Robert Ivey Ballet

Robert Ivey Ballet was founded in 1978 by Robert Ivey, who built it into a company that toured over 20 countries, served as Olympic Ambassador to China, and performed at World's Fairs. In 2011, Michael Wise and Olga Wise took over artistic direction. Michael Wise, born in Charleston and trained at the North Carolina School of the Arts, was promoted to Principal Dancer at Moscow Classical Ballet—the only American to hold that position in a major Soviet ballet company. He received the Tchaikovsky Diploma from the Russian government in 1990 for continuous high levels of technique and artistry, and has taught ballet for over 20 years, preparing many students for international ballet competitions and professional careers. Olga Tchoub Wise is a native of Moscow who graduated from the Bolshoi Choreographic Institute with a Masters Degree in the Fine Arts. She joined Moscow Classical Ballet as a soloist in 1990 and became a Principal Dancer, and is now a highly sought-after Master Teacher and Choreographer who has frequently judged classical ballet competitions. She is also a professor at the College of Charleston's dance faculty.

The studio teaches dancers of all ages from creative movement (ages 3–5) through advanced preprofessional training (ages 14+). Class levels include Pre-Ballet, Intro to Ballet (ages 5–6), Ballet 1 (ages 7–9), Ballet 2 (ages 10–12), Intermediate 1 (ages 10–13), Intermediate 2 (ages 13+), and Advanced Ballet/Pointe/Partnering (ages 14+). Pointe training progresses through Pre-Pointe, Beginner, and Intermediate/Advanced levels, with all students required to take two regular technique classes a week to be eligible for Pre-Pointe. The studio also offers Adult Ballet (Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced, ages 18+) and Contemporary/Jazz (Intermediate/Advanced).

Robert Ivey Ballet is one of only a few studios in Charleston that trains dancers for professional careers. Recent alumni have joined Palm Beach Ballet, Twin Cities Ballet, Arles Youth Ballet Company, Alabama Ballet, and Pittsburgh Ballet Theater. The studio emphasizes technique grounded in classical ballet fundamentals while nurturing artistic development and character strength. Teachers include Maria Stewart, a recent College of Charleston graduate trained in Balanchine and Vaganova methods, and Kailee Rafalko, also a College of Charleston graduate who competed at Youth America Grand Prix.

The studio offers performance opportunities throughout the year, including annual recitals, community events, and competitions, to build confidence and stage presence. Summer camps and intensives are available, along with competition coaching and private lessons. Registration for fall classes opens August 1st, with the fall semester beginning August 17th. The studio maintains an online payment portal and parent portal for convenience.

You can try a free class to experience the studio's teaching approach. Classes are structured by age and skill level, from creative movement for the youngest children to preprofessional training for advanced teens and adults.

Co-directors Michael Wise (Ballet Master, principal dancer with Moscow Classical Ballet, recipient of the Tchaikovsky Diploma) and Olga Wise (Ballet Mistress, Bolshoi graduate, Principal Dancer, professor at College of Charleston) lead the studio. Guest teacher Maria Stewart is a recent College of Charleston graduate trained in Balanchine and Vaganova methods. Teacher Kailee Rafalko, also a College of Charleston graduate, competed at Youth America Grand Prix.

The studio welcomes absolute beginners of all ages, from creative movement classes for ages 3–5 through adult beginner ballet for ages 18+, in a supportive environment.