Back to (Ballet) School

It's that time of year once again. Time to go back to school! While this transition might be a little hard hitting, there are still plenty of opportunities for fun on the weekends! For this month's issue, we thought it would be fun to talk about what back to school is like for ballerinas in different training programs!

The Russian School (Vaganova technique) The Russian School is though to be the most strict of all schools, with a highly selective admissions process. A Typical Day At The Vaganova Academy 9:30–11:00 am: ballet technique 11:00 am–1:00 pm: academic subjects 1:00 pm: lunch 2:00 pm: character dance or dance history 4:00 pm: academic subjects 5:00 pm: rehearsal The Balanchine School The Balanchine School is very famous because that is the school of the New York City Ballet. George Balanchine graduated from the Vaganova School in Russia and came to the United States to form his own technique. He was known for his abstract ballets and breaking of the typical ballet 'lines'. Watch soloist Lauren Lovette explain this concept here! RAD: Royal Academy of Dance RAD or Royal Academy of Dance was developed in England and has since made its way around the world. This technique is extremely codified and specific, containing manuals and certifications for educators. Several dance schools in the United States teach RAD technique as it is typically the most commonly used method.

Cecchetti Training Program The Cecchetti Program is rather interesting. It is taught at several schools around the world that have the right certifications. Here are some details: -Each day of the week has its pre set class so every Monday the class is the same and so on -There are levels and exams (just like in your school!) -The corners and walls of the room all have numbers The French School The French School is perhaps the oldest of all the schools. Developed under Louis XIV in 1713, this school now houses the training program of The Paris Opera Ballet. The French school captures and preserves the essence of the 'Romantic Period' of ballet.