Military Initiative
Founder & Executive Director
Lisa K. Stephenson (née Jevasia)
The Snows of Khione Ballet Academy was founded by Lisa K. Stephenson, a veteran whose service background informs the Academy’s commitment to discipline, structure, and long-term artistic development. Drawing on her experience, Lisa created an environment where dancers are guided with intention, held to high standards, and supported in their growth as both performers and artists. The Academy blends these values—accountability, respect, and pursuit of excellence—with rigorous training in ballet, music, and storytelling. In keeping with this mission, the Military Initiative was established to provide access to structured arts education for military families and the children of veterans. Through scholarships, community programming, and performance-based training, the initiative offers stability, mentorship, and opportunities for creative expression, while honoring the unique experiences of military-connected individuals.
Today, The Snows of Khione Ballet Academy stands as a global, performance-driven institution, combining elite classical training with artistic mentorship, visibility programs, and a structured casting-to-performance pipeline. The Academy empowers dancers to perform at the highest level, contribute to the development of future artists, and engage in meaningful, professional opportunities that extend beyond the stage.
Scholarship Initiative
The Military Initiative Scholarship Program at The Snows of Khione Ballet Academy provides access to high-level classical ballet training for children of active-duty service members, veterans, and military families who demonstrate both talent and commitment. These scholarships are intended for qualified dancers who may not otherwise have the opportunity to attend elite programs such as Joffrey Ballet School or similar institutions.
Scholarship recipients are selected based on discipline, dedication, and readiness to engage in the Academy’s structured performance pipeline. Support may be applied toward tuition, training programs, and participation in the Academy’s annual December production, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent talented dancers from gaining intensive, performance-focused experience and from auditioning for principal, secondary, or ensemble roles within our stage productions.
Support the Military Initiative
The Military Initiative Scholarship Program at The Snows of Khione Ballet Academy is made possible through the support of individuals and organizations who believe in the value of arts education and the importance of creating opportunities for military families.
Your contribution helps provide access to training, performance opportunities, and scholarship support for students who may not otherwise have the ability to participate. Through your support, dancers are given the opportunity to develop discipline, confidence, and a sense of purpose within a structured artistic environment. As our federal tax-exempt status is currently pending, contributions may not yet be tax-deductible. Upon approval, donations may be considered tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
The J.H. Abney Scholarship - International
The J.H. Abney International Scholarship supports exceptional young dancers from around the world, providing a path to audition for principal roles at The Snows of Khione Ballet Academy. A limited number of recipients are selected annually through a competitive international review, with travel and living expenses covered to ensure selection is based solely on artistic merit.