Vaganova method
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The Vaganova method is a method of teaching classical ballet that was founded by Agrippina Vaganova, who founded a syllabus for teaching the art of classical ballet. The Vaganova method was originally designed to be a blend of Romantic plasticity, Italian bravura, and the classicism of the Imperial Ballet (today the Kirov, or Mariinsky, Ballet). Following the Russian Revolution of 1917, the method also began to incorporate elements of the more vigorous style of Soviet ballet.
Agrippina Vaganova graduated from the Imperial Ballet school in 1897 and danced with the Imperial Ballet until 1916, at which point she retired to become a teacher of ballet. She first began teaching in 1921 at what was then the Leningrad State Choreographic School. Through the thirty years she spent teaching ballet and pedagogy, Vaganova developed a precise technique and system of instruction. Tenets of the Vaganova method include the development of lower back strength and arm plasticity, and the requisite strength, flexibility and endurance for ballet. Much of her work was focused on the capability of the dancer to perform a classical pas de deux and the skills necessary for such a performance. In terms of pedagogical training, Vaganova concentrated attention on precision in a teacher's instruction, particularly when to teach what, how long to teach, and in what amount. This became known as the Soviet System of Ballet Education.
In 1948, Vaganova authored a book titled "The Foundation For Dance" (more commonly known as "Basic Principles of Russian Classical Dance"). The book outlined her ideas on ballet technique and pedagogy.
Following Vaganova's death in 1951, her teaching method was preserved by instructors such as Vera Kostrovitskaya. The Imperial Ballet School was renamed the Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet in 1957 in honor of her. Today the Vaganova method is the most common method of teaching ballet in Russia. It is also widely used in Europe and in North America.
