Olga Wise

Adjunct Lecturer

Olga Vladislavovna Wise was born in Moscow, Russia, where she received her professional training at the world-renowned Bolshoi Ballet Academy under the esteemed pedagogue Ludmila Litavkina. She graduated in 1988 with a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) 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. She teaches all levels of ballet technique for both dance majors and non-majors, as well as pointe and ballet variations. Drawing upon her extensive professional performing and teaching experience, she is dedicated to cultivating strong technical foundations, artistic expression, and an appreciation for the rich traditions of classical ballet in the next generation of dancers.  
  
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.  

Testimonials

“Olga Wise is a teacher who grows and nurtures her students, allowing them to blossom in a loving environment.”  
 — Deborah Case  
  
“Her skill at teaching the fine intricacies of classical ballet seems to always amaze even the oldest of professionals.” 
 — Fernando Bujones  
  
“To see Michael and Olga in action is an inspiration. What they bring out of young aspiring dancers is sheer magic… Their expertise is integral.”  
 — Desmond Richardson, Co-Founder and Co-Artistic Director, Complexions Contemporary Ballet