Forum: Ballet / Ballet - General
re: Vaganova Technique: Myths vs. Fact
By ballerina123

re: Vaganova Technique: Myths vs. Fact
By sugarfairy_


re: Vaganova Technique: Myths vs. Fact
By maureensiobhan

re: Vaganova Technique: Myths vs. Fact
By nycsylph



re: Vaganova Technique: Myths vs. Fact
By marielondon
re: Vaganova Technique: Myths vs. Fact
By enigmaticpheo


re: Vaganova Technique: Myths vs. Fact
By Tickles
re: Vaganova Technique: Myths vs. Fact (karma: 1)
By Elfie



re: Vaganova Technique: Myths vs. Fact
By BerensDancer



re: Vaganova Technique: Myths vs. Fact (karma: 1)
By YellowFairy

re: Vaganova Technique: Myths vs. Fact
By emodancer94

re: Vaganova Technique: Myths vs. Fact
By enigmaticpheo


re: Vaganova Technique: Myths vs. Fact
By Elfie



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21 Replies to Vaganova Technique: Myths vs. Fact

By ballerina123


On Sat Mar 14, 2009 03:08 AM
What a great post! This was very informative which I really enjoyed. I myself learn vaganava and I find it really annoying when all these myths goes around! Thanks for clearing a couple of things up 


By sugarfairy_



On Sat Mar 14, 2009 05:12 AM
I am a Vaganova trained dancer, and I agree with everything you said. It's a very informative post, thank you for that! Karma!

By maureensiobhan


On Sat Mar 14, 2009 09:55 AM
RE: Vaganova method does not produce good turners.
Where did anyone get this idea? Based on what I've read in the book "100 Classes in Classical Ballet", which outlines the syllabus taught at the Vaganova school, I would say that Vaganova-trained dancers become phenomenal turners. During the third year, the students begin learning how to turn. When they get to the fourth year, they've developed the feeling of how to turn strongly enough that now, it's considered safe enough for them to start working on developing the stability and balance when they turn. By the time the students get to the fifth year, they've developed the stability and balance strongly enough when they turn that now, it's considered safe enough for them to start teaching them how to do grands pirouettes in big poses (arabesque and attitude). By the time the students get to the seventh year, they can turn confidently and correctly enough that now, they can begin to work on and perfect the finer details of the turns. You can see then how they work slowly, methodically, and carefully for several years on the basic aspects and then the perfection and refinements of turning.
RE: Vaganova technique is focused more on gymnastics aspects of ballet than on musicality and artistry.
I have no idea where anyone got this idea either. During the eighth year, the students concentrate on developing and then polishing their artistry and expression. As for musicality, the students' natural sense of rhythm and timing are assessed when they audition for the school. During their training, they must take music lessons. This will heighten and then refine their feel for the counts and rhythm of the music.
By the way, is "Thanks for reading" the English translation of the Russian phrase at the end of your post?
Where did anyone get this idea? Based on what I've read in the book "100 Classes in Classical Ballet", which outlines the syllabus taught at the Vaganova school, I would say that Vaganova-trained dancers become phenomenal turners. During the third year, the students begin learning how to turn. When they get to the fourth year, they've developed the feeling of how to turn strongly enough that now, it's considered safe enough for them to start working on developing the stability and balance when they turn. By the time the students get to the fifth year, they've developed the stability and balance strongly enough when they turn that now, it's considered safe enough for them to start teaching them how to do grands pirouettes in big poses (arabesque and attitude). By the time the students get to the seventh year, they can turn confidently and correctly enough that now, they can begin to work on and perfect the finer details of the turns. You can see then how they work slowly, methodically, and carefully for several years on the basic aspects and then the perfection and refinements of turning.
RE: Vaganova technique is focused more on gymnastics aspects of ballet than on musicality and artistry.
I have no idea where anyone got this idea either. During the eighth year, the students concentrate on developing and then polishing their artistry and expression. As for musicality, the students' natural sense of rhythm and timing are assessed when they audition for the school. During their training, they must take music lessons. This will heighten and then refine their feel for the counts and rhythm of the music.
By the way, is "Thanks for reading" the English translation of the Russian phrase at the end of your post?

By nycsylph




On Sat Mar 14, 2009 10:01 AM
Excellent job in breaking it all down for those intimidated by the technique!!!!
Ballet techniques do have these "urban legends" attached to them that someone needs to dispel. I think you did a very effective job in doing just that!!! And you did so in a manner that was clear, concise and very easy to understand and follow!!
Karma to you, hon!!!
Ballet techniques do have these "urban legends" attached to them that someone needs to dispel. I think you did a very effective job in doing just that!!! And you did so in a manner that was clear, concise and very easy to understand and follow!!
Karma to you, hon!!!

By marielondon

On Sat Mar 14, 2009 11:13 AM
this is the technique my ballet academy uses and I cannot find it anymore right.
my friend from my studio recently took an open class at another school and informed me that, compared to our academy, they gave her almost no corrections on her technique.
At my studio, everything on barre is expected to be perfect, and we're always getting corrected on our technique.
good turnout and a high demi-point are a necessity, and it is true that my teachers are so loving and nurturing, they're like second mothers to me.

my friend from my studio recently took an open class at another school and informed me that, compared to our academy, they gave her almost no corrections on her technique.
At my studio, everything on barre is expected to be perfect, and we're always getting corrected on our technique.
good turnout and a high demi-point are a necessity, and it is true that my teachers are so loving and nurturing, they're like second mothers to me.


By enigmaticpheo



On Sun Mar 15, 2009 12:37 AM
Thanks for reading and sharing your opinions guys! I hope to share much more with everyone as my learning process continues into this beautiful and time honored technique.
The Russian at the end of the post means "See you soon"!
I suppose the casual way of saying thanks for reading would be something like "Spasiba chitayet!"
The Russian at the end of the post means "See you soon"!


By Tickles

On Sun Mar 15, 2009 01:01 AM
Thanks for sharing all that info 
If I ever have a chance, I'd love to try Vaganova method. It sounds exactly like a style of ballet that would really suit the way I learn!

If I ever have a chance, I'd love to try Vaganova method. It sounds exactly like a style of ballet that would really suit the way I learn!
re: Vaganova Technique: Myths vs. Fact
By Effortless
By Effortless
On Sun Mar 15, 2009 01:57 PM
First of all, Im glad for you that you are so happy with your classes and teachers, they really seem to inspire you and seem to help you reach another level.
Quite a few people read and commented on your post already. I would like to add my personal experience, as my first ballet teacher was a Vaganova trained teacher from Bulgaria.
I started with jazz classes late as an adult with 25 in a school that offers hip hop, jazz, tap, modern as well as ballet classes. To help me improve my jazz technique I decided to add ballet two years later. Im far away from having the perfect ballet body, far away from the key features you mentioned above (A high degree of natural turnout flexibility, well arched feet for pointe, flexible torsos and hip joints, fully stretched knees, a decently long Achilles tendon). Well, to make it short, these ballet classes with this strictly Vaganova teacher were the opposite of having fun classes: no smiling, no little jokes, a very strict, tense and often humiliating atmosphere, also due to constant examinations and no encouragement at all, I walked out of each ballet class with the feeling I know, I cant dance.
A huge emphasize was placed on being able to execute steps in small examinations in front of everybody else watching: in the 12 week absolute beginner workshop this was sth like show us what is a tendu/ frappé/ grand battement , so we had to remember all these things before the actual exercise was given (we were all taking one ballet class per week); in the lower level classes the center work consisted for months completely of examinations about the 8 directions of the room, croisse/ efface/ ecarte, the four Arabesques, all done by approaching a single student, one afte the other, telling the chosen one to eg do first Arabesque - right foot back and snipping her fingers - and then jumping around this student screaming wrong, wrong, wrong for every little mistake. Never any sign of any improvement, any sign of having done right a tiny little thing, always only pointing out mistakes and how horrible everything was.
In these days the only dancing part in the center with music was an exercise consisting of the 6 port de bras, with some plies between, and the reference at the end of the class, the rest of the time in the center we spent with this wonderful examinations. Well, why not devote one class to these things, but we did things endlessly, not just two or five times. And we could feel so clearly how horrible everything looked and no improvement at all. When somebody asked a question, her favorite answer was My absolute beginner class is on (whatever day whatever time), you should come to this class before she eventually answered the question. She also had a quite humiliating way of correcting people, it was nothing unusual that somebody left the room in the middle of the class - in tears - and never came back again.
For these reasons I felt it was wiser to ask a more advanced student how to do things after class and not the teacher, as she made me feel like the biggest idiot on earth - and the other student would try her best to answer my question and help me figure out things. Later I realized that it was not only me feeling like this, other students asked me for help instead of this teacher!
So these were my first two years of ballet class with this strict Vaganova teacher, nothing joyful or encouraging at all, with the feeling, that teaching adults is a very hard task, and that I was the worst as my turnout is very small and she was either constantly shouting at me or ignoring me completely (which I felt was a lot better). Unfortunately from my personal experience I cant agree at all with your pointe that Vaganova teachers are more loving with their students.
At this time I got a little extra payment at my job and I decided to fly to New York and take dance classes there for 2 weeks, I considered this to be a once in my life experience I would tell of my future grandchildren. There I saw completely different ballet classes, even beginner classes consist of dancing, dancing, dancing, and the teachers even seemed to enjoy teaching beginning adult students. I realized that ballet can be fun, and that ballet does not necessarily mean to force my body do do things it is not build for (forcing turnout ). It was so great being encouraged to try doing steps even if they were still not done 100% correctly in order to reach a higher level, to see so many new things done by other adults many of whom I could see had not started ballet at age 7 but a lot later. This inspired me so much and made me desire to be able to do the same. This first stay made such a huge impression on me, six more have followed so far. I started pointe there, sth. that had seemed completely out of question before.
One day after my first stay in New York back at home I was told in class that there are more beautiful things to watch than you dancing (it was a comment out of the blue without me doing anything specific wrong). This would have been the day I would have walked out of ballet class and never ever return again, if I hadnt already booked my next flight to New York and was joyfully anticipating taking classes there again.
You might be asking yourself, why nobody talked to this teacher especially when on some days students are leaving in the middle of the class crying. For me and I guess for my fellow students this was simply the way ballet class was (at this time she was the only ballet teacher for adults at this school). Also, I noticed on several occasions that the SO as well as other ballet teachers and the local dance store owner spoke very highly of this "great teacher" who prepared a few young students to get accepted at the local John Cranko School (similar to SAB). And I felt that this school just considered beginning adults to not put enough effort into ballet, that adults were considered to prefer taking hip hop or jazz classes as there results can be seen a lot easier.
So my conclusion is that a great teacher for somebody else doesnt mean that this is also for me a great teacher. You seem to be very happy with your current situation, Im glad for you. But each person has to make her own experience. Also from what Ive read and seen, and what you also mention, the Vaganova method is usually very restrictive, they only accept young people with a somehow perfect body, students which are trained in this method on a daily basis. Adults with a less than perfect body and aiming to do ballet on a recreational basis, but still having a deep passion for ballet and also wanting to enjoy ballet and moving on, they also have the right to be taught in a nurturing atmosphere. In order to make progress I need to feel a little bit of trust in my abilities to master things, a bit of encouragement and being welcome in class, which this teacher didnt offer me. And personally, I dont think this teacher was happy teaching us. I felt that she was pitying herself that she had to teach us once a week adult beginners with less than perfect bodies, when instead she was capable of preparing young dancers with the perfect ballet body for a career in dance. (In class she was often sitting on the window sill looking dreamingly outside, while we were doing the exercises or just left class in the middle of the class, coming back after some time).
Im aware not every Vaganova trained ballet teacher is the way I experienced my first teacher, there are also many who give great classes for adults, too, but nonetheless I wanted to share my personal experience.
Thanks for your patience!
Quite a few people read and commented on your post already. I would like to add my personal experience, as my first ballet teacher was a Vaganova trained teacher from Bulgaria.
I started with jazz classes late as an adult with 25 in a school that offers hip hop, jazz, tap, modern as well as ballet classes. To help me improve my jazz technique I decided to add ballet two years later. Im far away from having the perfect ballet body, far away from the key features you mentioned above (A high degree of natural turnout flexibility, well arched feet for pointe, flexible torsos and hip joints, fully stretched knees, a decently long Achilles tendon). Well, to make it short, these ballet classes with this strictly Vaganova teacher were the opposite of having fun classes: no smiling, no little jokes, a very strict, tense and often humiliating atmosphere, also due to constant examinations and no encouragement at all, I walked out of each ballet class with the feeling I know, I cant dance.
A huge emphasize was placed on being able to execute steps in small examinations in front of everybody else watching: in the 12 week absolute beginner workshop this was sth like show us what is a tendu/ frappé/ grand battement , so we had to remember all these things before the actual exercise was given (we were all taking one ballet class per week); in the lower level classes the center work consisted for months completely of examinations about the 8 directions of the room, croisse/ efface/ ecarte, the four Arabesques, all done by approaching a single student, one afte the other, telling the chosen one to eg do first Arabesque - right foot back and snipping her fingers - and then jumping around this student screaming wrong, wrong, wrong for every little mistake. Never any sign of any improvement, any sign of having done right a tiny little thing, always only pointing out mistakes and how horrible everything was.
In these days the only dancing part in the center with music was an exercise consisting of the 6 port de bras, with some plies between, and the reference at the end of the class, the rest of the time in the center we spent with this wonderful examinations. Well, why not devote one class to these things, but we did things endlessly, not just two or five times. And we could feel so clearly how horrible everything looked and no improvement at all. When somebody asked a question, her favorite answer was My absolute beginner class is on (whatever day whatever time), you should come to this class before she eventually answered the question. She also had a quite humiliating way of correcting people, it was nothing unusual that somebody left the room in the middle of the class - in tears - and never came back again.
For these reasons I felt it was wiser to ask a more advanced student how to do things after class and not the teacher, as she made me feel like the biggest idiot on earth - and the other student would try her best to answer my question and help me figure out things. Later I realized that it was not only me feeling like this, other students asked me for help instead of this teacher!
So these were my first two years of ballet class with this strict Vaganova teacher, nothing joyful or encouraging at all, with the feeling, that teaching adults is a very hard task, and that I was the worst as my turnout is very small and she was either constantly shouting at me or ignoring me completely (which I felt was a lot better). Unfortunately from my personal experience I cant agree at all with your pointe that Vaganova teachers are more loving with their students.
At this time I got a little extra payment at my job and I decided to fly to New York and take dance classes there for 2 weeks, I considered this to be a once in my life experience I would tell of my future grandchildren. There I saw completely different ballet classes, even beginner classes consist of dancing, dancing, dancing, and the teachers even seemed to enjoy teaching beginning adult students. I realized that ballet can be fun, and that ballet does not necessarily mean to force my body do do things it is not build for (forcing turnout ). It was so great being encouraged to try doing steps even if they were still not done 100% correctly in order to reach a higher level, to see so many new things done by other adults many of whom I could see had not started ballet at age 7 but a lot later. This inspired me so much and made me desire to be able to do the same. This first stay made such a huge impression on me, six more have followed so far. I started pointe there, sth. that had seemed completely out of question before.
One day after my first stay in New York back at home I was told in class that there are more beautiful things to watch than you dancing (it was a comment out of the blue without me doing anything specific wrong). This would have been the day I would have walked out of ballet class and never ever return again, if I hadnt already booked my next flight to New York and was joyfully anticipating taking classes there again.
You might be asking yourself, why nobody talked to this teacher especially when on some days students are leaving in the middle of the class crying. For me and I guess for my fellow students this was simply the way ballet class was (at this time she was the only ballet teacher for adults at this school). Also, I noticed on several occasions that the SO as well as other ballet teachers and the local dance store owner spoke very highly of this "great teacher" who prepared a few young students to get accepted at the local John Cranko School (similar to SAB). And I felt that this school just considered beginning adults to not put enough effort into ballet, that adults were considered to prefer taking hip hop or jazz classes as there results can be seen a lot easier.
So my conclusion is that a great teacher for somebody else doesnt mean that this is also for me a great teacher. You seem to be very happy with your current situation, Im glad for you. But each person has to make her own experience. Also from what Ive read and seen, and what you also mention, the Vaganova method is usually very restrictive, they only accept young people with a somehow perfect body, students which are trained in this method on a daily basis. Adults with a less than perfect body and aiming to do ballet on a recreational basis, but still having a deep passion for ballet and also wanting to enjoy ballet and moving on, they also have the right to be taught in a nurturing atmosphere. In order to make progress I need to feel a little bit of trust in my abilities to master things, a bit of encouragement and being welcome in class, which this teacher didnt offer me. And personally, I dont think this teacher was happy teaching us. I felt that she was pitying herself that she had to teach us once a week adult beginners with less than perfect bodies, when instead she was capable of preparing young dancers with the perfect ballet body for a career in dance. (In class she was often sitting on the window sill looking dreamingly outside, while we were doing the exercises or just left class in the middle of the class, coming back after some time).
Im aware not every Vaganova trained ballet teacher is the way I experienced my first teacher, there are also many who give great classes for adults, too, but nonetheless I wanted to share my personal experience.
Thanks for your patience!

By Elfie




On Sun Mar 15, 2009 05:16 PM
I don't think hardly any of the points have anything to do with one style or another. Vaganova or any other style isn't about ability of a dancer to turn out, jump, turn or display artistry, or the personal style of teaching (such as strict, easy going...). It's differences in terminology and way some movements are performed, pure and simple, nothing more, nothing less.

By BerensDancer




On Mon Mar 16, 2009 01:45 PM
whoo! you are awsome!
there is definatly a goldmine of info here, and i really enjoyed reading about your expiriences with different styles =]
i have only really had exposure to Cecchetti in it's full curriculum (sp) so it's really cool to hear your opinion on the differences between Vagonova and what you are used to dancing in =]
i'll be passing this post on to my ballet instructor if you don't mind ;-]
g
there is definatly a goldmine of info here, and i really enjoyed reading about your expiriences with different styles =]
i have only really had exposure to Cecchetti in it's full curriculum (sp) so it's really cool to hear your opinion on the differences between Vagonova and what you are used to dancing in =]
i'll be passing this post on to my ballet instructor if you don't mind ;-]
g

By YellowFairy


On Tue Mar 17, 2009 08:42 PM
Wow, Effortless, I'm sorry for your horrible experience with that teacher. I also started taking ballet at the age of 25. I did a lot of observation and research and found that I preferred the look of Vaganova styled ballet. I've studied Vaganova style with various teachers not only in America, but also in Europe, and I have never had an experience quite like yours. Sometimes, a mean teacher is just a mean teacher, regardless of what style she or he teaches.
Every Vaganova class I've ever been in focuses on strong technique, meaning behind motion, strong balances, and very good musicality. In fact, I had some teachers (I'm not very musical) who would turn off the music and ask for the whole class to sing/hum the song if we were off music. By singing and humming the song and executing the same movements, it helped for us to match the movement to the music.
Also, any conservatory program like Moscow Choreographic Institute or School of American Ballet and San Francisco Ballet has the luxury of being able to choose their students through both skill level and body type. They know they can be selective, and they choose the best looking body that can perform the best technical capability. Being an adult beginner, I dont' think I'm in the position to criticize these prestigious schools (Vaganova, Balanchine, and American in general) for continuing their selection process in this way. It's a shame I haven't got the hyperextended legs with beautiful high instep. It's a shame I'm not all neck, legs, and lean strength.. but I will tell you, the Vaganova teachers I've been with have just taught me to use what I naturally have to the best of my ability and limit.
Sometimes, I don't think it should be Vaganova Myth vs. Fact if no one's going to start a Balanchine Myth vs. Fact. It should be Bad Teachers.. fact.
Every Vaganova class I've ever been in focuses on strong technique, meaning behind motion, strong balances, and very good musicality. In fact, I had some teachers (I'm not very musical) who would turn off the music and ask for the whole class to sing/hum the song if we were off music. By singing and humming the song and executing the same movements, it helped for us to match the movement to the music.
Also, any conservatory program like Moscow Choreographic Institute or School of American Ballet and San Francisco Ballet has the luxury of being able to choose their students through both skill level and body type. They know they can be selective, and they choose the best looking body that can perform the best technical capability. Being an adult beginner, I dont' think I'm in the position to criticize these prestigious schools (Vaganova, Balanchine, and American in general) for continuing their selection process in this way. It's a shame I haven't got the hyperextended legs with beautiful high instep. It's a shame I'm not all neck, legs, and lean strength.. but I will tell you, the Vaganova teachers I've been with have just taught me to use what I naturally have to the best of my ability and limit.
Sometimes, I don't think it should be Vaganova Myth vs. Fact if no one's going to start a Balanchine Myth vs. Fact. It should be Bad Teachers.. fact.

By emodancer94


On Wed Mar 18, 2009 01:05 PM
great post! I'm currently at a russian method ballet school, and my teacher is Vaganova trained, and she's great! I've had people ask some interesting questions when I tell them I'm learning the Russain method. I've done the English method and the Balanchine method, and I'll have to say I like the Russian best. I love how it focuses so much of having strong technique before moving on to bigger things like turns and jumps. Anyway, I loved the post,it's really helpful.
re: Vaganova Technique: Myths vs. Fact
By BlackTights

By BlackTights


On Wed Mar 18, 2009 05:53 PM
Nice post, EP, but most of this is highly situational and specific to your limited experiences. I have different experiences with Vaganova teachers, as do many others. as evidenced in the thread. So it isn't so much myth vs. fact as it is your personal interpretation of Vaganova based on what your thoughts are after five months of study.
All I am saying is I think it prudent to be clear and precise with the words, here. This is not at all a "myth vs. fact" in the true sense, but rather your opinions based on your five months of Vaganova study and extracurricular research.
All I am saying is I think it prudent to be clear and precise with the words, here. This is not at all a "myth vs. fact" in the true sense, but rather your opinions based on your five months of Vaganova study and extracurricular research.

By enigmaticpheo



On Wed Mar 18, 2009 06:08 PM
Hey guys!
I want to clarify a few things that I think people are misunderstanding in this post.
First of all, OBVIOUSLY this is simply my opinion and experience. I made the post. It'd be absolutely absurd to assume it wasn't my opinion. In my opinion, these statements are indisputably true.
Secondly, I don't feel that it is at all jumping the gun to state the assumptions I listed as myths, and I'll tell you why: My teacher was trained at one of the state schools in Russia under a strict syllabus. This syllabus included rigorous training on how to TEACH. What she was taught in terms of how and what to teach is the same as those in her school and all state Vaganova schools (Vaganova academy included) in Russia. The pedagogy class follows a method just like technique.
As such, what I said about the teaching methodology is not really my opinion; it is merely stating what students in Russian schools are and are not taught about pedagogy and how to teach. It is fact that Vaganova trained students in Russia are explicitly told not to teach forced turnout. Now, certainly there are outliers, but these are students who grew up and did not follow the teaching principles they learned in school, simple as that! The same goes for mannerisms, actually. How to teach and in what tones and speech is also included in pedagogical training.
So yes, obviously this is through my experience. But nothing I wrote was invented or pulled solely from that; I also pooled HEAVILY from both my teacher's oral reports of her pedagogical training as well as Vaganova's book. Hence citing it at the end.
Sure, there are "bad" Vaganova teachers. There are also bad Cecchetti, Balanchine, RAD and non-style teachers. Duh. But my aim in this was to break myths about Vaganova. And yes, specifically Vaganova. We assume MUCH more than other methods that Vaganova teachers force turnout or are not good turners. I never hear this about, say, RAD. So these myth busters are designed for Vaganova.
If the styles of ballet were not different and did not have a different focus and system of principles, there would be no difference. I honestly think it is a bit silly to say the only difference is terminology. I highly recommend anyone who wants a ballet education to read both Vaganova's book and Asaf Messerer's book on Vaganova ballet/Classes in Classical Ballet. You'll find that terminology is poppycock compared to the greater picture in style foundation--which is the thesis that each style approaches ballet with. Balanchine's thesis you could say said, "Dance beautifully and always ON the music. You learn to dance by learning to emulate the music with your body." Whereas Vaganova's thesis was more along the lines of, "Everything you need to know is contained in a Grande Pas, and if you can do that, you can do anything." The foundations differ endlessly!

First of all, OBVIOUSLY this is simply my opinion and experience. I made the post. It'd be absolutely absurd to assume it wasn't my opinion. In my opinion, these statements are indisputably true.
Secondly, I don't feel that it is at all jumping the gun to state the assumptions I listed as myths, and I'll tell you why: My teacher was trained at one of the state schools in Russia under a strict syllabus. This syllabus included rigorous training on how to TEACH. What she was taught in terms of how and what to teach is the same as those in her school and all state Vaganova schools (Vaganova academy included) in Russia. The pedagogy class follows a method just like technique.
As such, what I said about the teaching methodology is not really my opinion; it is merely stating what students in Russian schools are and are not taught about pedagogy and how to teach. It is fact that Vaganova trained students in Russia are explicitly told not to teach forced turnout. Now, certainly there are outliers, but these are students who grew up and did not follow the teaching principles they learned in school, simple as that! The same goes for mannerisms, actually. How to teach and in what tones and speech is also included in pedagogical training.
So yes, obviously this is through my experience. But nothing I wrote was invented or pulled solely from that; I also pooled HEAVILY from both my teacher's oral reports of her pedagogical training as well as Vaganova's book. Hence citing it at the end.
Sure, there are "bad" Vaganova teachers. There are also bad Cecchetti, Balanchine, RAD and non-style teachers. Duh. But my aim in this was to break myths about Vaganova. And yes, specifically Vaganova. We assume MUCH more than other methods that Vaganova teachers force turnout or are not good turners. I never hear this about, say, RAD. So these myth busters are designed for Vaganova.
If the styles of ballet were not different and did not have a different focus and system of principles, there would be no difference. I honestly think it is a bit silly to say the only difference is terminology. I highly recommend anyone who wants a ballet education to read both Vaganova's book and Asaf Messerer's book on Vaganova ballet/Classes in Classical Ballet. You'll find that terminology is poppycock compared to the greater picture in style foundation--which is the thesis that each style approaches ballet with. Balanchine's thesis you could say said, "Dance beautifully and always ON the music. You learn to dance by learning to emulate the music with your body." Whereas Vaganova's thesis was more along the lines of, "Everything you need to know is contained in a Grande Pas, and if you can do that, you can do anything." The foundations differ endlessly!
re: Vaganova Technique: Myths vs. Fact
By BlackTights

By BlackTights


On Wed Mar 18, 2009 11:02 PM
Edited by BlackTights (178532) on 2009-03-18 23:31:38
Except you have a very limited idea of what and how they are taught in pedagogy courses in Russia as you have not studied in one yourself and have only read up on it and spoken with your teacher, who I am guessing only trained in one pedagogy program herself. I simply feel you are speaking as an authority on a subject you have VERY little real knowledge of. I mean, sorry, but 5 months is an incredibly short time to know anything.
My son is much younger than you and has more experience with Vaganova and, since you like capslock, they are REAL TEACHERS from REAL RUSSIAN SCHOOLS who were TRAINED IN PEDAGOGY at these fine institutions. Ok? See what I mean? And our experiences are not the same as yours. My son's teachers currently teach in a world renowned school, are actually famous ex-dancers as well as teachers in their own right. So again, I am saying to you that you are inexperienced in the grand scheme of things, and your book learning and experience/inquiries with a single Vaganova teacher isn't going to really make up for that.
The only bit that is an actual fact here is that there are bad teachers of all methods and styles. The rest of your post is situational and limited to your 5 months as an older teen with Vaganova training. Might be fun to hear an updated report on your strident views of Vaganova training after another 5 or 10 years and see how many of your "facts" held up.
Not sure where that bad turning "myth" comes from. Never heard it.
Good luck at Bossov.
My son is much younger than you and has more experience with Vaganova and, since you like capslock, they are REAL TEACHERS from REAL RUSSIAN SCHOOLS who were TRAINED IN PEDAGOGY at these fine institutions. Ok? See what I mean? And our experiences are not the same as yours. My son's teachers currently teach in a world renowned school, are actually famous ex-dancers as well as teachers in their own right. So again, I am saying to you that you are inexperienced in the grand scheme of things, and your book learning and experience/inquiries with a single Vaganova teacher isn't going to really make up for that.
The only bit that is an actual fact here is that there are bad teachers of all methods and styles. The rest of your post is situational and limited to your 5 months as an older teen with Vaganova training. Might be fun to hear an updated report on your strident views of Vaganova training after another 5 or 10 years and see how many of your "facts" held up.
Not sure where that bad turning "myth" comes from. Never heard it.
Good luck at Bossov.
re: Vaganova Technique: Myths vs. Fact
By ballet4life1

By ballet4life1


On Wed Mar 18, 2009 11:17 PM
Thanks for the post, it was really informative! I think you backed up your post very well with first hand experience as well as written sources. 


By Elfie




On Fri Mar 20, 2009 02:38 PM
Edited by Elfie (64279) on 2009-03-20 14:45:05
I had a teacher in the academy studying for my teachers degree from the Vaganova academy, and he did teach the 180 no buts forced turn out. When we talked about the hazards of it, his reply was that that is what auditions are for, you shouldn't pick people with poor turn out. He told us that maybe for amateurs, well maybe you have to give in a little, but when you teach professionally people to be professionals it's "legs in a straight line ".
I don't think there is any "official Vaganova stance" on this issue. It touches all ballet of all styles alike. It's up to the teacher how much emphases they put on health or aesthetics. It often isn't a matter of style, as much of culture. The professional world in Russia is that cut throat that people with poor turn out just don't dance period, and many Russian Vaganova trained and training teachers come from that environment, and the diversity of people and levels one can dance in these days is a bit of a shock to them. Some adjust, and some well, don't adjust so well.
I don't think there is any "official Vaganova stance" on this issue. It touches all ballet of all styles alike. It's up to the teacher how much emphases they put on health or aesthetics. It often isn't a matter of style, as much of culture. The professional world in Russia is that cut throat that people with poor turn out just don't dance period, and many Russian Vaganova trained and training teachers come from that environment, and the diversity of people and levels one can dance in these days is a bit of a shock to them. Some adjust, and some well, don't adjust so well.
re: Vaganova Technique: Myths vs. Fact
By TutuU222

By TutuU222


On Fri Mar 20, 2009 09:46 PM
Edited by TutuU222 (200520) on 2009-03-20 21:50:27 Forgot a word -- duh!
Very interesting observation and I'm glad you are having such a wonderful enlightening experience. You sound like you are really enjoying the journey.
I sometimes wish that I had the luxury of picking very young children out by body type alone. As teachers, we know that a particular body type can usually be molded and formed as they grow -- and if they are born with that perfect hip structure for ballet for example, they will soon achieve that 180 degree turnout without a problem -- they were born that way. I don't believe this has anything to do with Vaganova technique and if all teachers had the choice of choosing dancers who were more naturally inclined, we'd probably do the same.
But those children were hand picked due to their natural body type and there were only a certain number of students accepted into the classes. I don't ever think it was Vaganova's intention to take a dancer without that perfect hip structure and force them to turn out 180 degrees -- but I think other teachers that followed, who are less informed, misinterpreted and insist that 180 degrees is a must - natural hip structure or not - hence the myth I suppose? Just like was said above, there are good and bad teachers in all forms of dance. You happened to find a very good teacher who doesn't insist that you force it, but that is not always the case. In fact, I have a Vaganova book right here and these little dancers, about 8 years old are doing their demi-plies in 1st with 180 degrees with their feet -- but their knees are going forward and their feet are rolling in. And it was a class from the Vaganova school itself, taken many, many years ago from the class of Vera Kostrovitskaya, who was once a student and protege of Vaganova. And we wonder why they have that reputation? I know it's one moment in time and who knows if they were corrected after the photo was taken, but why put it in the book if it's incorrect? It would make anyone second guess whether this method forces 180 degree turnout -- from the picture, it sure did look like it to me.
As far as Vaganova picking out body types. Originally I think this was VERY true as ballet was not open to everyone, but the chosen few -- the ones that had the body type to actually do ballet. Because let's face it -- there IS a particular physical body type for ballet and if you possess this type of body, you will be able to dance with fewer injuries -- whether you do Vaganova technique or some other form of ballet.
Vaganova is not the only one accused of choosing dancers by body type. Look at SAB -- okay, yeah it's Balanchine, but the list goes on. To make it as a professional dancer you HAVE to have a certain type body -- and I'm not just talking about ultra skinny, but the structure of the body itself.
One thing you said though that I have never, ever heard of was that Vaganova dancers are bad turners. This is the first time I'm hearing it. I don't know where this comes from, but take a look a Baryshnikov -- he certainly was not a bad turner at all!
I am very happy that you are learning so much and truly enjoying your experience because after all, it truly is about the journey and not the destination. And perhaps your post has helped others who have been terrified to try Vaganova because of the stereotypes we've heard. There are good teachers and bad teachers everywhere and it sounds like you have found some very good teachers. THAT is the key -- to find a teacher who is knowledgeable, is able to pass that knowledge on to you in a way that you understand and to turn you on to ballet in all its forms. I do happen to agree with BlackTights here -- that this is of course just your experience and your opinion and isn't really dispelling any myths over facts, but if it has helped you to open your eyes to a whole new side of ballet and dispel the facts/myths for you -- how wonderful is that? You sound like you are joyful indeed!
I sometimes wish that I had the luxury of picking very young children out by body type alone. As teachers, we know that a particular body type can usually be molded and formed as they grow -- and if they are born with that perfect hip structure for ballet for example, they will soon achieve that 180 degree turnout without a problem -- they were born that way. I don't believe this has anything to do with Vaganova technique and if all teachers had the choice of choosing dancers who were more naturally inclined, we'd probably do the same.
But those children were hand picked due to their natural body type and there were only a certain number of students accepted into the classes. I don't ever think it was Vaganova's intention to take a dancer without that perfect hip structure and force them to turn out 180 degrees -- but I think other teachers that followed, who are less informed, misinterpreted and insist that 180 degrees is a must - natural hip structure or not - hence the myth I suppose? Just like was said above, there are good and bad teachers in all forms of dance. You happened to find a very good teacher who doesn't insist that you force it, but that is not always the case. In fact, I have a Vaganova book right here and these little dancers, about 8 years old are doing their demi-plies in 1st with 180 degrees with their feet -- but their knees are going forward and their feet are rolling in. And it was a class from the Vaganova school itself, taken many, many years ago from the class of Vera Kostrovitskaya, who was once a student and protege of Vaganova. And we wonder why they have that reputation? I know it's one moment in time and who knows if they were corrected after the photo was taken, but why put it in the book if it's incorrect? It would make anyone second guess whether this method forces 180 degree turnout -- from the picture, it sure did look like it to me.
As far as Vaganova picking out body types. Originally I think this was VERY true as ballet was not open to everyone, but the chosen few -- the ones that had the body type to actually do ballet. Because let's face it -- there IS a particular physical body type for ballet and if you possess this type of body, you will be able to dance with fewer injuries -- whether you do Vaganova technique or some other form of ballet.
Vaganova is not the only one accused of choosing dancers by body type. Look at SAB -- okay, yeah it's Balanchine, but the list goes on. To make it as a professional dancer you HAVE to have a certain type body -- and I'm not just talking about ultra skinny, but the structure of the body itself.
One thing you said though that I have never, ever heard of was that Vaganova dancers are bad turners. This is the first time I'm hearing it. I don't know where this comes from, but take a look a Baryshnikov -- he certainly was not a bad turner at all!
I am very happy that you are learning so much and truly enjoying your experience because after all, it truly is about the journey and not the destination. And perhaps your post has helped others who have been terrified to try Vaganova because of the stereotypes we've heard. There are good teachers and bad teachers everywhere and it sounds like you have found some very good teachers. THAT is the key -- to find a teacher who is knowledgeable, is able to pass that knowledge on to you in a way that you understand and to turn you on to ballet in all its forms. I do happen to agree with BlackTights here -- that this is of course just your experience and your opinion and isn't really dispelling any myths over facts, but if it has helped you to open your eyes to a whole new side of ballet and dispel the facts/myths for you -- how wonderful is that? You sound like you are joyful indeed!
re: Vaganova Technique: Myths vs. Fact
By RCreate


By RCreate



On Sun Mar 22, 2009 10:32 AM
I enjoyed your post very much, enigmaticpheo. My dd, 12 years old, has studied under the Vaganova syllabus for 4 years, but with an American teacher who studied the syllabus with another American who had been one of the first Americans to be invited to the Vaganova Academy and obtain certification to teach the syllabus.
Recently, she moved to a new school that is what I would call hardcore Vaganova. All of the teachers of the advanced beginner through advanced levels grew up in the big Vaganova academies and are master teachers of the method. We have noticed some significant differences between the teaching from a "Vaganova-based" American teacher, and her teacher who was steeped in Vaganova from an early age. As you say, they are not working on the "flashier" skills at this age. They do not even do petite allegro combinations, nor do they do any grande allegro! This surprised my dd quite a bit at first, but she's realizing that they are working on all the little details, and developing strength, balance, and proper placement first.
As far as turning goes, when I was observing my dd's initial audition for the Vaganova school, I noticed that the girls in the class were very precise turners. In fact, the word "precision" kept coming to me as I observed, also the word "strength."
At first, I thought you and my dd might be attending the same school, but the adult class schedule you are taking is not available at my dd's new school. I wish you continued enjoyment and discovery on your journey, and hope that you report about your experiences at Bossov.
Recently, she moved to a new school that is what I would call hardcore Vaganova. All of the teachers of the advanced beginner through advanced levels grew up in the big Vaganova academies and are master teachers of the method. We have noticed some significant differences between the teaching from a "Vaganova-based" American teacher, and her teacher who was steeped in Vaganova from an early age. As you say, they are not working on the "flashier" skills at this age. They do not even do petite allegro combinations, nor do they do any grande allegro! This surprised my dd quite a bit at first, but she's realizing that they are working on all the little details, and developing strength, balance, and proper placement first.
As far as turning goes, when I was observing my dd's initial audition for the Vaganova school, I noticed that the girls in the class were very precise turners. In fact, the word "precision" kept coming to me as I observed, also the word "strength."
At first, I thought you and my dd might be attending the same school, but the adult class schedule you are taking is not available at my dd's new school. I wish you continued enjoyment and discovery on your journey, and hope that you report about your experiences at Bossov.

re: Vaganova Technique: Myths vs. Fact
By mkballet16
By mkballet16
On Thu Mar 26, 2009 03:05 PM
What an awesome post thank you so much for looking into this, because I'm a vaganova trained dancer, but I've always admired the Balanchine trained dancers, so it's cool to see a comparison in how we train differently. Thanks!!
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