A structured classical education
Ashkenazy Ballet Center is an ABT Affiliate School. Teaching follows the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum, a progressive framework for classical technique and dancer development.
ASHKENAZY BALLET CENTER / THE SCHOOL
Classical roots. An open horizon.
A ballet school in Lugano, shaped by professional experience and a commitment to individual artistic development.
Our story
A life in ballet.
Alessandra Ashkenazy began studying classical ballet in Florence before continuing at the Académie de Danse Classique Princesse Grace in Monte Carlo, the John Cranko Ballet School in Stuttgart and the Royal Academy of Flanders in Antwerp.
Her professional career included Carla Fracci’s Compagnia Italiana di Balletto, the Arena di Verona, Deutsche Oper Berlin and the Bonn Opera. Today she directs Ashkenazy Ballet Center in Switzerland and teaches dancers at every level.
Meet the faculty
Artistic directionDirector · Teacher · Classical artist
Alessandra
Ashkenazy
Professional stage experience. A lifetime devoted to teaching the art of ballet.
Alessandra Ashkenazy’s life in classical ballet began in Florence, followed by study at the Académie de Danse Classique Princesse Grace in Monte Carlo, the John Cranko Ballet School in Stuttgart and the Royal Academy of Flanders in Antwerp. Her professional career includes Carla Fracci’s Compagnia Italiana di Balletto, Arena di Verona, Deutsche Oper Berlin and Bonn Opera. As director of Ashkenazy Ballet Center, she brings that stage experience to the development of each dancer, from early training to advanced study.
ABT NTC · FellowDanse Suisse
Her ABT NTC teacher certification covers Pre-Primary through Level 7 and Partnering, as documented in American Ballet Theatre’s certified-teacher register. It provides an age- and level-progressive framework for classical training. The school’s own archive documents an ABT NTC affiliation history.
Alessandra holds ABT NTC Fellowship credentials and is currently progressing toward ABT NTC examiner qualification. School-supplied update: qualification is in progress, not yet complete; the exact official title remains subject to confirmation.
Teaching standards & professional recognition
Professional teaching recognition
Alessandra Ashkenazy is listed in the Danse Suisse professional register for dance teaching. Her work at the school spans early classical training and advanced study.
Technique, repertoire, artistry
From first stages to advanced and pre-professional study, with pointe work, repertoire, conditioning and performance preparation.
Intensives & masterclasses
Summer workshops and visiting masterclasses in Lugano create opportunities for concentrated study and artistic exchange.
Ticino Summer IntensiveABT NTC certification relates to teacher training. Ashkenazy Ballet Center is not owned by, nor an official branch of, American Ballet Theatre.
ABT NATIONAL TRAINING CURRICULUM
An exacting foundation.
Alessandra Ashkenazy, Victoria Ashkenazy and Alisia Bignami are ABT NTC-certified teachers. The school’s training priorities include intensive ballet fundamentals, enhanced stretching, pointe work, repertoire, improvisation, mime and stage projection.
The registration form includes a full-time / pre-professional pathway. The published timetable lists advanced classical ballet, repertoire and Pilates; class placement follows age and preparation.