The Vaganova method is acknowledged as the number one training system for Classical Ballet. It has created some of the world’s most acclaimed dancers, choreographers and teachers: Anna Pavlova, George Balanchine, Rudolph Nureyev, Diana Vishneva, Svetlana Zakharova, Vladimir Shklyarov, Alina Somova and so many more. Through Vaganova training, students develop the necessary building blocks of beautiful, safe and correct technique and build up a solid foundation that allows the adding of different “styles” as a dancer matures.
Our program is based on the curriculum taught at the Vaganova Ballet Academy, aiming to help our students achieve their fullest potential and ability. We want students to develop an in-depth understanding of their bodies, performing artistry and maturity. There are no examinations as this program is tailored for students who are keen on performance and competition coaching, or who are interested to pursue Ballet further on a professional level.
We offer three levels in this program based on age*:
*This serves as a guideline for entry into the program. Students will be assessed and placed based on each individual’s potential and ability.
Students are required to attend twice a week Ballet classes and a Character Dance class.
Admission to our Elite Vaganova Program is through audition only. For more information, enquire at tanglin@cityballetacademy.com.
CLASS | DAY | TIME | TEACHER | VENUE |
Vaganova I |
Saturday Thursday |
3.15 – 4.30 pm 5.45 – 7.00 pm |
Ilya Shcherbakov | Tanglin |
Vaganova II |
Saturday Wednesday |
12.45 – 2.15 pm 4.00 – 5.30 pm |
Ilya Shcherbakov | Tanglin |
Vaganova III |
Saturday Wednesday |
4.30 – 6.00 pm 6.30 – 8.00 pm |
Ilya Shcherbakov | Tanglin |
Character Dance is the stylised representation of a traditional folk or national dance which is integral to Classical Ballet training.
Students will learn Character Dance as taught in Russian Ballet schools and experience different dance styles like Russian Dance, Hungarian Dance, Polish Mazurka and Polonaise, Arabian dance etc. This class aims to help our Junior Elites develop the beautiful dance quality and coordination required to become versatile dancers.
CLASS | DAY | TIME | TEACHER | VENUE |
Vaganova Character Dance |
Wednesday | 5.30 – 6.30 pm | Ilya Shcherbakov | Tanglin |
Vaganova Character Dance |
Saturday | 2.15 – 3.15 pm | Ilya Shcherbakov | Tanglin |
The Vaganova Junior Elite students attend group training in Classical Ballet once a week in addition to their Junior Elite group classes to strengthen their Ballet technique with the Russian Vaganova method.
The Vaganova method, by Agrippina Vaganova (founder of the Vaganova Ballet Academy in St. Petersburg, Russia), focuses on expressiveness of Port de bras in the upper body, and strength and endurance in the legs and feet.
The Elite program is for selected students at CBA Dhoby Ghaut/Prinsep only. For more information, enquire at classes@cityballetacademy.com.
CLASS | DAY | TIME | TEACHER | VENUE |
Vaganova Junior Technique Class | Mondy | 5.00 – 6.30 pm | Ilya Shcherbakov | Prinsep |