They combined the discipline of the Russian Bolshoi Ballet Conservatory with the daring of a quest for the American dream.

They lived the lives of ballet stars, and now they’re choreographing the moves of the next generation of dancers.

And they’re doing it from their home in Kennett Square, their dance studio in Media, and their soon-to-open expansion in Horsham, according to a Chester County Press report by John Chambless.

Moscow-born couple Anastasia Babayeva and Denis Gronostayskiy have both done nothing but ballet since age 8, and they now share that lifelong expertise through their Academy of International Ballet.

The ballet academy is focused on taking children from momentary discipline and rules to fit bodies, grace, and posture that last a lifetime. And it’s giving back what was given them 20 years ago: a bright future.

“We were young and fearless,” Anastasia said. “We didn’t overthink. Sometimes overthinking drives you back. We just did it.”

They did it on stages in Philadelphia, Chicago, Minneapolis, Detroit, and Richmond, Va., and now they do it amidst the picturesque backdrop of the Philly suburbs.

“It’s like every day is a vacation,” Denis said. “We love the beautiful fields with the horses.”

Read more about the story of their life and their Academy of International Ballet in the Chester County Press here.