Method of Instruction
Our Artistic Directors have developed a successful, comprehensive ballet syllabus based on the internationally acclaimed Vaganova Method. Utilizing their extensive professional experience as performers and instructors, they have taken the very best elements of the Russian training method and tailored them to suit the specific needs of American students. At the end of our program students will graduate as strong, independent and highly motivated individuals. These attributes will serve them well in whatever career path they choose to pursue.
About the Vaganova Method Agrippina Vaganova
The Vaganova Method is evident in the outstanding technique and artistry of Mikhail Baryshnikov, one of the greatest ballet dancers of the 20th century. Baryshnikov is well known for his breathtaking leaps and turns, crisp beats, beautiful lines, and passionate performances.
The Vaganova Method’s very specific, detailed and scientific approach to ballet training has produced some of the finest teachers, choreographers and dancers in history. Around the world it is acknowledged as not only the foremost training program for classical ballet but also the safest. The method was developed in the late 1920’s and 1930’s by Agrippina Vaganova. She was an outstanding Russian ballet teacher who was both the Artistic Director of the Kirov Ballet and Director of the Leningrad Choreographic Academy. She redefined the Russian system of teaching ballet by combining elements of the rigorous Soviet style, the French ballet’s romantic lyricism and the Italian ballet’s athleticism. The Vaganova method is known for its fluid arms, supple backs, beautiful upper bodies and near perfect turnout. Vaganova dancers have high jumps, powerful turns, great flexibility and unparalleled extension. It is a system that demands precision, attention to detail, concentration and hard work, yet nurtures the whole child with encouragement, precise feedback and high expectations. The Vaganova Method develops the student in mind, body and spirit. Students are individually evaluated according to notated benchmarks and are given continuous personal feedback on their strengths, technical development and artistry. Many of the most famous names in dance history were trained in the Vaganova method: Rudolph Nureyev, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Natalia Makarova, Marina Semenova, Natalia Dudinskaya, Galina Ulanova, Konstantin Sergeyev, Alla Osipenko, Altynai Asylmuratova, Irina Kolpakova, Farukh Ruzimatov, Igor Zelensky, Ulyana Lopatkina, Diana Vishneva and Svetlana Zakharova among many others. Dancers trained with the Vaganova method are currently found in Principal positions in major ballet companies throughout the world. |