Study Russian Ballet in Russia

The Russian ballet was created in the 1800's exclusively for royalty and heads of state. No one could have dreamed it would have evolved into worldwide recognition and set the standard of the art today. One such reason for the mastery and longevity of it's students is the rigorous training method and attention to detail. Agrippa Vaganova developed her technique and trained others as the Artistic Director of Vaganova at the Kirov Ballet in St. Petersburg, Russia. Now this exclusive method of ballet is offered to American students and teachers of all ages and levels.

The Russian Academy of Ballet and Theatre Arts in Moscow, GITUS, has extended it's hand to train American ballet teachers with an intensive 2 week workshop in the Vaganova method, experienced in it's native environment. For those who are do not wish to travel to Russia, the same program is extended in New Jersey. Teachers, from any ballet school and technique background, may register for the program to earn the Certification in Vaganova, thus obtaining a higher qualification to teach. They will be trained in basic Vaganova technique down to the finest details of arm placements, jumps and how to develop a russian-method class syllabus. At the end of the program, teachers who have earned the certificate are invited to enroll in the Russian choreography coursework to finish their Vaganova studies. They will work with students at the academy, with a live stage performance at the end of the session. In addition, a Russian interpreter will be on hand from the moment of arrival in Moscow.

GITIS staff is comprised of some of the greatest names from the Bolshoi including Nina Sorokina, Vadim Utkin, Nina Semizorova. In addition GITUS has master choreographer Elena Shegaleva and Vitaly Ahuondov from the Azerbaijan Ballet, now serving as GITUS president.

Tuition is based at $1300 for studio classes with housing in a hotel at $150 per night to include breakfast. Add roundtrip airport transfers for $100, and transport to and from the studios is $5 per day. Moscow or New York tour options are provided at the end of the session once your position is reserved.

Ballet students of all ages are welcome to train with GITUS in the Summer Dance Camp for an intensified two week program. Classes are divided between ages 10 to 20 in one group, and 21 and up in another. The students will be immersed in ballet, pointe, character, partnering, historic ballet and stage make-up, and there is also a special workshop class for boys. At the end of the camp, students will have a professionally videotaped final performance.

Students may audition live in New Jersey for a $20 registration fee. However, GITUS would prefer you send a 10 minute VHS or DVD with the student's head and feet visible at all times. This tape should be made in the year the applicant will register, and video submissions are free.
www.russianballetcamp.com
www.russia-visa.com
www.transparent.com/languagepages/russian/russian.htm