The Kirov Academy of Ballet (formerly the Universal Ballet Academy[1]) was a ballet school in Washington, D.C. founded by Rev. and Mrs. Sun Myung Moon in 1990.[2] It closed in May 2022 after financial difficulties stemming in part from the embezzlement of up to $1.5 million from a school employee.[3]
The Kirov was located in a former monastery on a 1.2-acre campus in the Brookland neighborhood of northeast Washington, D.C. The 50,000-square-foot gated facility featured dormitories, studios, and administrative space.[4] In September 2022, the building was purchased by Washington Latin Public Charter School to serve as a home for its second campus.[5]
The Kirov’s spring and winter performance series were held in the academy’s 300-seat auditorium. Annually, the six performances served more than 1,800 people, including student performers, family members, children (including from underserved populations), and ballet aficionados of all ages.[citation needed]
Kirov Academy of Ballet students have gone on to become leading dancers at top companies around the world.[6] Graduates and other students include Melanie Hamrick,[6] Sascha Radetsky,[6] Hee Seo,[6] Jayna Ledford,[7] Rasta Thomas,[8] Michele Wiles,[8] Danny Tidwell,[9] Tyler Nelson,[10] Vanessa Zahorian,[11] Sasha De Sola,[12] Brooklyn Mack,[13] Maria Bystrova,[8] Hyo-Jung Kang,[14] Melissa Hough,[8] Connor Walsh,[15] Rory Hohenstein,[8] Brian Maloney,[16] Jonathan Jordan,[17] J’aime Crandall,[18] Elizabeth Mason,[19] Lauren Strongin,[8] Dana Genshaft,[20] Laura O’Malley,[8] Adrienne Canterna,[8] Evan McKie,[6] Dragoș Mihalcea,[21] Yena Kang,[22] Hye-Min Hwang,[23] Jae Yong Ohm,[8] Joy Womack,[8] and Mikayla Geier.[24]
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