we can go with that. he was with the company some years ago and then went abroad because he wanted to dance as a soloist as well as work on his own choreo game. now he's back. they could have met during the previous spring season. sasha didn't join the company on their summer move to saratoga so he's been in the city working on some of his own projects (danced in a couple music videos for local artists, etc) and staying in top condition via his own routines and classes. plenty of opportunities to get together and collaborate with someone trying to add to their portfolio as well as becoming better acquainted.