Name: Olga Marchenko
Organization: BalletRox
Title: Program Manager, Ballet Instructor
Artistic Genre: Dance
Years in the Field: 8

What do you do at BalletRox?
I am responsible for different aspects of BalletRox’s program, including but not limited to curriculum design, student enrollment, student and program evaluation, production of recitals, and website development. As a ballet instructor I teach all levels of ballet classes and choreograph for recitals and performances.

Why do you do what you do?
The mission of BalletRox is dear to my heart with its main objective to expose Boston youth to dance and opportunities for mastery and performance, to which they would not otherwise have access, giving them discipline and a supportive community to succeed in life.

What comes easiest to you in this work?
Communication with students, especially our oldest group (12-18 years olds). I believe in partnership between a student and a teacher, where I see myself more as an older friend, who knows just a bit more and likes to share her experiences with my younger friends. In turn, they know that there is a time for fun but when there is work to do they become professionals and work their hardest!

How do you blow off steam?
For me it is taking a simple walk in the park or forest on a sunny day. Having music on in the background comes in second. And of course, reading.

What music do you like listen to (if even a little too loudly)?
I’m an oldies person most of the time. Anything from Billie Holiday to the Beach Boys. At times however, I could sway from hip hop to classical and somewhere in the middle with some lounge music.

What are you currently reading?
Life Without Limits by Nick Vujicic. A very inspirational autobiographical book about a person born without limbs, neither legs nor arms. Despite his physical limits he not only leads a full life, but encourages others to not give up hope in any circumstances.