CLASSICAL BALLET

”Flight performed by the soul”' A. Pushkin  -of his contemporary ballerina A.I. Istomina in Eugene Onegin.
                            
Ballet is best known for its unique features and techniques.  Graceful and flowing, but at the same time precise movements create the magnificent beauty of ballet. Ballet styles include Classical, Neoclassical, and Contemporary. There are several approaches of training in classical ballet.  The most common are Vaganova method (Russian), Cecchetti Method (Italian), Royal Method (English), and Ballanchine Method (American).  Russia has a recognized tradition of ballet and Russian ballet has had great importance in its country throughout history. At Nika Ballet Studio, the Vaganova method is implemented.  Students of classical ballet have an opportunity to learn from immense knowledge and expertise that the school’s Artistic Director, Anna Fateeva, gained through the teachings of great ballet masters at the Bolshoi as well as throughout her career as a principal dancer with the Moscow Classical Ballet, and with various dance companies in the United States.

In the classical ballet classes at Nika Ballet Studio, great emphasis is placed on the method and execution of the routine, but at the same time each student’s unique personality and ability is considered. Young dancers receive a rigorous education in classical ballet technique. Students are required to learn the names, meanings, and precise technique of each movement they learn. Emphasis is put on building strength mostly in the lower body, particularly the legs, and the core, as a strong core is necessary for many movements in ballet, especially turns, and on developing flexibility and strong feet for dancing en pointe.  Classes are designed to work on control of the body to develop the correct technique for the future. In all our ballet classes from pre-ballet through advanced variation workshops, strict discipline, strength, flexibility, diligence, precision, and endurance, as well as artistic expression, are emphasized.

At Nika Ballet Studio, young dancers learn more than technique perfected by great ballet masters of Russian ballet tradition, more than the art of creative expression…they grow within themselves the passion that enables the flight of the soul.