"I found Julia’s Academy by going to my niece’s ballet recital. I had gone to them in the past, and knew that she had started going to a “new ballet academy” here in Norman that had a Russian ballet instructor. I noticed a remarkable improvement in my niece’s dance and technical ability as I watched her. After the program, Peter and Yulia came on stage and stated that they take all ages and abilities.

 Here I was, a 45 year old, that loved to dance, and had been trained by Russian ballet instructors before. That was 25 years ago. The more I thought about it, I realized I truly missed ballet, and the creative outlet it gave me. Would Peter and Yulia even give me - an overweight, 45 year old - a chance?

I started Ballet at 5, auditioned and became an apprentice for The Wichita Falls Ballet Theater at the age of 9. I’ve danced in The Nutcracker, Firebird, Geisel, Mid Summer Night Dream, Carousel, and Oklahoma, just to name a few. I had danced for 13 years, but again that was 25 years ago.. I now have a wonderful family, consisting of a husband and three children. I’m a full time mom and wife, have church responsibilities, and maintain a fulltime job. Could I really find time for myself?

I had to call - they did say they took “any level.” I asked for an audition and they gladly set up a time for me to come in. I didn’t even have tights and a leotard that I could fit into, but I still had my ballet slippers! Peter and Yuila were very gracious and agreed to let me start in the Beginners’ class.

Now, after a year, I’ve lost 40 pounds working with Yuila and the Little Ballerinas! I’ve been in three performances, and love going to as many classes as time permits.

I work for Rug Doctor, driving all over Western Oklahoma. I’m so grateful to have this job, but it’s basically “a man’s job.” However, Yulia has given back to me what I’ve truly been missing, the grace and time to be strong and feminine! She gives me the ability to love and nurture these precious Little Ballerinas! Hopefully, they too will have the same love for dance as Yulia and all of the dancers here have! Thank you, Yulia and Peter, for letting me dance again and bringing back my first love!"