What are the different methods of ballet??

Question

I know that there is the russian [ vaganova ] but what other kinds is there ? and what is the differince betwen them? thanks =^..^=

Answer 1

Hi Ballerina,

There are many different kinds of ballet methods, each distinct and very different.  First of all, you have Russian ballet, which, as you mentioned, includes the Vaganova method, among other more obscure and very similar methods.  Next, there is the Italian Cecchetti method, founded by Enrico Cecchetti.  There is the École Française, a French method.  There is the Royal method, which is an English method.  A very obscure method of Danish ballet is called the Bournonville school, which is very closely tied to the École Française.  Lastly, there is the very famous Balanchine method, which is American.  Each is different and varying, which is what makes watching different companies so entertaining and interesting.

VAGANOVA METHOD

Agrippina Vaganova, the founder of the Vaganova school and method, studied at the Imperial School of Russia (now the Soviet Ballet), and went on to meld her Russian studies with French and Italian influence.  The method focuses on the strength and placement of the back and arms, as well as flexibility and endurance.  The Vaganova method is often seen as the parent of the modern pas de deux, because Agrippina Vaganova very much stressed the pas de deux in her teachings.

CECCHETTI METHOD

The Cecchetti Method, founded by Enrico Cecchetti in the mid 19th century, uses a strict and classical training method for its students for core muscle strength and ability.  It is widely used in Italy, Europe, and Australia.  It is very rigid in training method and has very particular plans for the dancers' education.  Cecchetti's breakthrough philosophy of having the dancer imagine the entire body as a cohesive unit rather than the arms, the legs, the torso, the head, etc. as different pieces, changed the face of modern ballet.

ÉCOLE FRANCAISE

The French Ballet School is unique in that in places less emphasis on strict technique and more on fluidity and elegance.  The École Française is very old, but was really defined by Rudolf Nureyev.  The name soon changed to the Nureyev School of Ballet.  This method has a great emphasis on elegance and fluidity, but also very quick steps and petite allegro, so fast, in fact, that it appears one large, flowing movement, similar to a bourré accross the floor: many miniscule and fast steps flowing together to make an illusion of gliding across the stage.

THE ROYAL BALLET

The Royal Ballet is the foundation for all Ballet Methods, as it is the first known method ever to be founded.  Therefore, over the many years of its existance, it has taken on the influence of the many other methods that have succeeded it.  The Royal Ballet is unique, however, in that it is a perfect balance between rigorous technique and training and fluidity and elegance.  Also, it stresses balance and symmetry in its choreography.

THE BOURNONVILLE SCHOOL

Founded bye August Bournonville, this is essentially the French ballet with Russian-Vaganova influence.  Before the 20th century, it was considered the purest form of the French Ballet.  However, as more and more Russian influence was brought into the method, it formed a unique style of dance that is beautiful to watch.  The training focuses on the very basic preparatoire arms.  A distinct feature of the choreography is the many beats, which occur in almost every step, especially for men.  More specifically, pirouettes are taken from developpé, much like a Vaganova foutte en tournant traditionally starts.  It is also famous for its "Spanish Fourth", with a bit of untraditional epaulment.

THE BALANCHINE METHOD

George Balanchine, the founder of this method, is commonly seen as the father of modern classical ballet.  The method was originally used for the New York City Ballet, and has many strange and unconventional arm positions, and much brava and drama throughout the choreography.  For example, in pique arabesque, the arm sometimes goes up past the nose to almost touch the side of the cheek, so that the arm is straight up in the air.  This method urges its dancers to be flexible and extremely physically able, as the choreography is almost always very physically trying.

Good luck and hope this helped.  Remember, always feel free to contact me with further questions.♥

Answer 2

The "École Française" (French school of ballet, French style)

The "Vaganova Method" (Russian school of ballet, Russian style)

Answer 3

My studio goes under the The Society of Russian Ballet which i guess is the Russian version lol

have a nice day =)

Answer 4

There are a variety of methods.  

# American ballet - Balanchine method

# Danish ballet -  Bournonville School

# English ballet -  Royal Academy of Dance method

# French ballet

# Italian ballet -  Cecchetti method  -  

# Russian Ballet -  Vaganova method

For more on the methods see below