Vera Altunina, founder of the International School of Classical Ballet in Kirkland, is a native of St. Petersburg, Russia. There, she danced professionally, earned a master’s degree in choreography and started her first dance school.

Every two years, Altunina leads a one-week trip to Russia, participating in the International Ballet Festival DANCE OPEN. She recently went on the trip and shared with her students the deep history of dance ingrained in the city and its culture. The students had an opportunity to study with Russian teachers and perform with other students from around the world. They attended outstanding performances by notable international dancers in spectacular theaters and took in the stunning sites of St. Petersburg.

The students who went on the trip include Alexis Fexy of Kirkland, Lauren Auerbach of Sammamish, Kiki Mackaman Lofland of Bothell, Celeste Rainier of West Seattle, and Rachel Wu of Bellevue.