The artistic leader of the “Rousskiye Uzory” is Natalia Chatilova, a professional choreographer from Russia. From 1983 to 1996, she was both a dancer and choreographer for various folkloric and musical ensembles in St. Petersburg. Since 1996, she has resided in Montreal, Quebec, where she continues to work as a choreographer for the “Rousskiye Uzory” Ensemble.

She has been on the faculty of the École supérieure de ballet contemporain since 2005.