The Vaganova Method

Who was Agrippina Yakovlevna Vaganova?

One of the most important ballet teachers in history, Russian-born Vaganova began her ballet training under the tutelage of Lev Ivanov, Pavel Gerdt, and Nikolai Legat. During her tenure at the Marinsky Theatre, she danced alongside such ballet stars of the time as Anna Pavlova, Tamara Karsavina, and Mathilde Kchessinska. Renowned for her stellar jumping ability and performance of intricate batterie, she was noted for her portrayal of Odette/Odile in Swan Lake and her performance of the mazurka variation in Les Sylphides. Her teaching career spanned five decades, ending at her death in 1951. In 1957, the school where the daughter of a Marinsky Theatre usher took her first ballet steps was re-named the Vaganova Institute in her honor.

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 created a program of study that trains the body as a harmonious whole, with an emphasis on proper placement. Vaganova’s system of teaching remains the foundation of ballet technique not only in the former Soviet choreographic school, but also throughout Europe, Asia, and South America.

The Vaganova Method and its place at Loyola

Taught at all levels in the Loyola University Program and Preparatory Program alike, 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.

The Vaganova method is characterized by impeccable precision, attention to detail, ease of execution, an energetic style, emotion-evoking grace, individual creativity, and vigor.

Early training focuses on epaulement, or the stylized turning of the shoulders and body. Attention is given to the correctly placed body and proper use of the hands. Harmonious coordination of the body and continuity of movement is linked with total stability and great strength in the back. This core of strength enables dancers to soar through the air and move in a big way, dancing over the individual steps and musical phrases in a continuous movement.

The Vaganova ballet curriculum, taught at Loyola since 1978, combines the classical French court influence with the Russian folk dance traditions. Students of the Vaganova method learn classical ballet technique, pointe, classical repertory, adagio, virtuoso technique for men, partnering, character dance, and historical court dance.

 

Updated February 4, 2009