The Many Methods of Ballet
To non-Ballet Dancers, it appears that all ballet is ballet. However, there are methods to ballet that every ballet teacher will adopt as the basic curriculum from the basic to the advanced classes. These methods are applied so as to ensure that the dancers will dance in a similar manner and, thus, the choreography will be precise, clean and coordinated.
You will observe that the following well-known methods are almost always named after their creators. In turn, these choreographers were trained in either Classical Ballet or a combination of classical ballet with other methods before branching off on their own methods.
The Russian method reflects the classical style in ballet the most and, as a result, can be said to be the most challenging of all the methods presented here. It is characterized by more daring balances, more lasting turns and higher jumps that showcase the dancer’s impressive physical talent, sometimes at the expense of the storytelling side. Still, many of the modern world’s beloved Ballet Performances come from the Russian method including Nutcracker, Romeo and Juliet as well as Swan Lake.
The French method is the one most commonly used in ballet all over the world. It was developed by the famed danseur Rudolf Nureyev at the Paris Opera Ballet, a legacy that lives on in the Nureyev Ballet of Paris. This method placed great emphasis on precision, grace and elegance with the dance as the main spectacle instead of the music being the basis for the choreography. Many beloved classics have also been restaged using the French method like the Swan Lake and Cinderella.
The Royal Academy (RAD) method was developed by dance professionals and expanded under the auspices of King George V. Unlike the other dance methods, the RAD is probably the most regimented in the sense that tests are provided for dancers who wish to advance from one level to the next. Students must demonstrate appropriate skills in classical, character, free and jazz dances.
And then there is the Balanchine method introduced by the foremost pioneer of Contemporary Ballet and co-founder of the world-famous New York City Ballet, Russian-born and trained George Balanchine. His work is characterized by a unique blending of classical ballet, in which he was a trained danseur, jazz and modern movements. Take note that there are many aspects of classical ballet that were not incorporated into the Balanchine method such as the straight lines of the arms and legs.
The Vaganova method was also developed by a dancer trained in the Russian method, Agrippina Vaganova. It focuses on combining the look of supple arms (the boneless look) with the legs’ robust movements so much so that it appears that the dancer is floating on air. Dancers are required to possess extreme flexibility, extension and preciseness of movements to achieve such an ethereal illusion.
Your choice in method for study as a ballet dancer depends on your preference. Ask the ballet school where you intend to enroll as to their method adopted and then do further research on the subject as well as see the dancers in action before making your decision.
About the Author
Svetlana Marintcheva of Adagio Ballet oversees the ballet class types at our Fairfax and Arlington dance locations. Please visit our site, give us a call, or stop by 4720-E Lee Highway Arlington, VA 22207 today.
Vaganova Ballet Academy:2nd grade part 1
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