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Alumni

ISB celebrates the achievements of our alumni and is immensely proud of their success and accomplishments. Whether their futures include ballet careers or develop beyond the stage, we believe an ISB ballet education instills a deep sense of discipline while developing well rounded individuals in a supportive, non-competitive environment. We are happy to welcome our alumni to our studios long after their graduation.

Like family, we watch our alumni spread their wings in professional ballet companies, graduate from prestigious universities and excel in diverse areas of our society.

Alexandra MacDonald

Alexandra MacDonald began her ballet education at ISB when she was 5 years old and continued her training there for 15 years. She is currently a First Soloist with the National Ballet of Canada and credits ISB for her strong classical foundation. Her repertoire of classical roles includes Princess Aurora in The Sleeping Beauty, Snow Queen in The Nutcracker, Queen of the Wilis in Giselle, Step Sister in Cinderella and Titania in The Dream.
Photo by Karolina Kuras
Courtesy of the National Ballet of Canada

Taylor Yanke

Taylor Yanke, an ISB student for 11 years, is following on this path of excellence. Taylor was accepted, on scholarship, to the Académie Princesse Grace in Monaco in 2017. Here, she trained and graduated as the first female Canadian of this prestigious academy in 2021, receiving a professional job offer from the Royal Swedish Ballet. She is still performing with the Royal Swedish Ballet, where she has received wonderful opportunities in addition to working with world-class choreographers. Taylor is now a First Soloist at the Royal Swedish Ballet where she is performing as Myrta in their “Giselle” production for 2025.
Bravo Taylor, for your dedication, hard work and for pursuing your dream.

Dana Brandt

Dana grew up in Calgary training and competing in a variety of dance styles including ballet, jazz and tap. Wanting to focus on ballet, Dana went on to the International School of Ballet in Calgary. Dana graduated from the RAD Advanced Two program with ISB and was accepted as an aspirant with Ballet Victoria, Canada where she continued with Ballet Victoria upon graduation. Some of her favorite roles she has performed with BV include Wendy, in Peter Pan and Pierette, in The Gift of the Nutcracker. Dana was honored with the RV Rosemarie Liscum Award for emerging Artists in 2023.

Allie Cogliano (nee Bertram)

Allie received her High Achievement “Solo Seal Award” from the Royal Academy of Dance on May 6, 2007 while dancing with the International School of Ballet. Allie also achieved the Bronze medal in the Royal Academy of Dance Genee International Ballet Competition (now Margot Fonteyne).
Allie is well know for her appearance on “So You Think You Can Dance, Canada” and has continued her artistic career in film and television roles.

Laura Vande Zande

Laura was born and raised in Calgary. Laura trained at the International School of Ballet where she received her Royal Academy of Dance “Solo Seal Award”. Her training continued at Boston Ballet, the Alberta Ballet School, The Banff Centre and Arts Umbrella. Laura performed professionally with The Alberta Ballet and now resides in Montreal.

Kristine Feria

- Oxford University Masters Program
Kristine chose ISB for her formative ballet training under the keen direction of Mrs. Sumen. Kristine continued with ISB achieving her Advanced 2 Royal Academy of Dance designation.
Kristine’s research for her Masters Program in History at the University of Oxford, will focus on the political aspects of ballet in the Cold War. This significant accomplishment is a true reflection of Kristine’s hard work, perseverance and the exceptional foundation she received at the International School of Ballet. We are incredibly proud of Kristine and look forward to seeing the continued success she will undoubtedly achieve.
“Thank you for all your support and help throughout the years. I am grateful to ISB for the beautiful gift that is ballet.”

Fiona McCreadie

Fiona is a graduate of Canada’s National Ballet School’s Teacher Training Program.
Fiona grew up at the International School of Ballet. She danced her way from the Play Ballet program through Advanced 2, achieving distinction. She competed in the Royal Academy of Dance Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition and was part of the Artistic Faculty of ISB prior to her attending NBS Teaching Program.
We can’t wait to see where your teaching career takes you!

“At the pinnacle of my pride are the students who have devoted their time and graduated to become our distinguished alumni. They fill my heart pursuing their studies, establishing their careers and always remaining in touch from far and wide.” - Umran Sumen