The Vaganova method is famous for its "total body" involvement. Every movement involves the head, arms, and torso, not just the legs. 1. The Development of the Back
Vaganova is famous for her saying, "The dance is the art of the feet." The chapters on allegro are perhaps the most valuable for advanced students. She breaks down the mechanics of ballon (the ability to bounce in the air). The text explains how the plié is the engine of the jump and how the feet must articulate through the floor to create a sharp, crisp sound. basic principles of classical ballet vaganova pdf
The opening chapters focus on the barre. Vaganova argues that the barre is not a crutch, but a tool to find one's center. A key distinction in her method (found in the PDF) is the emphasis on the grand battement and the fondu . She uses these exercises to teach the student how to push into the floor to gain height, a prerequisite for the explosive jumps seen in the Russian style. The Vaganova method is famous for its "total
A signature of the method is intensive development of the lower back and core, which provides the stability needed for high jumps and sustained balances (applon). The Development of the Back Vaganova is famous