About International School of Ballet

The International School of Ballet (I.S.B.) was founded in Calgary by Umran Sumen in 1988. I.S.B. offers an enhanced curriculum; from pre-ballet through advanced, and from pre-professional to professional. The Royal Academy of Dance syllabus and examinations are available for all levels.

The results of Mrs. Sumen's knowledge and dedication and the commitment of her qualified staff are reflected in the achievements of her students. I.S.B. students are regularly accepted by the National Ballet School, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School, and other professional dance companies across the world.

Mission of the I.S.B.

The International School of Ballet is dedicated to the growth and development of classical ballet as an integral part of our culture.

The International School of Ballet is actively involved in bringing the beauty and discipline of classical ballet to the community of Alberta.

The International School of Ballet is deeply committed to a high caliber of training to maintain the respected tradition of classical ballet as a valuable art for everyone.

At the The International School of Ballet, technique, correct physical development, and personal discipline are balanced with pure aesthetic vision, emphasizing the joy, beauty and tradition of classical ballet.

This is the focus of the The International School of Ballet.

We are proud to share our vision with the community.

Umran Sumen - Artistic Director

Umran graduated in 1966 from the State Conservatory in the Faculty of Fine Arts in Ankara, Turkey, after nine years of study. Subsequently, she received her Masters degree from Hecettepe University in Ankara. For the next sixteen years she danced with The National Ballet Company of Turkey as a leading soloist.

At the invitation of Dame Ninette de Valois, she studied at the Royal Ballet School of London and was later sent by the Turkish National Ballet to study choreography and teaching with the Ballet der Wiener Staatsoper Austria, for one year.

Umran has worked with world famous choreographers and teachers, among them Anton Dolin, Dame Ninette de Valois, Molly Lake, Travis Kemp, Beatrice Appleyard, Todd Bolender, John Gilpin, Alfred Rodrigues, Richard Glasstone, Sulamif Messerer, Valery Panov and Yuri Grigorovich. Her repetoire includes over thirty classical and modern productions.

Umran with Dame Ninette de Valois

In 1986, she was appointed Artistic Director of the Calgary City Ballet. In 1993, Umran was awarded the commemorative medal for the 125th anniversary of the Canadian Confederation. This medal was given to Umran for her outstanding contribution to the arts and culture of Canada through her work as a dancer and teacher.

In 2004, she was given the Immigrants of Distinction Award. Umran was the recipient of the 2008 Calgary Award for Community Achievement in the Arts. She was recognized for her outstanding achievement, significant contributions and for improving the quality of life in Calgary.

She is a member of the Turkish National Ballet Company (TNBC), the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) and the Canadian Dance Teachers' Association (CDTA).