Our 2024 Young Artists! Hand picked by Bloch for their skill, dedication and passion for dance.
"I’ve doing ballet for 9 years, studied at Kyiv State Ballet College, BTB Basel and now studying at the Ballet Academy University of Theatre and Music Münich. At the academy we are studying ballet, contemporary and character dance styles. Competed at YAGP, Tanzolymp Berlin, IBBC, VKIBC and became a prize winner.
My biggest dream and goal is to become a professional ballet company and work in a prestigious ballet company."
"I have been in love with dancing since I was 5. Discipline and regular training has
always been my biggest priority. My never ending desire to become better and better at both movement and technique has been recognized during numerous competitions all over the world.
However, it is the time with music and myself in the training hall that I value the most. Performing Art Improvisation has always been my favourite kind of competition as it gives me the opportunity to release my creativity and show true feelings through dance. I can clearly show my connection with music."
"Hi! I’m Clara Nicolet, a 16-year-old French student with a deep passion for dance. While I mostly train in ballet, I’m also studying other styles such as contemporary and jazz.
As I love learning and embracing new experiences, I’m participating in numerous competitions, such as YAGP, and always like to discover new schools, methods and repertoire through their intensives! I’ve notably taken part in the Rock School for Dance and the John Cranko Schule summer courses.
I’m working hard to follow my dream of becoming a professional dancer, and I’m so grateful to Bloch for supporting me along the way!"
"I started dancing at about the age of three in Australia, I did all styles and began serious ballet training around the age of ten when I started at Amanda Bollinger Dance Academy. In the September of 2021 I began my training here at the John Cranko School in Stuttgart Germany, it’s been an absolute dream to move here and continue to do what I love daily. I aspire to dance in a professional ballet company, hopefully next season once I graduate. I’ve been a Bloch Young Artist (Europe) for the past year, so I’m super excited to be continuing with Bloch; I’m always grateful for their support and to share their beautiful dance wear!"
I have big dreams and ambitions such as bringing Jazz dance back to France one day…
I am moving forward in my journey with Bloch who accompanied me in 2023 and I have the chance to continue for the year 2024 which promises to be wonderful."
"My name is Amelia, I am 15 and I started dancing when I was 3. My favorite styles are jazz and ballet, but I dance modern and show dance too. I am 13-times Polish Champion, 3-times European Champion and 2-times World Champion. I am multiple winner of national and international competitions. I was also a Bloch Young Artist 2023 and I am so excited to be Bloch Young Artist for this year. My dream is to become a professional dancer and choreographer, spending all days dancing.”
Since I was 12 I’ve studied at Lucia Marthas Institute for Performing Arts in Amsterdam. I train in all styles of dance, but my favorite styles are commercial, jazz, latin and contemporary.
I have played in musicals, films and tv shows, I really hope that one day the dreams of 8 year old Lilo come true.
This is my second year as a Bloch Young Artist, and I am really happy and grateful to be able to continue representing Bloch! "
"I’m Izzi and I started dancing at the age of 3 at The Bristol School of Dancing. I’m currently in my second year at The School of Ballet Theatre UK. I’ve performed in BTUK’s performances of Sleeping Beauty, Coppelia, Move It, and our annual showcases including: Jardin de Anime, Awakening of Flora and Rhapsody in Blue.
My training is mostly in ballet, however I also love doing contemporary and jazz. I’ve always aspired to have a career in ballet and I hope to travel the world with a company in the future."
Lexi Lou is a bright and bubbly 10 year old with an undeniable passion for dance. she loves to share this passion with her peers. She hopes to encourage and inspire others and share the joy of movement with all. Lexi is a versatile performer training in all disciplines. Her favourite styles are commercial and contemporary. Lexi has worked across tv in various commercials and short films.
Lexi dreams to become a professional dancer/choreographer and actress.
"Hi I’m Taiya and I’m 13 years old, I dance 6 days a week & love all styles!
I currently train weekly in Hip Hop, Commercial, Ballet, Tap, Jazz & Contemporary, I also enjoy attending different intensives throughout the year & trying new styles whenever I get the opportunity.
Dance is my absolute passion and I can’t imagine a future without it! I hope to be a professional dancer one day traveling the world and living my dance dreams to the fullest."
"I began my ballet training when I was 3 years old and dance has always been a major part of my life.
I moved to Central London when I was 16 to begin my full-time vocational dance training. My training focuses primarily on ballet and contemporary, however I also study many other genres of dance.
Living in London provides me with lots of opportunities to participate in classes and workshops and I have been fortunate to train and work with some incredible artists and companies. I have a passion for choreography and enjoy creating original pieces of performance art and this is an area that I would like to develop in the future."
"My name is Lauren Beharie I am 18 years old and currently in my graduate year at Central School Of Ballet in Central London. My main dance styles are Classical ballet, Contemporary and Jazz. My favourite style of dance is Ballet. I started dancing when I was 5 years old and have been dancing ever since. Bloch has enabled me to wear my brown skin-toned pointe shoes and tights, making me feel complete on stage and in my daily classes. My dance dreams for the future is to join a professional ballet company and continue to promote diversity and inclusion in the ballet and dance world."
"My name is Ava Fullex, I am 14 years old and I train at Art of Dance Academy, Hilton Hall, Sam Stanley Associates and Jag dance schools in Kent. My favourite style of dance is contemporary. I also study many styles of dance including ballet, tap, modern, jazz, commercial, singing, and musical theatre.
My dream is to have a career in dance and musical theatre. I love being on stage, performing, competing, and always trying to progress and improve in my movement."
"Hello, I'm Skylar Blu and I am 9 years old. I train in all styles of dance but my favourites are Ballet, lyrical commercial and Latin!
I train 7 days a week taking classes at pineapple studio's and Oti Mabuse Studio's. I live and breath dance and I feel very strongly about showing more diversity in the more classical styles of dance and Latin."
"My name is Isabella, I am 15yo and I have been training as a ballet dancer for the past 10 years. Currently I am privately trained and I am a senior associate with a Ballet School in London. I am familiar with the RAD style and the Russian method training and although it differs greatly both are beneficial to me. I have experienced a few styles of dance including contemporary, tap dance, modern, character and ballroom. I also attend Performing Arts School for 10 years where I developed my confidence and artistry.
I had the pleasure of being a Bloch Young Artist for the past year and I am excited about the opportunity to be a part of the Bloch team again for the upcoming year 2024. I believe joining a like-minded community and an environment that encourages continuous improvement, progress and growth is essential and having a positive support network is important."
"Hi, I'm Poppy, I’m 13-years-old, and thrilled to be a Bloch Young Artist again this year. Bloch Dancewear is my go-to for all my dance performances and a crucial part of my training. I’ve danced and trained in all styles at the Jayne A. Coleman Academy of Dance since I was 4, but I particularly love Jazz, Tap and Commercial. Last year, my team and I performed at the Dance World Cup in Portugal, securing 3 Golds, 3 Silvers, and 1 Bronze Medal in Jazz, Ballet, Lyrical and Commercial. I also had the incredible opportunity to perform at the historic London Coliseum with my team as part of the All England Dance Centenary Celebrations.
I can't wait for another exciting year of opportunities in dance and sharing the joy!"
"I have always dreamed of being a ballet dancer from a young age, being on stage brings me so much joy and excitement. But my favorite moments are the ones in the studios. Laughing with your friends, falling and getting right back up, seeing them succeed, growing up with them, and making memories that you will remember for the rest of your life. Everyday I go in knowing I have so many supporters and friends. And that will always keep me motivated for the future. You truly never know what’s to come, but that’s the best part."
Chloe Helimets trains at Bayer Ballet Academy in Mountain View, California, under the direction of her coach, Inna Bayer.
Chloe was awarded the Youth Grand Prix at the YAGP Chicago Regional competition in Chloe also participated in the ADC/IBC San Francisco Regional competition in November 2023, where she was awarded first place in both classical and contemporary in the Junior age division.
Chloe particularly loves full length classical ballets and dreams of someday bringing these stories to life for audiences around the world.
"When I was 9 years old, I decided that ballet is what I wanted to do. I’ve attended several academies since that time, working with teachers and coaches from all over the world, being taught the nuances and distinctions of their respective styles and methods, and given the opportunity to perform on stages in the USA, China, and Russia.
I’m currently a member of Houston Ballet II in Houston TX and honored to be a Bloch Young Artist for my second year. I’m looking forward to new experiences in 2024!"
"I’ve been dancing ever since I can remember. I started taking dance more seriously when I was granted the opportunity to join my training company Koin & Co - in NYC. I’m now going into my senior year on the ProTrack. I’ve also worked with Dance Lab NY: next gen as a dancer and choreographer. I was recently in the movie “Theater Camp” by Ben Platt & Molly Gordon that premiered this summer! My goals for the future are to continue working as a Dancer in NYC / LA in the Broadway and Commercial World. I’m so excited to continue with Bloch as Young Artist for another. Here’s to all the amazing opportunities that lie ahead!"
"Hi my name is Amaya! I am 18 years old and I’ve been dancing since I was 3. I am currently a trainee with the Washington School of Ballet, this is my third year with TWSB and my second year as a trainee. I have had the pleasure of performing with the professional company in several ballets such as; Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, and Theme and Variations.
I train in ballet, contemporary, and character. My goal is to become a professional ballerina and have a fulfilling career. I truly enjoyed being a Bloch young artist last year and I am grateful to have another opportunity to represent this amazing brand again!"
Christian Burse from Austin Texas started her dance journey at age of two. She completed her early dancing at Joyce Willet School Of Dance and RISE Dance Company. She continued her dance training at Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Dallas, Texas and Dance Industry Performing Arts Center. She was named a U.S. Presidential Scholar Finalist, National YoungArts Foundation winner and a Texas Young Master. Now she is a Company Member with Complexions Contemporary Ballet. This is her third season with the company.
"Hi, I am Zyla! I am 12 years old, originally from Boston and I now consider myself a 617Caligirl! This is my second year living in LA and I am so excited to continue my second year as a Bloch Young Artist!! I train in ballet, tap, modern, contemporary, street styles, jazz funk, vogue, runway, acting, voice and hip-hop! Tap is absolutely my favorite! I love that Bloch has a look I can wear for all genres of my training!
I am a member of Sole Talk Youth Company and I also train with the Syncopated Ladies. I most enjoy the youth outreach programs and am inspired by the works of mentors, Chloe and Maud. I am also mentored by Joseph Wiggan who inspires me to explore my voice as I continue to develop and eventually perform with bands on a larger scale. Another dream and goal is to go on tour with different artists fully prepared and trained well enough to perform for hours!
As a versatile artist, I am proud to be a Bloch young artist because I am free to be me in each and every style I wear !“
"I began tap dancing when I was 4 years old and was a competitive tap dancer for 5 years. I then started going to tap festivals all over the country. I attended a tap event in NYC when I was 11, where I met my mentor Jason Samuels Smith.
My dance dreams are to perform on Broadway and in movies too, and I want to tour and entertain audiences all over the world.
It has been a great experience and so much fun being a Bloch Young Artist in 2023, and I’m so excited and feel honored to continue as a Young Artist in 2024!"
Think back to that moment you first discovered your passion for dance. Can you recall it clearly? For Russian ballet dancer Maria Khoreva, it was on completion of her performance in a school production at Vaganova Ballet Academy. The young dancer cites this as the turning point when she realised dance was her “meaning in life” and that she wanted to follow it as a career, no matter what.
"When I was in 5th grade I was dancing a variation in our school concert, and after I’d performed, I felt like I’d achieved something so valuable and important to me — I was ecstatic!" she reveals. "That was the moment I knew I wanted to pursue a career in ballet, no matter what. It became my meaning in life."
It’s this raw passion — together with her unwavering drive and talent — that has set her up for sterling success in the industry since, with a repertoire boasting roles in La Bayadère (as Nikia), Swan Lake (as Pas de trois), Le Corsaire (as Medora, Trio of Odalisques) and The Nutcracker (as Masha). Having now graduated from the Vaganova Ball Academy, 19-year-old Khoreva has gone on to become the first soloist of the Mariinsky Ballet since 2018. It’s little wonder then, that she is capturing attention as one of the most notable young talents to join the prestigious company in recent years.
So, with further demanding roles in the pipeline, how does Khoreva spend a typical day? Here she shares an insight into her active schedule as well as her BLOCH must-haves!
I have my breakfast then head to the Mariinsky Theatre for ballet class at 11 a.m. I start warming up about 50 minutes before class starts, as it’s important to activate my body and brain properly. During class we’ll warm up but also ‘channel’ ourselves by practising all movements correctly — this makes sure the day of rehearsals goes smoothly. Afterwards, I’ll usually have a few rehearsals for upcoming performances, but this depends on the availability of my coach and the studio.
I don’t usually rehearse on the days I perform bigger roles, but if the role is short, I might have a rehearsal for an hour or so. If I don’t perform, I’ll come home, write some notes in my planner, have dinner, post on Instagram then check my emails. If there’s time, I’ll watch a TV show or read before going to bed. On the days I perform, I usually stay up late as our shows don’t finish until 10.00 or 11.00 p.m.
It’s always been important for me to immerse myself in the story of the ballet I’m performing, to understand why my character behaves, dances or shows emotion a certain way. I read the literature that laid the foundation of the ballet, watch videos on its history and other dancers performing it, then try to discover my own expression during rehearsals. I also love the visualisation technique, it helps to close my eyes and imagine doing the moves exactly how I want them to look. I believe this builds the right connections between neurons in my brain — I always find it much easier to rehearse the next day!
I began dancing roles in ballets performed by the students of Vaganova Ballet Academy on stage of the Mariinsky when I was 10 — my first important role was a Doll in The Nutcracker during 5th grade. I then continued performing in Vaganova’s graduation performances during my 7th and 8th years, dancing in The Fairy Doll, Classical Symphony by Lavrovsky, variations from Paquita, Suite en blanc by Lifar, and Dance of the Hours from the opera Gioconda. I then joined Mariinsky Ballet where my first role as a member of the company was Terpsichore from George Balanchine’s Apollo, which will forever remain one of my favourites. I also performed Trio of Odalisques in Le Corsaire and Friends of the Prince from Swan Lake. My next big role was the lead in Paquita and I had a blast! The process of creating the character and bringing it to the audience was fascinating.
Dancing La Bayadère in the Mariinsky Theatre.
I like taking an ice-cold bath, but sometimes I prefer a hot one with salt and herbs. At the end of the day I will always have my feet massaged and apply some soothing cream to aid healing.
During work season I start with class at 11:00 a.m. and I would normally have one to three rehearsals with a break in between. I finish the day either performing or going home to rest. When I’m on holiday, I normally go to the gym once or twice a day, as well as running or cardio. I also swim a lot too.
For me, staying fit and healthy is about getting the balance right between exercising and resting. Eating healthy is very important too.
I love everything about BLOCH, but the shoes are my favourite! I also love the black BLOCH Dance Bag to hold all my ballet essentials.
I love wearing a very simple, basic style with camisole straps during rehearsals.
I’ve been wearing Serenade Strong Pointe Shoes* for more than five years now, and I love how I can feel the floor in them. I also love how they go through a kind of life cycle, starting off as brand new, then breaking in as I dance, before finally coming to the end of their life and I have to replace them.
Make the most of your time while you are studying, noting all the teacher’s corrections, because you won’t always have as much time to learn. Finally, everything should be prepared well in advance.
I read a lot of fiction and books about ballet, including biographies. I like to watch movies and cook desserts too. When I’m travelling, I enjoy walking for hours exploring new places and cultural peculiarities.
John Neumeier and Wayne McGregor.
I’m looking forward to presenting my version of Paquita, Nikiya and Diamonds to the American audience in October [2019], it will be demanding but also extremely supportive. I will also be working on upcoming roles such as Raymonda and Princess Aurora from The Sleeping Beauty.
*We recommend you get fitted by our professional BLOCH pointe shoe fitters every time you purchase a new pair of pointe shoes to make sure they fit perfectly. An appointment must be booked in advance of every fitting.
Shop Maria’s BLOCH must-haves as well as the rest of the BLOCH footwear and apparel now!
]]>I arrive at the Royal Opera House by 9:30 a.m. and head to my dressing room to prepare for company class and the day ahead. I’ll either do Pilates beforehand or just go directly to the studio to do my warm-up and stretching. Class starts at 10:30 a.m. and finishes at 11:45 a.m.. I have a 15-minute break, then go straight into another studio to work with my coach and rehearse for upcoming roles. If I have an evening performance, I'll finish rehearsing by 5:30 p.m. and have an early dinner, otherwise I may continue my rehearsals until 6:30 p.m. after which I'll go home and relax.
Once I finish my afternoon rehearsals, I’ll eat a nutritious meal to give me energy for performance, then go into my dressing room to do my make-up. If I need a specific hairstyle — like the roles of Sugar Plum Fairy or Juliet — then a member of our amazing wig team comes to my dressing room to do my hair. Whilst getting ready, I prepare my feet wearing my BLOCH Warm Up booties and an all-in-one warm-up outfit, before going to the studio to stretch. Once I feel warm, I return to my dressing room, put on my tutu or costume and head to the stage. Here I get into my zone as I don’t like to wait in the wings for too long. A few minutes before I’m due to go on stage, I jog from my dressing room to the wings, then it's ready, steady, go!
The first was dancing Olga in John Cranko's Onegin when I was a corps de ballet member. Another was dancing Juliet in Kenneth Macmillan's Romeo & Juliet when I was a soloist, as well as Aurora in Sleeping Beauty when I had just been promoted to first soloist. My stand out moment was dancing Odette/Odile in Swan Lake when I had just been promoted to Principal ballerina.
I never have pedicures as I want to keep the skin on my heel and toes hard, so they feel well cushioned when I’m dancing in pointe shoes. I like to practice barre in socks, so I can feel the muscles in my feet working properly. I always do centre work on pointe to ensure my muscles are well activated for a full day of rehearsals. The one thing I suffer with is bruised big toenails, so I always pad them with a Big Toe Cushion — they save my toenails!
Daily company class consisting of barre and centre work, Pilates and working in the practice studio with a coach if I need to work on specific areas on my body. A ballet such as Don Quichote or Firebird requires many jumps, so I may work on strengthening the muscles needed for jumping. I’ll also work with weights in the gym to target weaker areas that need attention.
BLOCH leggings are really cool! They are so flattering and I like the sporty look. I also love my BLOCH Resistance Band as it’s the perfect strength for the foot exercises I complete before the rehearsal day gets going.
My favourite leotard is from BLOCH’s new collection. It’s lilac with a zip at the front and floral pattern on the back. The style is comfortable and looks very elegant.
*We recommend you be fitted by our professional BLOCH pointe shoe fitters every time you purchase a new pair of pointe shoes to make sure they fit perfectly. An appointment must be booked in advance of every fitting.
Shop Yasmine's favourites and the full BLOCH dancewear range now!
]]>As the daughter of ballet legends Irek Mukhamedov (Bolshoi and Royal Ballet alumnus) and Masha Mukhamedov (former Bolshoi Principal and soloist), it’s little wonder dancer Sasha Mukhamedov was inspired to follow in their footsteps.
“I grew up within a ballet family, so I have always been surrounded by it,” she reveals. “I always used to dance around the house when I was little, but it was when I had my first real stage experience at 13-years-old that I thought ‘this is it, I want to become a ballerina.’”
Beginning her ballet journey being privately taught by her famous mother, Mukhamedov has successfully carved her own star within the industry ever since. Notably becoming Principal with The Dutch National Ballet in 2016, and most recently joining the San Francisco Ballet in July 2019 as Soloist, the professional has also garnered several dance prizes — including ‘most promising dancer’ at the ballet competition in Varna in 2008 and a bronze medal at the Youth America Grand Prix 2007.
We sat down with the BLOCH Ambassador to find out how she gets her mind and body ready for a sterling dance role, her personal career highlights and of course, her favourite BLOCH products she simply couldn’t dance without!
I wake up at 8 a.m. and I like to take my time in the morning and eat a good breakfast before ballet class starts at 10 a.m. From then, it all depends on which performance I’ve got coming up. I will usually be in and out of rehearsals during the day and end up finishing around 6 p.m., although sometimes I get lucky and finish early so I can enjoy my evening a little more.
A lot of rehearsal time goes into preparing for a big role — I just did my debut of Swan Lake in April which I started rehearsing for in January. I also like to go on YouTube to watch how other ballerinas perform the role and see what I like and what I can change to make it my own. On the day of the show I don’t like to rehearse much, just enough so that I can feel my muscles, and then I relax at home for a few hours before returning to the theatre and getting myself into the dancer role.
After long days dancing from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. I often do a foot soak. I fill a bucket with warm water and add about 1/2 cup or a cup of Apple cider vinegar and it works like magic! If you add Epsom Salt it works even better. I soak for 15 to 20 minutes before going to bed and it really refreshes my feet for the next day.
For me it really is all about ballet class — as ballet dancers, it’s our natural way of training — so I think it’s really important to do your best, starting at the barre. Even when you’re tired, a good barre session goes a long way. I also love yoga, so usually if we have two days off, I like to go to a yoga class on one of those days to keep the body feeling like I made a difference that day.
Definitely my BLOCH Warm Up Booties! They are the very best boots to keep your feet warm.
At the moment it is one of the Mirella leotards, with cap sleeves and flower mesh. I love the shape and it’s super feminine.
I am currently wearing the Eurostretch Stretch Split Sole Pointe Shoe. I discovered this style when I was being fitted for a new pointe shoe* by a professional BLOCH pointe shoe fitter. The minute I tried them on they felt comfortable and fitted the shape of my foot perfectly!
When you get to the stage, perform every show like it is your last, because that is when you really give exactly what you are meant to give, and when the love of what you do really comes through.
I will never forget my debut of Nikiya, a temple dancer from La Bayadère. This was a ballet that I have always loved and always dreamed of doing, so when I finally got the chance to dance the role it really was a dream come true.
Joining San Francisco Ballet is an exciting new challenge for me because in America they work a lot differently to how we do in Europe. I want to see what I can learn from them and how I can bring the American style into my dancing.
*We recommend you get fitted by our professional BLOCH pointe shoe fitters every time you purchase a new pair of pointe shoes to make sure they fit perfectly. An appointment must be booked in advance of every fitting.
Shop the full BLOCH dancewear range now!