Our Story

Ballet performance with colorful screen background

Our Story

Established in 1945, The Metropolitan School of Dance (MSD) has been inspiring a love of classical ballet for over 80 years, growing into a vibrant community of more than 600 students.

We welcome children from the age of 3 through to pre-professional level, offering high-quality training in classical ballet within a warm, supportive, and encouraging environment. Our aim is to nurture each dancer’s confidence, discipline, and artistry, while upholding the highest standards of teaching.

Students at MSD are prepared for examinations with the Royal Academy of Dance and The Irish Board of Dance Performance, where they consistently achieve excellent results at both graded and vocational levels.

Beyond the studio, our dancers enjoy the exciting opportunity to perform on stage, a special experience that celebrates their dedication, progress, and passion for dance.

At MSD, we are proud of our rich heritage and dynamic present, continuing to inspire generations of dancers to grow, achieve, and shine.

Find your Class

Young male ballet dancer holding flowers

Our Ethos

Performances

Students are given the opportunity to experience the excitement and magic of the stage through professionally produced productions, performances, workshops, and special events, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Heritage

Founded in Dublin in 1945, The Metropolitan School of Dance is proud to be the longest-established ballet school in Ireland. For over 80 years, generations of students have enjoyed exceptional ballet training in a supportive and inspiring environment.

Professional Experience

The school is led by Anastasiia Kolesnyk Ozturk, a former professional ballet soloist with the Kyiv Municipal Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre and Silver Medalist at the prestigious Premio Roma International Ballet Competition. Her professional performing and teaching experience helps inspire students while maintaining the highest artistic standards.

Vocational Training

While many students dance for enjoyment, others choose to pursue ballet at a higher level. Over the years, Metropolitan students have successfully auditioned for leading vocational dance schools and colleges across Europe.

Positive and Supporting Environment

At The Metropolitan School of Dance, we believe that every child deserves to learn in a warm, welcoming, and encouraging atmosphere. We strive to create a place where students feel valued, supported, and inspired, making each class an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Our aim is for every child to develop a genuine love of dance while building friendships and creating happy memories.

Developing Confidence & Potential

Every child is unique, and we are committed to helping each student reach their individual potential. Through ballet training, students develop not only technical skills, but also confidence, discipline, musicality, creativity, and artistry. These qualities benefit children both in the studio and throughout their lives, helping them grow into confident and capable young people.

Principal

Anastasiia Kolesnyk Ozturk

Principal – The Metropolitan School of Dance

Anastasia Kolesnyk Ozturk is a distinguished ballet educator and former professional soloist, currently serving as Principal of The Metropolitan School of Dance in Dublin. With an accomplished international performing career and advanced pedagogical training, she brings depth, precision, and artistic excellence to her leadership.

Trained in Kyiv, Anastasia developed a strong classical foundation before launching her career as a soloist with the Kyiv Municipal Theatre. During her formative years, she received recognition at prestigious international competitions, earning the Silver Medal (2nd Place) at Premio Roma. Her professional repertoire includes leading roles such as Myrtha in Giselle, Mary in The Nutcracker, Egina in Spartacus, and performances in Chopiniana, among others. She further expanded her artistic experience as a guest soloist with ballet companies in Italy, performing on the international stage.

Alongside her performance career, Anastasia pursued advanced academic studies in education and teaching, strengthening her transition into ballet pedagogy. She completed the Royal Academy of Dance Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies (CBTS) and holds certification in the Vaganova Ballet Method, integrating two of the world's most respected classical training systems into her approach.

Anastasia joined The Metropolitan School of Dance as a Senior Teacher and was appointed Principal in 2024. In her leadership role, she upholds the highest standards of classical training while fostering individual growth, artistic integrity, and performance excellence.

Her teaching philosophy is rooted in tradition, discipline, and refinement — guiding dancers to develop technical strength, confidence, and a deep appreciation for the art of ballet.