Irina Lerman is a ballet artist and choreographer whose work bridges classical ballet traditions and contemporary artistic expression.

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A graduate of the Vaganova Ballet Academy (2011), where she studied under Professor Ludmila Kovaleva, Irina joined the Mariinsky Ballet upon graduation, performing with the company for seven years.

 

During this time, she toured internationally across Europe, Japan, China, the UAE, and the United States, developing a strong foundation in classical and contemporary repertoire.

 

Artistic Career

 

Following her years at the Mariinsky Theatre, Irina pursued an independent performing career, working across Europe and Asia in a variety of productions and artistic collaborations. Her professional experience spans classical ballet, neoclassical works, and contemporary performance, allowing her to explore different artistic environments and approaches to movement.

 

In 2019, she joined Atlantic Ballet of Canada as a Leading Soloist, continuing her performing career in Canada.

Alongside her stage work, Irina has appeared at major international events, including the Closing Ceremony of the 2014 Winter Olympic Games.

 

Choreographic Practice

 

Irina holds a Master’s Degree in Choreography from the Vaganova Ballet Academy. She made her choreographic debut at the Mariinsky Theatre at the age of 21 and received a Silver Medal at an international choreography competition in Riga, Latvia.

 

Her artistic development includes training at Nederlands Dans Theater and workshops with renowned choreographers Wayne McGregor and Edward Clug. Drawing on her classical foundation and contemporary influences, Irina explores movement as a language for examining human experience, identity, vulnerability, and belonging.

 

Artistic Projects

 

Irina is the founder of Artistry & Performance, a Toronto-based ballet intensive dedicated to artistic development, and Neural Ballet, a project-based company exploring the intersection of dance, technology, and visual art.

 

Her choreographic work spans contemporary ballet, interdisciplinary performance, and dance film. Supported by the Toronto Arts Council and the Ontario Arts Council, her projects have been presented at festivals and in sold-out performances in Stratford, Ontario.

 

Continuing the Conversation

 

Alongside her choreographic practice, Irina continues to perform, teach, and collaborate with artists, exploring new possibilities for ballet as a living and evolving art form.