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My name is Oleg Bondarenko, and I’m writing to share the deeply unjust story of my sister-in-law, Viktoria Titova — an immigrant woman, former Bolshoi ballerina, and the founder of two beloved ballet institutions that served the Seattle community for more than 17 years.
Viktoria dedicated her life to building two organizations: a nonprofit ballet theatre (BT) and a for-profit ballet academy (BA). These two organizations worked in harmony: BA provided world-class training, while BT gave students the chance to perform on a professional stage.
She pursued this dream with incredible personal and financial sacrifice — working long hours, going without vacations or proper pay, and pouring everything she had into the Eastside arts community.
But in June 2024, the BT Board, acting with personal motives and in violation of state law, wrongfully fired Viktoria from all her roles. The Board then launched its own ballet school, replicating BA’s model and directly competing with it. Even more troubling, BT began performing Viktoria’s original choreography without her permission or credit.
Now, Viktoria is fighting to protect her name, her work, and her legacy — all while facing overwhelming legal expenses.
Read the full story: victoryforviktoria.com
Join the discussion: Facebook
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Community Outrage
Students, parents, and supporters sent dozens of letters to the Board expressing their shock and outrage:
- “The board members are conspiring [...] in an attempt to ultimately steal the business.”
- “A hostile takeover of a profitable immigrant-owned business.”
- “An unfortunate example of unethical power and vile greed.”
- “Shame on you, Board members. Non-profits are supposed to contribute to the community.”
- "Without Ms. Viktoria's expertise, care, and perseverance, there would be no board for you to sit on.”
The message was loud and clear: this was not a personnel issue — it was a betrayal of the founder and everything she stood for.
Severe Conflict of Interest
One Board member had a clear conflict of interest: his daughter was positioned to be promoted following Viktoria’s removal, ultimately becoming both School Director and Artistic Director. Despite acknowledging this conflict, he refused to recuse himself and actively participated in all key votes and discussions. The rest of the Board — fully aware of the situation — stood by and allowed it to happen.
Wrongful Termination
According to Viktoria’s legal counsel, the Board’s vote violated Washington State law RCW 24.03a.530(2)(b), which requires 48-hour written notice to remove a director. No such notice was given. The Board was informed of this requirement — and knowingly proceeded with vote anyway.
Plagiarism
In December 2024, the newly rebranded BT staged a “community” performance of The Nutcracker, directed by the same board member’s daughter. The choreography was a close copy of Viktoria’s original work —performed without her permission or credit. Shortly afterward, the Board named the daughter, praising her as an “artistic visionary.”
Let’s be clear: plagiarism isn’t vision. It’s theft.
You can help by:
✅ Sharing this campaign on social media and within your network
✅ Leaving a message of support to show the Board—and the world—where you stand
✅ Donating what you can to support Viktoria’s legal fight
Viktoria has spent her life uplifting others. Now she needs your help to defend what she built.
Thank you for reading. This is more than one immigrant woman’s story. It’s about justice, integrity, and standing up to unethical power—especially when it targets those who sacrificed everything to build something beautiful. ️ Victory for Viktoria!
⚖️ Disclaimer: This fundraiser reflects my personal views, based on direct experience—including participation in two BT Board meetings as an interpreter, review of internal and public documents, and legal opinion. Funds will go toward Viktoria Titova’s legal expenses and efforts to rebuild her work.
Organizer
Oleg Bondarenko
Organizer
Bellevue, WA