Valentina Kozlova, born in Moscow, trained at the Bolshoi Ballet School and joined the Bolshoi Ballet in 1973, becoming a Principal dancer in 1975. She defected in 1979 during a U.S. tour and went on to perform internationally, including with the Australian Ballet and as a guest artist worldwide. In 1983 she joined New York City Ballet as a Principal, dancing major roles in works by Balanchine and others until 1995. She also appeared on Broadway and in film.

Kozlova later became a choreographer and educator, staging classics and creating original works. She co-founded The Daring Project and, in 2011, established the Valentina Kozlova International Ballet Competition. A respected teacher and coach, she has worked with leading companies globally. Her honors include major teaching awards, recognition from the Carnegie Corporation, and lifetime achievement awards. www.vkibc.org