Annette T. Thomas has been teaching Vaganova Methodology for over 30 years throughout the United States and abroad. Originally trained at Carnegie Hall by the late Maria Nevelska of the Bolshoi Ballet, she also trained with Ana Garcia of the San Juan Ballet Company, Marguerite De Anguera and Mme. Alexandra Danilova of the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo during her time at the Connecticut Regional Ballet Company. Annette has traveled the world gaining extensive training, teaching and performance experience in various forms including Contemporary, Jazz, Flamenco, International Folkloric, Character Dance, and Bharatanatyam.

 

Annette also studied the pedagogy of Russian Classical Ballet with Mme. Nevelska and under the tutelage of her mother who studied ballet pedagogy with the famed John Barker. She received her Certificate of Completion of the First Class Pedagogical Course for the Study of Classical Ballet in 2005 from one of America’s leading pedagogues Dr. Peggy Willis-Aarnio.

 

Annette’s primary focus and proven forté is the meticulous training of teaching the fundamentals of the first year of Vaganova methodology.  As it is this first year of training which is foundational to all ensuing work. She has devoted her life’s’ work to training teachers and coaches this vital work.  She has authored 2 books and a video on the biomechanics of classical movement specifically for figure skaters and is the former director of the Russian Ballet program at Brookfield Centre for The arts. Annette currently Teaches workshops and on-line pedagogy course through American ice Theatre and is a member of UNESCO CID (International Dance Council)

Amber Gil was born and raised in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. At the age of 3 she began figure skating and shortly after she began competing. At age 16 Amber had to retire due to an unresolved lower back injury. Her passion for her sport led her to begin her professional coaching career, at age 17. Amber is a USFS & PSA Professional Figure Skating Coach for 21+ years, also she is a National level Coach. She coaches out of Glenview Community Ice Center in Glenview Illinois in conjunction with World & Olympic Coach/Choreographer Rohene Ward. In addition, Amber has her Associates Degree from Harper College in Palatine Illinois. She resides with her husband and children in Elgin, Illinois.