The Vaganova Ballet Academy

by Kiho Muroga
(Tokyo, Japan)

Russia has a lot of wonderful culture, especially ballet. At first, ballet was invented in France, but spread to Russia. There are many famous ballet companies, for example, The Leningrad State Ballet and Mariinsky Ballet. Many people all over the world are fascinated by these companies’ performances.

Now, I want to talk about The Vaganova Ballet Academy. This ballet school was organized 270 years ago. Most of the graduates of this school are historical famous ballerinas. This school was established as an imperial ballet school in Saint Petersburg and grew due to many wonderful teachers. One of those teachers, Vaganova, invented the “Vaganova Method.”

This method is how to teach ballet to students. This method is a mixed traditional technique and original one. Therefore, the school was named “Vaganova” for praising their accomplishment. Now, this method is introduced in many ballet schools all over the world.

In Russia, many children learn ballet to become a wonderful ballerina in many schools, for example, The Vaganova Ballet Academy. Therefore, ballet has prospered in Russia, and will continue to prosper in Russia.

I really want to watch a ballet performance in Russia someday!!