About us
Selin Bernâ Çakıcı
Selin Bernâ Çakıcı is the founder of Elysium Ballet Academy School of Ballet and Healing Arts. Born in Amsterdam to a Caribbean mother and a Turkish father, Selin embodies a rich multicultural heritage that informs her teaching approach.
As a licensed instructor of the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) and Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT), Selin trained at esteemed institutions such as the National Ballet Academy in Amsterdam and Mimar Sinan Conservatoire in Istanbul. Here she developed a refined ear for music, eye for detail, and a profound understanding of classical ballet technique.
From a young age, Selin was immersed in the world of dance, greatly influenced by her mother, a Latin dance instructor. Her ballet journey commenced at the age of three at Studio Dansakademik in Istanbul where she excelled, swiftly progressing through RAD Grades 1, 2, and 3. Leading to her acceptance into the prestigious Mimar Sinan Conservatoire by age nine.
At twelve, she successfully auditioned for both the Dutch National Ballet Academy in Amsterdam and the Royal Conservatoire in The Hague, ultimately training at the National Ballet Academy. Selin honed her craft through various productions, including numerous performances of Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker and the principal role in “Dansers van Morgen” at the Stadsschouwburg in Amsterdam.
Following her pre-education at the NBA, Selin enriched her professional repertoire with advanced training under Lucia Marthas and performed at Theater de Meervaart in Amsterdam. In addition to her dance qualifications, she studied Media and Entertainment Management at InHolland University of Applied Sciences, which led to a role in event management in Istanbul.
Motivated by her desire to share her knowledge and passion for classical ballet, along with a commitment to fostering personal growth and enjoyment, Selin creates engaging and inclusive classes in which every student feels inspired and valued.
Having navigated the complexities of the dance industry and the mental pressures of perfectionism, she envisions Elysium Ballet School as a diverse community that encourages artistic expression in a supportive environment.
Currently, Selin is exploring a unique fusion of classical ballet with fire dancing and tribal influences, aiming to establish a contemporary style that enriches her students’ learning experiences.
Elysium Ballet School invites aspiring dancers to embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and empowerment through the art of ballet and healing.
