Suzana Stankovic: The Dancer, The Mother, The Founder
Suzana Stankovic is a native New Yorker of Serbian descent. She is a professional dancer, choreographer, actor, director, master ballet teacher, owner/director of Wild Heart Performing Arts Studio and founder/director of Wild Beauty Dance Theatre (formerly the Stankovic Ballet Company).
Suzana is trained primarily in the Russian (Vaganova) school of classical ballet among other dance styles. She is also formally trained in theatre. She began her dance training at a neighborhood school in her hometown of Astoria, Queens and then went on to pursue professional-track training at the Joffrey Ballet School and Steps on Broadway in New York City where she studied with esteemed master teachers. She studied theatre at Hunter College where she received a BS degree in English/secondary education. Suzana has also studied with select master teachers such as John Gould Rubin in New York City, whom she regards as one of her most inspirational teachers.
As a performing artist, Suzana is noted for her emotional depth, artistic range and daring. Her credits include principal roles in classical ballets, avante-garde works, independent films, plays and music videos; collaborative principal roles with Tony Award-winners, filmmakers and visual artists; and, fearlessly blazing her own trail as an independent performing artist.
Suzana has performed and presented her work at many of New York City's most revered venues and in festivals throughout Europe, receiving industry and critical praise. She continues to relentlessly explore new artistic territory.
As a master ballet teacher Suzana guest teaches at studios throughout New York City and the tri-state area. She was on the ballet faculty of Peridance Capezio Center in New York City where she taught adult dancers of all backgrounds until resigning in August 2017 to further develop her own studio.
Suzana is a sought-after teacher for her signature teaching method, which takes a holistic approach to dance and theatre instruction, informed by her own life as a dance-theatre artist. Suzana trains dancers as both athletes and artists, instilling a high standard of technique in her students while guiding them toward bold and authentic performance. Dance Teacher Magazine took notice of Suzana in March 2017 interviewing her for a feature in the June 2017 issue.
Suzana is also a passionate arts advocate. She has been an invited speaker and writer on topics pertaining to today's independent artist. Her articles can be found in the Experts Column of Backstage.com, on the Backstage Blog and her own blog, Wildheartist, which can be found here.
Artist; teacher; producer; arts advocate; humanitarian- in all she does, Suzana aims to inspire individuals to surpass their perceived limits and live brave and liberated lives.