Alina Kulikova

Alina Kulikova brings a rich international dance career and a deep commitment to arts education and accessibility to her role as Education & Community Engagement Manager. Originally from Russia’s Far North, Alina began her professional training at the Komi Republic Academy and College of Arts, leaving home at the age of 11. After graduating with a Diploma of Classical Ballet, she performed for five seasons with the State Opera and Ballet Theatre of the Republic of Komi, before continuing her career as a soloist with the Russian National Ballet and the Imperial Russian Ballet in Moscow.

Alongside her classical foundation, Alina has performed extensively in neo‑classical, contemporary, and folk works, presenting repertoire across Europe, America, Africa, Asia, Australia, and Aotearoa New Zealand. These international experiences underpin her holistic approach to engagement, creativity, and lifelong participation in the arts.

Since relocating to New Zealand in 2017, Alina has focused her career on education, mentoring, and community connection. She completed her Professional Dancers’ Postgraduate Teaching Certificate in 2019 and is a registered Royal Academy of Dance teacher, working with students ranging in age from three to seventy‑three. Strongly believing that dance should be accessible to everyone, she co‑founded What Dance Can Do Project NZ, a charitable initiative providing free dance classes for children and promoting the physical, social, and emotional benefits of dance.

In parallel, Alina continues her artistic practice as a member of BalletCollective Aotearoa, performing works by New Zealand choreographers at festivals across the country. Her work sits at the intersection of professional artistry, education, and community engagement, driven by a passion for creating inclusive, meaningful pathways for people of all ages to connect with dance.