharing all my knowledge with other ballet educators, promoting the Vaganova method to the world.”
Marina Osipova’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and the transformative power of art. She has brought the excellence of ballet education to California, enriching the cultural landscape and inspiring a new generation of dancers to reach for the stars. Her mission is clear: to elevate ballet to its highest potential, and in doing so, to elevate the human spirit.
Published by Joseph T.
