Alexandra Koltun

Founder & Artistic Director, Koltun Ballet Boston

Alexandra Koltun graduated from the prestigious Vaganova Ballet Academy in St. Petersburg, Russia, in 1989, earning a BFA with honors under the mentorship of legendary teachers Natalia Dudinskaya, Ludmila Morkovina, and Irina Kolpakova. Upon graduation, she joined the Kirov Ballet (Mariinsky) and quickly rose to prominence, performing leading roles and working closely with icons such as Tatiana Terekhova, Irina Kolpakova, and Sergei Berezhnoi. She toured internationally throughout Europe, Asia, and the United States.

After defecting from the Kirov Ballet in 1991, Alexandra began her American career as a guest artist with New Jersey Ballet and Colorado Ballet. In 1992, she joined Boston Ballet as a soloist and was promoted to principal dancer in 1994 under the directorship of Bruce Marks. Her repertoire included leading roles in Swan Lake, Giselle, La Bayadère, Don Quixote, and Sleeping Beauty, as well as contemporary works by Christopher Wheeldon, Mark Morris, Twyla Tharp, and Daniel Pelzig. In George Balanchine’s Apollo, she was partnered by international ballet star Fernando Bujones.

Alexandra went on to perform as a principal dancer with Deutsche Oper am Rhein in Düsseldorf and as a guest artist with the Bavarian State Theater in Munich. She later worked with Suzanne Farrell at the Kennedy Center and performed at the Joyce Theater in New York with Margo Sappington’s The Daring Project, NYC. As a guest artist, she appeared internationally with American Ballet Stars, Ballet San Jose, and Dallas–Fort Worth Ballet, and collaborated with renowned choreographer Flemming Flindt on The Red Shoes and Miraculous Mandarin.

Throughout her career, Alexandra received numerous awards, including the Bronze Medal at the USA International Ballet Competition in Jackson, Mississippi (1994), and the Gold Medal at the Boston International Choreography Competition. She has been featured in Dance Magazine, Boston Magazine, and other major publications, and has received critical acclaim from The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Boston Globe, and The San Francisco Chronicle.

Following her distinguished performance career, Alexandra devoted herself to teaching and coaching. She has taught for leading institutions such as Boston Ballet, Festival Ballet Providence, Colorado Ballet, Miami City Ballet, Ellison Ballet, Joffrey Ballet (NY), and the Royal Ballet School of Antwerp, where she served as Artistic Director from 2009. Under her leadership, the school achieved remarkable success at Youth America Grand Prix, earning multiple finalist awards and a Grand Prix at the European Finals.

In 2008 Alexandra launched and created Alexandra’s Ballet Stretch is a unique conditioning system designed to enhance flexibility, strength, posture, and coordination for dancers and non-dancers alike.Developed from decades of professional ballet experience, this program combines classical technique with modern exercise science to promote a healthy, strong, and injury-free body. The carefully structured routines focus on alignment, muscle balance, and fluidity of movement—making them suitable for children, adults, and professionals at any level.
Alexandra’s Ballet Stretch quickly gained recognition for its effectiveness and accessibility. The accompanying instructional DVD, distributed internationally through Amazon and Alexandra’s official website, brought the program to students and teachers around the world. Alexandra continues to lead seminars and workshops across the U.S. and abroad, inspiring participants to achieve their personal best through mindful movement, grace, and discipline.

More than just a stretch system, Alexandra’s Ballet Stretch reflects Alexandra’s lifelong commitment to sharing the beauty, health, and artistry of ballet with everyone.

In 2012, Alexandra founded Koltun Ballet Boston, where she continues to share her artistry, passion, and deep knowledge of the Vaganova tradition with the next generation of dancers. Her students and choreography have received multiple accolades at YAGP, including Outstanding School for 5 consecutive years and Best Choreographer.

In 2025, Alexandra expanded her creative vision by launching Alexandra Koltun Photography, where she captures dancers, artists, and individuals with the same artistic sensitivity and precision that defined her ballet career. Through both her school and photography, Alexandra continues to inspire, mentor, and celebrate the art of human expression.