HOW WE TEACH
At the Russian School of Ballet, we believe learning ballet is wonderful for children even if they never become professional dancers. That’s why we use the Vaganova Method – a scientifically-proven approach that builds not just beautiful dancers, but confident, disciplined individuals who carry these skills into every area of their lives.
This isn’t just another dance technique – it’s the same prestigious system that has trained legends like Maya Plisetskaya and Mikhail Baryshnikov. Created by the legendary Russian teacher Agrippina Vaganova, this method has been trusted by the world’s finest dancers for generations.
The method is designed to involve the whole body in every movement, creating that unmistakable harmony and expressive range that Russian ballet is famous for.
You can spot a Russian ballet-trained dancer across any stage. Here’s what makes them so distinctive:
Precision. Quiet power. Controlled strength. Vaganova dancers carry themselves with an unmistakable nobility – backs strong and stable, posture that commands attention whether they’re on stage or walking down the street.
Russian-trained dancers possess considerable physical strength yet perform with breathtaking softness. They never look robotic or forced – their technique is so deeply internalized that their bodies naturally breathe classical movement.
Every part tells the story. From the tips of their fingers to the direction of their eyes, Russian ballet training teaches dancers to use their entire being expressively. The famous épaulement (shouldering) creates those beautiful, harmonious shapes that make Russian dancers so captivating to watch.
You can spot a Russian ballet-trained dancer across any stage. Here’s what makes them so distinctive:
Precision. Quiet power. Controlled strength. Vaganova dancers carry themselves with an unmistakable nobility – backs strong and stable, posture that commands attention whether they’re on stage or walking down the street.
Russian-trained dancers possess considerable physical strength yet perform with breathtaking softness. They never look robotic or forced – their technique is so deeply internalized that their bodies naturally breathe classical movement.
Every part tells the story. From the tips of their fingers to the direction of their eyes, Russian ballet training teaches dancers to use their entire being expressively. The famous épaulement (shouldering) creates those beautiful, harmonious shapes that make Russian dancers so captivating to watch.
Those legendary high jumps and powerful turns that seem to defy gravity? That’s the Russian method at work. Dancers learn to create the illusion of being suspended in air, staying “airborne” longer through incredible core strength and coordination.
The clean, virtuoso technique creates those stunning lines Russian ballet is famous for – every position clear and precise, yet flowing seamlessly from one to the next with natural grace.
Harmonious coordination of the body means arms, legs, torso, and head all work together as one. Nothing is isolated – every movement flows with continuity and purpose. This extraordinary coordination is often mistaken for natural talent, but it’s actually a teachable skill developed through the method’s systematic training. What looks like an inborn gift is actually the result of hours spent learning how to make every part of the body work in perfect harmony – and any dedicated student can develop this same beautiful coordination.
We don’t just teach steps – we build these legendary characteristics in every student.
Our teachers, trained in the same tradition as the Bolshoi Ballet Academy, adapt this world-class system to work with each student’s unique potential while maintaining the method’s distinctive qualities.
We focus on building that famous core strength and back stability from day one. This creates not just better dancers, but individuals who move through life with confidence and grace.
This is the same technique that creates those unforgettable performances you see from Russian companies. We bring that spirit of artistic excellence to every class, while nurturing each student with warmth and respect.
The same training that creates these distinctive dance qualities develops:
☑️ Disciplined thinking and focus
☑️ Physical strength and coordination
☑️ Artistic expression and creativity
☑️ Persistence and commitment
☑️ Respect for themselves and others
☑️ The ability to work toward long-term goals
“The spirit of excellence is palpable – even in the youngest groups! All the instructors are knowledgeable; not for the sake of knowledge but for the love of the art.” – Janet De Beer, RSB Parent
“This ballet school gives its dancers the opportunity to experience real theater. The excellence that is expected for productions is taught in this school – every dancer has clean moves and finishes their steps.” – Noluthando Maseka, RSB Parent
“If you really want to work hard and improve in ballet, this is the school. They won’t allow you to do less than your best and pay A LOT of attention to detail.” – Jade Adams, Advanced Student
The same training that creates these distinctive dance qualities develops:
☑️ Genuine Heritage – RSB teachers studied at the prestigious Vaganova Academy in St.Petersburg and Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Moscow
☑️ Proven Excellence – Our students develop those same distinctive qualities that make Russian dancers legendary
☑️ Professional Standards – World-class studios with the equipment and environment for serious training
☑️ Individual Growth – We see each student’s unique potential while building these timeless qualities
☑️ Supportive Community – Excellence achieved through encouragement, not pressure
Discover why the centuries-proven Vaganova Method at RSB is creating dancers with that unmistakable Russian ballet quality right here in Johannesburg.
📞 Call: 060 042 8228 | ✉️ Email: dance@russianschoolofballet.com
Two Convenient Locations:
Parkhurst Studio: Cnr 2nd Ave & 15th St, Parkhurst
Illovo Studio: 30 Rudd Rd, Illovo
All levels welcome. All ages welcome. Excellence cultivated.
FAMOUS DANCERS
