2015 marks the 40th Anniversary of The Society of Russian Ballet, Canadian independent branch. The Society of
Russian Ballet is a dance education and training organization founded on the Vaganova Method of ballet. The
Society offers examinations for students and assists teachers with professional development and certification.
Founded in England, the Society opened a Canadian branch in 1975 to preserve and promote Russian-styled
training in classical ballet.
“We are elated to be celebrating this occasion,” says Chair of the Society, Jane Pound. “Teaching the Vaganova
syllabus to thousands of dancers over the years has been a joy. To see the development of the dancers and
teachers is truly rewarding.”
To commemorate this anniversary, dancers and dance teachers from across the country and beyond will gather
in Ottawa for this year’s seminar, entitled “En-Avant – Moving Forward”. The two-day Seminar will take place
August 22 and 23, 2015 at National Capital Dance Educators.
Brief History of Vaganova
In the first half of the 20th century, Agrippina Vaganova made significant worldwide contributions to the theory
and practice of contemporary ballet training. The Vaganova Method is renown for its expressive coordination of
port de bras and the upper body, and movement originating “from the body”. Characteristics of her method are
also precision, strength and flexibility in the back, and breadth of movement, particularly in allegro work.
At the core of Vaganova method is that all theory must be enriched by the experience of teaching and new
developments in artistic practice. “Look at life all around; everything is growing, everything is moving forward.
Therefore I recommend…keeping in touch with life and with art”.
The creative evolution of her ideas continue to this day, and are widely used by training institutions and
professional ballet companies throughout the world.
For More Information:
http://www.societyofrussianballet.org
