our mission
The mission of the Robert Ivey Ballet Academy is to provide every child with the highest-level training possible in a safe and friendly environment. The Robert Ivey Ballet Academy holds its instructors to an international standard of excellence. There is a focus on providing students an understanding of the technique behind classical ballet, while nurturing their artistic development as well as their strength of character.
our story
In 1978, Robert Ivey created the Robert Ivey Ballet and for almost 40 years exemplified proud traditions of grace, generosity and excellence while serving the Charleston community. Enthusiastically led by its Directors, Board, and supporters, the Robert Ivey Ballet has renewed old ties and established new partnerships with local businesses, school districts, community leaders, art’s organizations, and most importantly with local ballet audiences.
Robert Ivey used his artistic vision, his boundless energy, and his desire for excellence to create a ballet company that toured over 20 countries, was Olympic Ambassador to China, performed at World’s Fairs, won national awards for original choreography, and was an integral part of the Piccolo Spoleto Festival for over 30 years. Hundreds of thousands of adults and children have seen Robert Ivey Ballet performances.
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In 2011, Mr. Ivey and the Robert Ivey Ballet Board of Directors chose Charleston native Michael Wise and his Russian-born wife, Olga, to take the reins of the Robert Ivey Ballet, knowing they would bring their energy and enthusiasm, rigorous Russian classical ballet training and extensive professional expertise to propel his beloved company into the future. They have delivered on that promise.
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​In 2014, Robert Ivey Ballet came under the artistic direction of Michael Wise. Mr. Wise has taken the mandate educating a new generation of dancers, producing professional full-length classical ballets, and representing the city of Charleston, SC and the State of South Carolina
our staff
Michael Wise
Co-Director | Ballet Master
Mr. Wise was born in Charleston and studied at the North Carolina School of the Arts. In 1988 Mr. Wise was asked to train in Budapest as the Hungarian representative in international ballet competitions. He then joined the Moscow Classical Ballet, and was then promoted to Principal Dancer - the only American to have held this position in a major Soviet ballet company. In 1990, the Russian government awarded him the Tchaikovsky Diploma for continuous high levels of Technique and Artistry. After Russia, Mr. Wise continued to perform internationally as a Principal Dancer. Mr. Wise has taught ballet for over 20 years, prepared many students for international ballet competitions and professional careers.
Olga Wise
Co-Director | Ballet Mistress
Olga Vladislavovna Wise was born in Moscow, Russia, where she received her professional training at the world-renowned Moscow State Academy of Choreography (Bolshoi Ballet Academy) under the esteemed pedagogue Ludmila Litavkina. She graduated in 1988 with a Master of Fine Arts (MA) with a concentration in Classical Ballet and immediately joined the Moscow State Musical Theater as a featured soloist. There, she earned critical acclaim for her compelling dramatic interpretations and performances in the company's contemporary repertoire.
In 1990, Olga accepted an invitation to join the Moscow Classical Ballet as a soloist, embarking on an international performing career that took her to audiences throughout Japan, the
Netherlands, Spain, United Kingdom, Italy, and the United States. She has performed principal roles in celebrated classical ballets including Paquita, The Nutcracker, Le Corsaire, Ondine, and Swan Lake, as well as numerous neoclassical and contemporary works.
Throughout her career, she has had the privilege of collaborating with distinguished artists including Fernando Bujones, Luke De Laress, Vicky Simon, Alex Ossadnik, Desmond Richardson, and Dwight Rhoden.
In 1994, Olga began working alongside the legendary choreographer Robert Ivey in Charleston, South Carolina. Their artistic partnership continued until Mr. Ivey's passing in 2011. Following his death, Olga and her husband, Michael Wise, assumed the leadership of the Robert Ivey Ballet, preserving his artistic vision while expanding the organization's educational and performance mission.
As Artistic Director and Resident Choreographer of the Robert Ivey Ballet, Olga has choreographed and directed numerous full-length classical ballets, including Cinderella, Snow Maiden, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Mary Poppins. Her productions are recognized for their dramatic storytelling, musicality, and commitment to the traditions of classical ballet while engaging contemporary audiences. She has also had the privilege of creating and staging choreography on artists from American Ballet Theatre (ABT) and The Joffrey Ballet, further reflecting the artistic excellence and professional caliber of her work.
Since 2018, Olga has served as an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Theatre and Dance at the College of Charleston. Teaching all levels of ballet technique, for both dance majors and non-majors, as well as pointe and ballet variations.
Since 2011, Olga and Michael Wise have dedicated themselves to developing the next generation of dancers through exceptional training and mentorship. Together, they have preserved Robert Ivey's artistic legacy while inspiring dancers of all ages and abilities. Their students have gone on to perform with major ballet companies across the United States and internationally, while countless others have discovered a lifelong appreciation for the discipline, artistry, and joy of dance through their guidance.
With more than three decades of experience as a performer, choreographer, artistic director, educator, and professor, Olga Wise remains deeply committed to preserving the traditions of classical ballet while fostering artistic excellence, technical integrity, and a lifelong love of dance. Through her unwavering dedication to her students and the enduring legacy of the Robert Ivey Ballet, she continues to inspire generations of dancers to pursue their highest artistic potential​.​​​
Shannon Maloney
Instructor
Coming Soon
Kailee Rafalko
Instructor
Kailee Rafalko is a graduate of the College of Charleston with a Bachelor of the Arts in Dance
and Communications. From Hackettstown, New Jersey, she began her dance journey at the age
of 3 at North Jersey School of Dance Arts where she primarily focused on her ballet training.
She began her teaching career at NJSDA at age 15 and continued to teach until she graduated
high school. Additionally, she competed at Youth America Grand Prix in 2020 and 2021. More
recently, she has participated in the College of Charleston’s dance concerts performing in
pieces such as excerpts from La Sylphide and Le Corsaire. During this time, she also performed
with Rovert Ivey Ballet and taught at Rival Dance Academy. While at the College of Charleston,
she was coached by Gretchen McLaine, Kristin Alexander, and Olga Wise, to name a few.
Currently, Kailee continues her dance journey training and teaching with RIB.
Maria Hanvey
Guest Instructor
Maria Hanvey is a native of Seneca, South Carolina and a recent graduate of College Of Charleston with a Bachelors of the arts in Dance with a concentration in Performance and Choreography and a minor in Geology. Maria started her training at Foothills Dance Conservatory for 15 years learning both Balanchine and Vaganova Method of ballet under the direction of Ginny Siano-Eck. She has also trained with Joffrey Ballet, South Carolina Governor’s School for Arts and Humanities, Next Generation Ballet, and American Ballet Theatre for summer sessions. Maria has also been trained in jazz, contemporary, tap, and modern under Allie Larson and Vaughn Newman. She has continued her education with Robert Ivey Ballet under Olga and Michael Wise since 2020 and is entering her fourth year teaching with Robert Ivey Ballet.