Vaganova Ballet Syllabus
Vaganova Ballet
The Vaganova method is one of the main training techniques of classical ballet. The Vaganova method was derived from the teaching methods of instructors of the
Imperial Ballet School of Soviet Russia.
Characteristics of Vaganova
The Vaganova method of classical ballet encourages dancing with the entire body. Dancers trained by the Vaganova method will likely have high jumps and powerful turns, aided by the use of the arms. Many movements of the Vaganova technique require dancers to remain in the air for as long as possible to give them an illusion of floating through the air, which requires great flexibility and extension.
The Vaganova technique encourages dancers to move their arms, legs and torso together in perfect harmony. A strong torso is a necessity for the Vaganova method, as the torso forms the foundation of all movements.
Unlike other methods of ballet, the Vaganova method encourages obvious hand movements. The hands should not flow gradually from one movement to the next, but should "flap" into place at the last moment. The hands should be held distinctly, with the thumb held close to the middle finger and the pointer and ring finger slightly raised.
The Vaganova method is evident in the technique of Mikhail Baryshnikov, one of the greatest ballet dancers of the 20th century. Baryshnikov is well-known for his extremely high, practically effortless leaps into the air.
The Vaganova method is one of the main training techniques of classical ballet. The Vaganova method was derived from the teaching methods of instructors of the
Imperial Ballet School of Soviet Russia.
Characteristics of Vaganova
The Vaganova method of classical ballet encourages dancing with the entire body. Dancers trained by the Vaganova method will likely have high jumps and powerful turns, aided by the use of the arms. Many movements of the Vaganova technique require dancers to remain in the air for as long as possible to give them an illusion of floating through the air, which requires great flexibility and extension.
The Vaganova technique encourages dancers to move their arms, legs and torso together in perfect harmony. A strong torso is a necessity for the Vaganova method, as the torso forms the foundation of all movements.
Unlike other methods of ballet, the Vaganova method encourages obvious hand movements. The hands should not flow gradually from one movement to the next, but should "flap" into place at the last moment. The hands should be held distinctly, with the thumb held close to the middle finger and the pointer and ring finger slightly raised.
The Vaganova method is evident in the technique of Mikhail Baryshnikov, one of the greatest ballet dancers of the 20th century. Baryshnikov is well-known for his extremely high, practically effortless leaps into the air.