Technique: Vaganova Method
The Classical Ballet Academy curriculum emphasizes the classical ballet technique based upon the Russian tradition of training called the Vaganova Method; this method has produced many of the world’s finest dancers.
Agrippina Vaganova has become one of the most important ballet teachers in history. Vaganova married the romantic style of the French ballet and dramatic soulfulness of the Russian character with the athletic virtuosity that characterizes the Italian school to reform the old imperial style of ballet teaching. Vaganova’s system of teaching became and remains the foundation of ballet technique not only in the former Soviet choreographic school, but also throughout Europe, Asia, and South America. This scientifically proven method involves the systematic and progressive study of all ballet movements by breaking them down into their separate elements. The aim of the method is the complete coordination of the entire body in order to achieve artistic dancing.
Vaganova’s system strives to promote dancing with the whole body in order to acquire a harmony of movement and widen the expressive range of the dancer. In order to form a solid foundation of support for dancing, special attention is given to forming an “iron” aplomb, or steadiness, in the trunk of the body—a prerequisite to free bodily control in dance. Students of the Vaganova method develop this by practicing plies with the feet in first position. Although difficult for beginners, forcing the body to keep control and posture while the legs are turned out to their greatest extent build a rigid system of support in the torso and abdominals which easily lend itself to use in Vaganova’s energetic and expressive style. With an iron aplomb and special attention to epaulement (the turning of the shoulders and the body), a foundation is developed for all tours and complicated jumps.
Please Note ages are approximate. Placement is based on students mental and physical maturity.
Beginning 1: This class develops elementary skills and the coordination of movements, while building memory and listening skills as well as the understanding of ballet protocol and etiquette of the ballet studio. Students are taught the fundamentals of classical ballet training emphasizing posture, flexibility, foot exercises, basic anatomy and alignment. Students will begin simple conditioning exercises that have been carefully designed to facilitate muscle strength, correct posture, and proper alignment along with ballet walks, marches and jumps.
Beginning 2: This is a crucial level to build strength in the turned out position. For the easiest and most correct fulfillment of exercises, one begins studying while facing the barre, then moves to one hand. In order to fully understand the role of turnout, one begins studying exercises to the side and then forward and backward. There is additional focus on placement of the arms, body and legs. Attention is placed on the development of musical and rhythmic awareness, memory and focus for the training process. Large poses at 90 degrees are introduced and practiced in exercises and in adagio.
Intermediate 1 : This level is where the bulk of work for all of the higher levels is first broken down and understood.There is a further development of natural talents, strength of the legs, stability, and introduction of demi-pointe in exercises in the center of the studio. Students continue to build strength and alignment at the barre. An array of jumps are introduced. Focus is placed on the mastering of these jumps along with introduction to Pre-Pointe exercises in order to build appropriate foot, ankle, and body strength for future pointe work. In order to strengthen the legs, there is an increasing amount of repeated similar movements in a more advanced musical tempo. In order to strengthen the feet, a sequence of movements is done at the barre on demi-pointe. There is the introduction of movements en tournant, pirouettes, and grand or “big” poses as well as the technique of tours en l’air for men. The continuing development of coordination of movements are emphasized in all parts of the class, as well as the development of expressiveness in each exercise. Ballet de Floor is added in Intermediate 1 or 2, depending on age, and remains a part of the curriculum throughout the rest of their training at CBA.
Intermediate 2: Students continue to develop balance and stability with a focus on building strength in the dancers foundation. In center combinations, there is the introduction of movements en tournant on demi-pointe, the basics of battu jumps landing on one leg, and grand allegro. Tours in big poses with double pirouettes, and with different preparations, are studied. There is a focus on developing flexibility and cohesiveness in transitions from one pose to another. More difficult forms of grand adagio with different tempos are introduced, and stress is also placed on developing elevation in grand allegro. Men stress the polishing of tours. In all divisions of the class, attention is devoted to the continued development of coordination in the movement of the legs, arms, and head.
Pointe:
Students usually begin their study of Pointe in the Intermediate Levels. This is determined by age, number of years trained and if the student possesses sufficient strength in their foundation, legs, ankles and feet.
Promotion to Pointe is not automatic. It is added after the instructors careful consideration of the determining factors.
Advanced:
There is a focus on combinations and technique of different turns on demi-pointe and pointe (stationary and traveling), as well as developing the technique of multiple pirouettes.
Adagio is expanded into a larger form, much like a small variation. The most difficult forms of adagio are introduced, including adagio with big jumps, and a continuation of polishing the technique of turns and more advanced sections of allegro (such as sissonne with battus and en tournant).
Allegro is further developed and stress is placed on dancing each combination as if one were dancing a variation. There is also a focus on allegro combinations with traveling (on a straight line and on a diagonal) as well as en tournant, and an even larger focus on the development of exceptional technique and specialties, artistry, and individualism.
Variations:
With the benefits of the instructor’s experience, students are presented with the keys for transforming technique into art. Students are taught variations and excerpts from classical ballets where they learn not only the choreography, but the overall essence of each variation along with the musical nuances and stylistic approach.
Selected dancers will be invited to perform at the Youth American Grand Prix and/or other ballet competitions.
Ballet Conditioning
Implemented in the Primary Levels, Ballet Conditioning aids in the development of the muscular strength and alignment needed for formal ballet training. Exercises have been carefully designed by CBA Artistic Faculty to facilitate muscle strength, correct posture, and proper alignment in a safe, effective manner.
Ballet de Floor
DYNAMIC - INTELLIGENT - TRAINING
LEARN THE “SECRET WEAPON” TO SUPERIOR TECHNIQUE
Excellent for beginner-advanced (ages 10+) no experience necessary
This class is the key to an in-depth understanding of classic ballet alignment, correct muscle usage, internal development, muscle balance and injury prevention.
Without the use of music, the instructor fluidly guides students through gradual developing movements that constantly centers, lengthens and strengthens the whole body while getting a full understanding of technique.