An accomplished dancer and painter, and a most passionate teacher

Rajka Kupesic entered the National School for Classical Ballet in Zagreb, Croatia at the age of eight. After graduating with the top honours, she joined the National Ballet of Croatia.

Later in her career, as a soloist, Rajka joined the Munich Opera Ballet Company and toured many European dance centres. In Canada, Rajka performed as Principal dancer with the Toronto City Ballet.

During her professional career, Rajka worked with and under the direction of such well known choreographers ad Peter VanDyk, M. Kura, Milko Sparenblek, Frane Jelincic, and W. Orlikowski, to name a few.

Passing on her vision and passion to the next generation

With a vision of educating children in the art of classical ballet, in 1993 Rajka opened a ballet school in Mississauga, Ontario. It gave her the opportunity to pass on her knowledge, professional experience and passion for dance to new generations of young, aspiring dancers.

Rajka is a member of the Society of Russian Ballet and The Canadian Dance Teachers Association (CDTA). In order to make the repertoire level appropriate for each student, Rajka choreographs all the dances performed at the Spring Recital, competitions and professional venues. She also designs all the costumes.

An acclaimed painter and book illustrator

Multitalented, Rajka has also established herself as one of Canada's leading artists. Her paintings are exhibited extensively across Canada, the United States, Europe and Asia. She is also an acclaimed book illustrator. Her first book, Claire's Gift, won the 2000 Mr. Christie Book Awards while her second tome, Marie Chapdelaine, was nominated for a 2005 Governor General's Award. The same year, she illustrated Karen Kain's retelling of The Nutcracker.

Rajka's artistry and sense of beauty, evident in her paintings, are ever present in the style and finesse she brings to her choreography.

To view Rajka's art, visit www.kupesic.com