Many movements of the Vaganova technique require the dancer to remain in the air for as long as possible to offer an illusion of floating. Vaganova-trained dancers execute ballet movements with an effortlessness by using supple arms to contrast the robust movement of the legs. It concentrates on lower back strength and the “boneless” look of the arms. Even though a Vaganova-trained dancer would be very strong and clean, she/he would still be soft and perform well on stage without robotic stiffness. According to, it “fused the romantic style of the French ballet and dramatic soulfulness of the Russian character with the athletic virtuosity that characterizes the Italian school to reform the old imperial style of ballet teaching.” This method has precise movements that express clean lines yet softness underneath. Many rules are the same across all six methods, but there are also some significant differences.Īgrippina Vaganova developed the Vaganova method of teaching classical ballet in the early 1920’s. There are six major schools, or methods, of ballet, each with their own – and equally correct – rules about technique and style. The more classical styles show off incredible technique and skill while the more contemporary and modern styles allow for more expression from the choreographer and dancers. ▪ greater range of movement and body line Various well-known modern dance geniuses, such as Twyla Tharp, Paul Taylor and Dwight Rhoden, have further developed the style, which is characterized by: George Balanchine is credited as being the founder of contemporary ballet through the development of neoclassical ballet, and Mikhail Baryshnikov is a shining example of a dancer who carved an entire career out of this style. Many of its concepts come from ideas and innovations of 20th century modern dance, including floor work and turning-in of the legs. It takes its technique and use of pointe work from classical ballet, although it permits a greater range of movement and relaxed steps not found in the strict discipline of old school ballet teachings. Suzanne Farrell rehearsing with George BalanchineĪccording to, “classical ballet can often be compared to a formal night out at the opera neoclassical is presented best in a casual theatre with minimal costuming, lighting and sets.”Ĭontemporary ballet is influenced by both classical ballet and modern dance. ▪ pared down aesthetics-simple sets and costumes Neoclassical ballet is typically characterized by: The style draws on the advanced techniques of 19th century Russian Imperial dance, but strips it of its detailed narrative and heavy theatrical setting. The spacing on stage is more modern and complex and organization is varied, although the focus on structure is a defining characteristic. Dancers often dance at faster and more difficult tempos and perform more technical feats. What is left is the dance itself, sophisticated but sleekly modern. Balanchine used flexed hands (and occasionally feet), turned-in legs, off-centered positions and non-classical costumes (such as leotards and tunics instead of tutus) to distance himself from the classical and romantic ballet traditions. Neoclassical ballet, introduced in the 20th century by choreographer George Balanchine, uses traditional ballet vocabulary but is far less rigid than classical ballet. ▪ emphasis on story ballets and narrative ▪ classical form: turn-out of the legs and pointe work The differences are often very subtle and take a trained eye to spot them. So it’s not surprising to hear someone refer to “the American style” or “the Italian style” because each nationality does have its own defining differences which make its dancers unique. There are variations in classical ballet relating to the area of origin and nationality, such as Russian, French or Italian ballet. However, because its stylings are relatively rigid, classical ballet leaves little room for creative expression. The beauty of classical ballet is that, while there is a set structure as to how steps are to be performed and a specific language to it, interpretation and training may be approached in different ways. They no doubt have many similarities, but the way of performing and the vocabulary and technical aspect of each are also quite different.Ĭlassical ballet is the oldest and most formal of the ballet styles and follows traditional ballet techniques used when ballet first began hundreds of years ago. Let’s start with the three main styles of ballet: classical, neoclassical and contemporary. Erin Halloran and Nurlan Abougaliev in Marius Petipa’s Swan Lake
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