We recently had the chance to connect with Julia Kuznietsova and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Julia , thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
One of the biggest misconceptions—especially for those who value convenience over quality—is that Jax City Ballet School is just another local dance studio.
In reality, we are a dedicated training ground for serious classical ballet—something truly rare in this area. The ballet most audiences here have seen is a diluted version, far removed from what you experience on the world’s greatest stages.
Take Sleeping Beauty. Many studios borrow the name for their recital, but the real thing? It exists on a completely different plane—technical precision, artistry, and storytelling at a level most audiences here have never experienced. You can’t fake it, and you can’t teach it unless you’ve lived it.
Today, many call themselves “professional dancers” without truly understanding what that means. Only those who have trained relentlessly, performed under the lights, and held themselves to the highest standard know the reality. Most people have never experienced genuine ballet education—they think they know what it is, but what they’ve seen is often far from the truth.
That’s where we stand apart. As former professional dancers, we’ve been there—on the big stages, performing the great ballets at the standard they were meant to be seen. We bring that lived experience into our studio every single day, giving our students training they simply cannot get anywhere else around here.
We’re not just teaching steps—we’re preserving an art form, shaping true artists, and setting a standard others can only wish to match. This is the real thing, and we are proud to bring it to this community.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Julia Kuznetsova, co-founder and Artistic Director of Jax City Ballet School, which I proudly run with my husband, Alexey Kuznetsov. Together, we bring over twenty years each of professional ballet experience on international stages, united by a shared passion for preserving and teaching classical ballet at its highest level.
I trained at the world-renowned Rudolph Nureyev Academy in Russia, mastering the legendary Vaganova technique. My professional career began as a soloist with the National Opera and Ballet Theater in Kazan, followed by principal roles across Russia, Croatia, and the USA. I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the world’s greatest teachers and choreographers, and I hold a Master’s degree in Ballet Pedagogy and Choreography.
Alexey trained at the prestigious Kyiv Ballet School in Ukraine and performed principal roles with both the Donetsk and Kyiv National Ballet before dancing internationally in Croatia and the USA. Like me, he also holds a Master’s degree in Ballet Pedagogy and Choreography and has collaborated with distinguished teachers and choreographers worldwide.
Our Story
After years performing at the highest levels, we recognized a truth that few want to admit—authentic, world-class Vaganova-based ballet training is incredibly rare in this region. Many schools call themselves “professional,” but very few can deliver the standard required on the world’s greatest stages. That is why we founded Jax City Ballet School—to bring genuine, elite-level ballet education to our community.
What Makes JCBS Different
We don’t just teach steps. We teach the artistry, discipline, and tradition of true classical ballet. Our students train under directors who have been there, danced the iconic roles, and understand exactly what it takes to excel in one of the most demanding art forms in the world.
The results speak for themselves:
Our students consistently earn scholarships to the nation’s most prestigious programs and attend Summer Intensives at the biggest ballet schools, including San Francisco Ballet, Ballet West, American Ballet Theatre, Rock School for Dance Education, and more. They are recognized not only for their technical ability but also for their artistry and professionalism—qualities that set them apart the moment they arrive.
We also prepare dancers for top-tier competitions such as Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) and Universal Ballet Competition (UBC), where our students regularly achieve outstanding results. Our private coaching program ensures every dancer receives personalized attention to refine technique, elevate artistry, and shine on stage.
Expanding the Vision
This year, we launched the Jax Dance Exchange—a vibrant, creative branch of our school that opens the door to all dance styles beyond classical ballet. Designed for dancers who love to move, create, and explore, it offers training in contemporary, jazz, hip hop, choreography, and improvisation, all taught with the same high standards and professionalism that define JCBS.
Connecting Through Community
We believe ballet should be both world-class and community-rooted. That’s why we actively participate in local events like Nocatee-A-Glow and Deck the Chairs, bringing the magic of dance to audiences beyond the traditional theater. These performances allow our dancers to grow as both artists and cultural ambassadors, inspiring local families and making ballet accessible, festive, and unforgettable.
Our Promise
At Jax City Ballet School, we are not just training dancers—we are shaping disciplined, confident, and artistically mature young people who will carry the values of excellence and beauty into everything they do. Whether a student’s dream is to join a professional company or to dance simply for the joy of it, they will receive the highest quality training.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
Bonds between people often break when trust is lost—whether through dishonesty, neglect, or simply failing to truly listen to one another. Over time, small misunderstandings can grow into distance if they aren’t addressed. What restores them is the opposite: honest, open communication, genuine empathy, and consistent effort. Rebuilding trust takes time, but when both people are willing to be vulnerable, to forgive, and to show up for each other again, even the most damaged connections can be renewed—often stronger than before.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Ballet is an incredibly demanding art form—physically, mentally, and emotionally. There were definitely moments in my career when I wondered if I could keep going. Injuries, setbacks, and the relentless pressure to improve can feel overwhelming. What kept me going was my family. Their unwavering belief in me, their encouragement during the hardest times—that’s what gave me the strength to push through. Without them, I don’t think I’d be where I am today. That gratitude shapes how I mentor my students now, and why I remind parents just how powerful their support can be.
In ballet, fear is a constant companion for many dancers—fear of not getting into a company, fear of falling short of a dream. The industry is fiercely competitive, but I tell my students this: believe in yourself and your goals. Don’t let comparisons steal your focus or your confidence. Keep your eyes on your own path. Success in ballet isn’t just about talent—it’s about persistence, resilience, and heart.
Every dancer’s journey is unique. If you stay true to your passion and work ethic, trust your training, and keep moving forward, you’ll find your place. That belief—combined with consistent effort—is what carries you through the toughest moments and leads to your own definition of success.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
The cultural value we protect above all else is uncompromising authenticity in classical ballet.
At Jax City Ballet School, we are devoted to preserving the traditions and choreography that have been passed down for centuries—movements shaped by generations of masters and perfected over time. This legacy is not just history; it is a living art form that demands respect, precision, and heartfelt devotion.
Our mission is to uphold these timeless works exactly as their creators intended, honoring the vision of choreographers who crafted ballets hundreds of years ago. We aim to instill in our students not only technical mastery, but also the artistry, musicality, and discipline that give meaning to every step and gesture. Ballet is not about empty tricks or acrobatic flash; it is about storytelling—about evoking emotion and beauty through movement.
Unfortunately, in today’s ballet world, we also see practices that run completely counter to the spirit of this art. Some studio owners try to control their teachers like property—binding them with restrictive contracts, threatening lawsuits, and forbidding them from sharing their knowledge elsewhere, even when they no longer employ them. These actions have nothing to do with the integrity of ballet, dance and everything to do with fear and lack of understanding. True art thrives through collaboration, mentorship, and the free exchange of ideas. When teachers are allowed to share their experience, the entire community benefits. Better-trained dancers mean stronger schools, richer performances, and a vibrant cultural environment for everyone.
To see such control tactics in an art form built on beauty and expression is disheartening—but it only strengthens our resolve to do better. At Jax City Ballet School, we believe that knowledge is meant to be shared, not hoarded, and that lifting each other up creates the future our art deserves. Because authenticity is not just in the steps we teach—it is in the values we live by.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I began my ballet training at age 10, which in Russia is when dancers typically enter professional school. At the time, I didn’t dream of becoming a ballerina or a teacher—I simply followed the path laid before me. But looking back, I realize that maybe, just maybe, something greater was guiding me—something beyond my own understanding. Perhaps God knew better than I did what I was truly meant to do.
Ballet didn’t just teach me technique; it taught me resilience, discipline, and the power of expression. Over time, what started as a direction I was given blossomed into a deep love and a calling I couldn’t ignore. It became a language for my soul and a way to connect with the world around me.
Now, as I stand in the studio teaching the next generation, I see many young dancers struggling with their own questions—wondering if they are following their true path or someone else’s expectations. My journey reminds me—and them—that purpose isn’t always clear from the beginning. Sometimes, it reveals itself slowly, through hard work, patience, and an open heart.
So, am I doing what I was born to do, or what I was told to do? I believe it’s both. I started on a path that wasn’t fully mine yet, but through faith, passion, and dedication, it became my life’s work. Ballet is not just what I do—it is who I am, and I feel incredibly blessed to live that truth every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jaxcityballetschool.com/
- Instagram: jaxcityballetschool and jaxcityballet
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaxcityballetschool/
- Youtube: Jax City Ballet School
Image Credits
Diana Sobrino Photography
Jessica Hayes
Johnston Photography
Atdance.art
