Academy of International Dance Arts

...for the best in ballet and a world of dance beyond

Artistic Director

Rukshana Maya Elavia

Born in Vancouver, Academy Director, Rukshana Elavia holds teaching qualifications with The National Ballet School, The Royal Academy of Dancing, The Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance, (Cecchetti International) and The Canadian Dance Teacher's Association. In addition to receiving her respective teaching credentials with 'Distinction', Ms. Elavia was the recipient of a major Canada Council grant based on her teaching calibre, and holds certificates from The Beijing Dance Academy and London's Benesh Institute of Choreology.

A gifted teacher, appreciated for her innovative, "dancey" classes, Ms. Elavia has taught beginners through professionals and has also coached at well known gymnastics, skating and ballroom clubs. She also has the rare distinction of having entered
students into four different examination syllabi: Cecchetti International, RAD, CDTA and Beijing Dance Academy Chinese Dance Exams with excellent results; and has also coached students to first place standings in festivals in Ontario and BC. Her desire to keep expanding her knowledge has included a major study tour of some of the world's most respected ballet institutions in North America, western Europe, Russia and Cuba. Although she was offered a position at a major company ballet school, she opted to stay in Vancouver to nurture her vision of unique school of dance.

In addition to her love for ballet, Ms. Elavia has an extensive background in other dance arts including ballroom and latin, flamenco, bharata natyam and Chinese dance. She has used her knowledge of diverse styles to create balletic, ethnic and fusion choreographies of beauty and flair.