Hamilton's Premiere Classical Ballet School
Celebrating 25 Years
of Dance Excellence!
About The School
Hamilton City Ballet, founded in 2001 by Max Ratevosian and Melania Pawliw, is located in the heart of Dundas, Ontario. We offer classes for children (ages 2.5+) through pre-professional levels and adults, with programs in Classical Ballet, Pointe, Contemporary, Jazz, Historical & Character Dance, Pilates, Stretch & Conditioning, Private Coaching, Competitive Team, Summer Camps, Dance for Parkinson’s, and more.
Where dancers unleash their potential through
Max has staged classical ballet productions such as Giselle, Sleeping Beauty, Don Quixote, Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, Coppelia, Paquita, and Les Sylphides.
Max Ratevosian
Co-Founder & Artistic Director
Max received the City of Hamilton Arts Award for Dance in 2008, the Vancliffen Arts Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011, and was appointed Dean of the International University of Ballet Arts for North America. Max is the recipient of the 2015 Dundas Valley Sunrise Rotary Club – Paul Harris Fellowship Award for his artistic contributions to the community. Max is a member of CID – UNESCO and an Honorary Member of the Vancliffen Arts Foundation.
Max Ratevosian graduated from the Vaganova Academy of Ballet in St. Petersburg, Russia and from the State University of Lunacharsky G.I.T.I.S. in Moscow with a degree major of Ballet Master, Teacher and Choreographer.
During his 20-year tenure at the Moscow State Ballet Theater, he was Principal Dancer, Teacher and Ballet Master. As a professor at the University of Shepkin, Theatrical Division, Max taught Stage Movement and Dance for Dramatic Arts.
Reader's Choice
Award Winner
Daria Lomangino
Jazz Teacher
Julia Garlisi
Contemporary Dance Teacher
Vika Gresova
Ballet Teacher
Masami Clarke
Ballet, Pilates & Yoga Teacher
Nikolai Riabin
Ballet Teacher
Amelia Wanderlingh
Ballet Teacher
Jody Van de Klippe
HCB Dance for Parkinson’s Program Manager
Melania Pawliw
Co-Founder & Artistic Director
Max Ratevosian
Co-Founder & Artistic Director
The basics
2025-2026 Dance Season!
Hamilton City Ballet's New Dance Season Begins September 8!
Promising exciting opportunities for dancers of all ages and levels. Don’t miss your chance to join us!
What Sets Us Apart
For nearly 25 years, Hamilton City Ballet has given students the unique opportunity to perform in full-length ballet productions each spring. Our past productions include beloved classics such as Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker, Coppélia, Cinderella, Les Sylphides, Snow White, Pinocchio, Alice in Wonderland, and more. These experiences bring the magic of professional theatre to our students while inspiring audiences year after year. Learn more about Hamilton City Ballet’s next production.
Our Philosophy
At Hamilton City Ballet, training goes beyond steps and technique — it is about cultivating artistry, discipline, and joy. Our highly qualified faculty, with international professional experience and a passion for teaching, provide exceptional guidance to every student. From a child’s very first class to advanced pre-professional training and adult programs, we foster the highest standards of dance education within a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment. We are dedicated to nurturing confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love for the art of dance. Join our growing family!