they are all turning out beyond their ability to control! They're slamming their feet every time they close in 5th. But their degage derriere is so beautiful!
They are not "over" turned out! This is what proper turnout looks like. All Vaganova students plie with their knees *slightly* in front of their toes. It is anatomically natural to do so. They are not bending their knees forward, but are using the muscles of the thigh to work their legs outward to the side and therefore will not risk any injuries.
although they are of course amazing, they are going to have knee problems if they keep forcing theeir turnout like that! most of the girls' knees were NOT over their toes. (still, since it's the vaganova, they are ridiculously good)
It's torture to watch them! They're perfect! I wish I could go to a ballet school like that, but unfortunately I've always been too tall or too big...:(
BTW: Vaganova does not use placement as a method of training as it is in the west: Vaganova is primarily concerned with position and the variety of ways the dancer moves between and through those positions. These positions are relative to space and proscenium, not some fear that the body can't take it. (Vaganova trains the dancer as artist - athlete, not some la-di-da dabbler.) If trained properly fr/ level 1 thru 8, the dancer will have a long career, injury free.
I'm studying the Vaganova tech now, had 6 years of classical ballet in the past. Vog IS different from other tech in that it focuses a lot on tech. We'll spend 1/2 hour on one move, perfecting it. there are 8 levels, each level you learn new moves. Voga uses more hands, arms, head than the classical tech. very deep plies in almost all moves. But I will tell you this much, my teacher, 50 ish - 60ish yrs old, is talking about having her knees replaced, so . . . be careful with this one!!
Continuing from below, in the US, anyone can aspire to dance. Because Vaganvoa was a Soviet system, we've had to take the curriculum and, not change, but adapt it. Therefore, the vast majority of students I have trained into professionals do not have bodies that would fit the mold of a Marinsky or Bolshoi. But, some of them dance to the level of dancers who come from the Russian schools, despite physical limitations, including lesser turnout, and flexibility.
Also, it should be noted that these girls are picked out of many girls for their physical ability to turn out like this. They are simply being asked to work to their full potential. It is not like in the US where you have so many different body types and physical limitations in the classes.
I'm teaching the Vaganova method, and not because I have been trained by it, which is also true, but because that this is the best method. Many people saying that they are "picked out" girls, which must be true, but i don't think picking is all. the teachers must be very-very strict and the girls all desperately want to become dancers...
Further, -none- of these dancers has gotten injured by the application of the Vaganova method. Contrary to ignorant belief: the method does not teach forced turnout; rather it uses the source of gravity up into the hips, utilizing the whole leg. Yes, the dancer must engage with strength; like all methods it requires athleticism. That athleticism is the foundation for the art form. This is the reason fewer & fewer companies are hiring dancers trained in now antiquated methods.
Some Vaganova Technical IEs: 1) Turnout is not passive: it relies on how gravity is effective in enabling turnout to spiral through the feet, legs and into the hips, using all muscles and abilities to rotate. 2) 5th position is fully crossed with back heel touching front toe. 3) `A la seconde is aligned with supporting hip, regardless of the dancer's ability to rotate in the hip. Western ignorance of this shows their poverty consciousness and antique misconception of the evolution of ballet.
ouch ouch ouch yeah they are great but LOOK at their knees... i tore my ACL in ballet cos i was forcing my turnout and not actually rotating from my hip and this is, for me, painful to watch
I think Norma was referring to the technical presentation of the video not the dancers themselves...these uploaded videos tend to change the aspect ratio of the original video which is not uncommon....
It's been a dream of mine for a very long time to attend this school. A very unrealistic dream, mind you, but a dream I can't help hanging on to. Thanks for posting this film, I love it. Is there a second part?
Lemme tell ya something: under the old soviet system, you'd be right. Even today we have almost bizarre bodies like Somova's coming out. Nothing is different in any other style. SAB, ABT Joffrey -all of them produce or hire students with an incredible amount of physical talent. This doesn't mean that others with less balletic bodies, but with the drive and motivation to dance can't dance it.
They do have very nice lines and a lot of potential, but I can really notice some small mistakes...don't underestimate yourselves and don't accept them as the ultimate genius children.
Some of the comments regarding method show the lack of knowledge of westerners about the Vaganova system adn what is actually happening.This isn't your fault; the west hasn't a system that has moved forward both technically and artistically until perestroika allowed ex-soviets to come to the west. Fortunately now the decaying melting pot non-methods are being replaced. Re-adapted to the western cultures, Vaganova will join the French, Cuban Vaganova and Bournonville methods in replacing them.
WOW !!! I go to a russian ballet school and the exam we are going to have will be like that and does any body know how old they are????? I am twelve and I'm about their level but they look younger
they are all turning out beyond their ability to control! They're slamming their feet every time they close in 5th. But their degage derriere is so beautiful!
They are not "over" turned out! This is what proper turnout looks like. All Vaganova students plie with their knees *slightly* in front of their toes. It is anatomically natural to do so. They are not bending their knees forward, but are using the muscles of the thigh to work their legs outward to the side and therefore will not risk any injuries.
I agree with you 100%, they are forcing their turnout, the feet are not in line with the knees..
Какая кропотливая работа стоит за этими упражнениями!
They are very good. Nice control and beautiful arms, great back flexibility. Also in sync ;-D
I've watched so many of these Vaganova videos and I have never heard a teacher talk once. They are seriously trained. It's amazing!
although they are of course amazing, they are going to have knee problems if they keep forcing theeir turnout like that! most of the girls' knees were NOT over their toes. (still, since it's the vaganova, they are ridiculously good)
I like how they wear their flat shoes with ribbons, it looks a lot better than elastic and must last longer.
It's torture to watch them! They're perfect! I wish I could go to a ballet school like that, but unfortunately I've always been too tall or too big...:(
Read the comment from Prosemo.. They use their muscles, unlike many dancers from the west ;)
OMG!!!!! at 4:34, catch the 1st girl from the left's ankle! NOW THAT'S A FOOT!!
BTW: Vaganova does not use placement as a method of training as it is in the west: Vaganova is primarily concerned with position and the variety of ways the dancer moves between and through those positions. These positions are relative to space and proscenium, not some fear that the body can't take it. (Vaganova trains the dancer as artist - athlete, not some la-di-da dabbler.) If trained properly fr/ level 1 thru 8, the dancer will have a long career, injury free.
I'm studying the Vaganova tech now, had 6 years of classical ballet in the past. Vog IS different from other tech in that it focuses a lot on tech. We'll spend 1/2 hour on one move, perfecting it. there are 8 levels, each level you learn new moves. Voga uses more hands, arms, head than the classical tech. very deep plies in almost all moves. But I will tell you this much, my teacher, 50 ish - 60ish yrs old, is talking about having her knees replaced, so . . . be careful with this one!!
Continuing from below, in the US, anyone can aspire to dance. Because Vaganvoa was a Soviet system, we've had to take the curriculum and, not change, but adapt it. Therefore, the vast majority of students I have trained into professionals do not have bodies that would fit the mold of a Marinsky or Bolshoi.
But, some of them dance to the level of dancers who come from the Russian schools, despite physical limitations, including lesser turnout, and flexibility.
one girl was pulling up so much i thought she was on releve until i looked at her feet
this is barre, not a performance. the individual style comes when you have a solid base of technique to express your style.
Also, it should be noted that these girls are picked out of many girls for their physical ability to turn out like this. They are simply being asked to work to their full potential. It is not like in the US where you have so many different body types and physical limitations in the classes.
I'm teaching the Vaganova method, and not because I have been trained by it, which is also true, but because that this is the best method. Many people saying that they are "picked out" girls, which must be true, but i don't think picking is all. the teachers must be very-very strict and the girls all desperately want to become dancers...
the classical training you are talking about is probably a mix of vaganova, paris opera ballet, and ciccetti, which is what most schools use today.
Further, -none- of these dancers has gotten injured by the application of the Vaganova method. Contrary to ignorant belief: the method does not teach forced turnout; rather it uses the source of gravity up into the hips, utilizing the whole leg. Yes, the dancer must engage with strength; like all methods it requires athleticism. That athleticism is the foundation for the art form. This is the reason fewer & fewer companies are hiring dancers trained in now antiquated methods.
@balletlol wanted to say the same! if you look at the plies in first position, their knees!!
nope! i do, I dance a lot, but I'm kinda new to ballet formal training thing
Some Vaganova Technical IEs:
1) Turnout is not passive: it relies on how gravity is effective in enabling turnout to spiral through the feet, legs and into the hips, using all muscles and abilities to rotate.
2) 5th position is fully crossed with back heel touching front toe.
3) `A la seconde is aligned with supporting hip, regardless of the dancer's ability to rotate in the hip.
Western ignorance of this shows their poverty consciousness and antique misconception of the evolution of ballet.
ouch ouch ouch yeah they are great but LOOK at their knees...
i tore my ACL in ballet cos i was forcing my turnout and not actually rotating from my hip and this is, for me, painful to watch
I think Norma was referring to the technical presentation of the video not the dancers themselves...these uploaded videos tend to change the aspect ratio of the original video which is not uncommon....
I guess they all around the age of 10 to 12 and perhaps in Year 3?
@LRBSballerinaz I think their 3rd class in Vaganova, so they might be around 11-13. Yeah they do look alot younger especially in the older videos.
It's been a dream of mine for a very long time to attend this school. A very unrealistic dream, mind you, but a dream I can't help hanging on to. Thanks for posting this film, I love it. Is there a second part?
Lemme tell ya something: under the old soviet system, you'd be right. Even today we have almost bizarre bodies like Somova's coming out. Nothing is different in any other style. SAB, ABT Joffrey -all of them produce or hire students with an incredible amount of physical talent. This doesn't mean that others with less balletic bodies, but with the drive and motivation to dance can't dance it.
They do have very nice lines and a lot of potential, but I can really notice some small mistakes...don't underestimate yourselves and don't accept them as the ultimate genius children.
esto es increiblemente lindooo
Could someone be so kind to tell me the name of the music pieces played through this exam?
What year are these girls? They're so young but so perfect already!
@lagdancer1129 yeah, it's vaganova method, Google it! ;)
Is this an exam for the grade or something?
many teachers watching them.
They all do have so great FEET!! Argh!
@towakeup Russia St petersburg i think
@Kiarpb Gosh, every time when I watch a vaganova class video, I realise how fat I am :') But indeed, really good!
Some of the comments regarding method show the lack of knowledge of westerners about the Vaganova system adn what is actually happening.This isn't your fault; the west hasn't a system that has moved forward both technically and artistically until perestroika allowed ex-soviets to come to the west. Fortunately now the decaying melting pot non-methods are being replaced. Re-adapted to the western cultures, Vaganova will join the French, Cuban Vaganova and Bournonville methods in replacing them.
What is room it thi that?It isn't the principal room with two door.
WOW !!! I go to a russian ballet school and the exam we are going to have will be like that and does any body know how old they are????? I am twelve and I'm about their level but they look younger
they are russian and they have a high preasure could you all give them a break at least they don't have aneroxia.
how old are they? they are beautiful
their turnout. :o
Can anyone tell me when was this video taken? And where is this Vaganova Academy?
vaganova method? what is different about it?
oh cool! where do you train??
I believe 2°class.
What form is it? 2 or 1?
I dont know. :D maybe I'm mistaken then. sorry!
what grade is this? 2nd?
ouch. they all look like they are forcing their turnouts poor knees and ankles :(
but hey! as long as its pretty :b
*sarcasm
They bend their legs on closure of tendu...
HAHA, me too.
it's fine if you don't do ballet..:P
Not at all