Natalia Bashkatova trained at Bolshoi Ballet Academy, joined the Bolshoi Ballet after graduating and became a Principal dancer, performing many title classical roles. She was named Best Ballerina during the 1992 Spoleto International Arts Festival in Italy. After moving to the United States, Ms. Bashkatova became a Principal Ballerina at the Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas, and enjoyed a long and fruitful career there. Ms. Bashkatova received her teaching degree from the Moscow State Academy of Choreography, and brings her classical and crossover experience into teaching her classes.