Directors and Faculty

Leo Ahonen
World Famous Premier Danseur
Bronze Medalist
Artistic Advisor and Master of Curriculum - balletfoundation

Leo Ahonen was accepted to the Ballet Academy of the National Opera House in Helsinki, Finland at the age of six. He joined the National Ballet of Finland at the age of 14 and at 17 years of age guest performed with the Kirov Ballet in Leningrad and the Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow. After this glory he wanted to enter the Kirov Ballet School; Vaganova Choreographic Institute. In Leningrad, Mr. Ahonen became a private student of Mr. Konstantin Shatilov, and received "The Kirov Trained Certificate" at graduation. At the age of 25 he was already a recognized teacher in Europe. He received the coveted "Golden Achievement Award for International Pedagogues". Mr Ahonen won a Bronze Medal in the Men's Senior category at the Second International Ballet Competition in Varna, Bulgaria. He was a principal dancer and the company teacher for the National Ballet of Hollard, Royal Winnipeg Ballet and the National Ballet of Finland. In January of 1994, Mr. Ahonen celebrated his 40th Anniversary as a professional dancer. His final stage performance was in 1999 in Japan. His dancing career includes over 3000 performances in 34 countries.