Victory for Viktoria: A Community Stands Against Injustice

Ms. Viktoria Titova, a former Bolshoi Ballet ballerina, founded Emerald Ballet Theatre (EBT), a nonprofit organization, in 2007 and Emerald Ballet Academy (EBA), a for-profit ballet school, in 2010. Viktoria single-handedly built EBT and EBA from the ground up, recruiting talented teachers and staff. The two entities complemented each other perfectly — one focused on nurturing students, while the other brought their talents to life on stage through stunning performances.

She pursued this dream with immense financial and personal sacrifice, working tirelessly — without vacations or proper compensation — to provide the Seattle arts community with the highest level of ballet education.

In 2019, Viktoria's longtime teacher Erin McEachran — whom she had mentored for years — suggested adding her father to the EBT Board. It would prove to be a fateful decision. Five years later, James McEachran played a key role in Viktoria's ousting, paving the way for his daughter to take her place as School Director and Artistic Director.

By spring 2024, Viktoria began noticing troubling signs. Despite record enrollment, a successful performance season, and a $300,000 surplus in EBT's bank account, the Board seemed determined to find "issues" with her leadership. Several EBA/EBT employees were seemingly engaging in actions that undermined her work.

On May 1, the Board informed Viktoria that they were considering removing her from all EBT roles — under the pretense of "giving her more time to search for a new studio." As if searching for a new studio somehow made her incapable of performing her regular duties. In another instance, a Board member proposed "buying out" Viktoria's own company and "bringing EBA under EBT." Seemingly, the Board was looking for ways to push Viktoria out.

As the confrontation escalated, Viktoria took two crucial steps. First, she requested an interpreter for Board meetings. English is not her native language, and under stress, it was challenging to interpret conversations and respond quickly — especially when discussing intricate legal and financial matters. The Board denied her request three times. As a result, she was left without an interpreter during the critical meetings on May 21 and May 31.

The Board eventually relented — but only after an attorney intervened, stating: "Failure to accommodate this reasonable request would constitute discrimination against an otherwise proven capable director over the last 17 years."

Second, Viktoria appealed directly to the EBA/EBT community. Students, parents, and supporters wrote numerous letters expressing their shock and disappointment over the Board's actions:

"the board members of EBT 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, and you have failed in this task"

"Without Ms. Viktoria's expertise, care, and perseverance, there would be no board for you to sit on"

Read the full community letters to the Board. One after another, the letters urged the Board to:

• Not fire Viktoria
• Not separate EBA and EBT
• Not tear the community apart
• Communicate openly and transparently

The Board arrogantly disregarded the overwhelming outcry from the community and fired Viktoria during a marathon meeting held over June 4-5, 2024. The meeting itself was bizarre and deceitful. Viktoria repeatedly expressed her willingness to do whatever was necessary to keep both EBT and EBA together. For the first four hours, the Board appeared to work toward a resolution. Then — after extracting the information they wanted — the tone abruptly shifted, as if on cue.

• The secretary rapidly read a pre-written motion to remove Viktoria from all positions
• Three vague, unsubstantiated reasons were cited — spreading rumors, threatening to resign, and disrespectful treatment of staff
• No evidence was presented. Importantly, these claims were unrelated to any prior disagreements between Viktoria and the Board
• There was no real discussion. The vote appeared predetermined — it was an ambush
• Viktoria was wrongfully removed from her board position. The vote was in violation of Washington State law RCW Section 24.03a.530(2)(b)
• The required 48-hour notice for the director's removal was not given
• The Board was made aware of this legal requirement but hastily proceeded with the vote anyway — a likely breach of fiduciary duty

Let's pause for a moment. Viktoria, who devoted 17 years of her life to building this organization from nothing, was removed in minutes — with no evidence, no opportunity to defend herself, and no legal notice. Over unspecified rumors? In what universe is that reasonable?

Severe Conflict of Interest

• Board member James McEachran had a direct and undisputed conflict — his daughter was set to replace Viktoria
• He acknowledged this conflict but refused to recuse himself and actively participated in all critical votes and discussions
• The rest of the Board, despite being fully aware, did nothing. They too likely violated fundamental ethical and fiduciary responsibilities

Three Votes

Three unqualified individuals — with no ballet background, business experience limited to a few Zoom meetings, and questionable ethics — voted to split the two companies and to fracture an entire community.

Three votes. That's all it took.

Impact on EBT

But this clever scheme did not succeed, as only about 10% of students remained with EBT. The community was bitterly divided. For the first time in 17 years, the production company had no Nutcracker performance. The disastrous consequences were predictable — except, apparently, to the geniuses from the Board.

Plagiarism:

EBT did stage a mini-Nutcracker in a shopping mall. This "community" performance was directed by Erin McEachran who blatantly copied Viktoria's original choreography. Ballet professionals and community members noted striking similarities in movement, staging, and structure.

Shortly afterward, the Board appointed Erin as Artistic Director, declaring: "Erin is an artistic visionary."

Board Changes

Of the original four members, only James McEachran still remains on the Board. Those who were so eager to remove Viktoria and dismantle the successful partnership between the two companies quickly abandoned ship — nowhere to be found now that the damage is done. But McEachran will likely cling to his seat for as long as his daughter depends on him — regardless of the glaring conflict of interest.

Impact on EBA

EBA also suffered devastating losses. Viktoria was forced out of her studio and had to secure a new space on short notice. She lost all costumes. Legal fees have been overwhelming, and she was forced to take on an enormous personal loan. Meanwhile, EBT continued actions that undermined EBA's business.

But Viktoria is a survivor—and once again, she rose to the challenge. Most of the talented, professional, and principled teachers chose to stand by her. The vast majority of families followed EBA, refusing to abandon the woman who had shaped their children's artistic journeys.

The entire community — teachers, staff, students, and parents — rallied with remarkable unity. In just weeks, over 200 costumes were sewn or altered by a newly formed Costume Team. Parent volunteers stepped in at every turn. Teachers and dancers poured their hearts into every role. What they accomplished was nothing short of miraculous!

In December 2024, EBA triumphantly staged four spectacular Nutcracker performances — with a live orchestra, dazzling new sets, and a breathtaking guest dancer. The 20th anniversary of Viktoria's choreography was her most magical production to date.

In January 2025, EBA students dominated the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP), winning top awards across multiple categories. EBA also earned the prestigious "Outstanding Teacher" Award—a distinction given to only two ballet schools.