Born in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatski, Russia, graduated from the Vaganova Ballet Academy in St,Petersburg, Russia and the Yerevan State Choreographic College. Had the privilege to study under the two ballet legends, A. Vaganova’s former students F. Balabina, and N. Dudinskaya. Ms. Akopian is on faculty: Joffrey Ballet Trainee program NYC, JBS Master Teacher program, Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers NYC – Figure Skating Ballet instructor. Gaiane performed around the world and has been recognized by critics worldwide. She danced in numerous classical and contemporary ballets. Performed as principal dancer with the Armenian National Ballet Theater, Thuringian State Ballet, Germany and GR Ballet Company. Some of her leading roles include Romeo and Juliet, Swan Lake, Don Quixote, Giselle, Carmen, The Nutcracker, La Fille Mal Gardee, Cinderella, Firebird, A Midsummer’s Night Dream, Wolfe, Ara Beautiful, Scheherazade, Eugene Onegin, Enigma, CanCan , Les Liasons, Dangereusesand various Balanchine pieces. She was acknowledged by the critics of the Ballet International Tanz Aktuell European magazine as one of Germany’s best dancer, in 1995, and won the Grand –Prix as the dancer of the year in 1997. In 2002 Ms. Akopian was praised in the Musis Sacrum book titled “100 Years Theaterhaus Gera”, (Germany). In 2006 she appeared in “Amazing Women of West Michigan” book among the most influential women of West Michigan community. Past: Works with Figure skaters in Patterson Ice Center, Greater Grand Rapids Figure Skating Club, MI – registered with the United Skates Figure Association. Ms. Akopian worked as a Founder Artistic Director, and Board Of Directors member of Michigan Ballet Academy, choreographed and prepared students for competitions as well as staged numerous ballet performances. Ms. Akopian is very committed to excellence, likes to share her rich stage experience and feels very proud of her students who perform professionally in various ballet companies after studying under her guidance.