Elena Tupyseva

Executive Director

Bio

Elena Tupyseva is an innovative and accomplished arts leader with over 20 years of experience managing performing arts organizations and projects. Born in Moscow, she has worked extensively in contemporary dance and ballet since 1999, bringing a strategic, globally minded approach to artistic leadership.

In 2001, Tupyseva co-founded the Contemporary Dance Centre TsEKh in Moscow, where she led major international festivals and training programs, and from 2000 to 2021, served as the Russian partner for the European Dance Network Aerowaves. From 2012 to 2022, she was Artistic Director and CEO of Theatre Ballet Moscow. Appointed by the Moscow Department of Culture to reimagine the company’s artistic vision, she commissioned more than 30 new works by internationally renowned choreographers, collaborated with major museums and galleries, and earned multiple Golden Mask Award nominations—two of which resulted in wins for Best Dance Production.

In 2022, Tupyseva joined Dance Umbrella of Ontario as Producer, where she supported independent artists through production, finance, and management services. In 2023, she was appointed Executive Director of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. In her first year, she successfully led the organization out of a financial deficit, strengthened operational sustainability, and enhanced strategic alignment across artistic, administrative, and community engagement efforts. Her leadership has focused on investing in talent development and deepening the RWB’s connection to local and national arts communities.

Tupyseva holds a Master’s degree in Performing Arts Management, a Master’s in law, and a Graduate Certificate in Leadership and Management from Royal Roads University. She is a former Fellow of both the DeVos Institute of Arts Management at the Kennedy Center and the International Society for the Performing Arts (ISPA). With a career grounded in entrepreneurship, intercultural dialogue, and visionary leadership, Tupyseva continues to shape the future of the performing arts locally and internationally.