Leslie Gungor
Ms. Gungor has been teaching for 26 years and has dedicated herself to pedagogical studies in the Russian Method. This method, as founded by the great Russian teacher Agrippina Y. Vaganova , is a proven method of training dancers in ballet using a highly detailed and specific graded system that, when followed appropriately, provides injury free training. Ms. Gungor has studied Russian method pedagogy with master teacher Mr. John White and is certified with his Pennsylvania Academy of Ballet Society completing all 6 years of syllabus study. In addition to studies in Pennsylvania, she has had the opportunity to learn from various artists of the Kirov and Bolshoi schools while participating at the Ballet Intensive of Moscow held outside of Chicago. Leslie was accepted as a private student of professor Peggy Willis- Aarnio where she had received one-on-one instruction from this notable instructor of classical dance. As a result of the close relationship to Mrs. Aarnio, Leslie has had multiple opportunities for her students to work with the Willis Ballet sister company Saint Petersburg Classic Ballet Theatre of Marina Medvetskaya. Leslie was also invited to choreograph various ballets for her students as part of the St. Petersburg Ballet performances. Leslie studied in St Petersburg, Russia with Mr Oleg Vinogradov’s International Ballet Tour where she was able to learn from many great artists/teachers.
Ms. Gungor’s focus on pedagogical studies have accumulated over the years to aid in a very successful teaching career. Her students have gone on to perform with professional dance companies, and study dance in colleges across the US. Leslie’s students performing opportunities include guesting with the Saint Petersburg Classic Ballet Company (Russia), and as apprentices with the former National American Ballet Company (Minnesota). Acceptance into university dance programs include those in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Iowa, Pennsylvania, Washington, and Mississippi. Many of her students have also been accepted to study in summer professional schools such as the Kirov Academy/Universal Ballet Academy (Washington, DC), Bossov Ballet (Main) , Joffrey (Chicago and New York), ABT, BalletMet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Harid Conservatory, Gelsey Kirkland Academy, North Carolina School of the Arts, Visceral Dance Chicago, Dallas Conservatory, Indiana Ballet Conservatory, and Milwaukee Ballet School. Ms. Gungor’s dedication in maintaining the integrity of classical ballet training along with instilling passion for study of fine art is of utmost importance to her.