Basic Principles of Classical Ballet: Russian Ballet Technique

by Agrippina Vaganova, Anatole Chujoy (Translator)

Although the stars of Russian ballet Anna Pavlova and Tamara Karsavina possessed a national manner of dancing, there was no truly Russian school of dancing until the 1930s. The development of this school was largely due to Mme. Vaganova (1879–1951), not only a great dancer but also the teacher of Galina Ulanova and many others and an unsurpassed theoretician.
The principles of Vaganova's system are presented in this well-known book. Mme. Vaganova's aim of creating a personal approach to the Russian dance was based on the critical assimilation of the experience of her contemporaries. Her ability to choose the best of what had been accomplished in the various ballet traditions (French, Italian, and Russian) and combine these into a unified teaching practice in itself amounted to a new school of dance. She firmly believed that the teaching process should be a planned exercise, ever changing with innovations in the dance. She sought from her pupils emotional expressiveness, strictness of form, a resolute, energetic manner of performance, and the understanding of the underlying coordination of movements.
Her book discusses all basic principles of ballet, grouping movements by fundamental types. Chapters cover battements, rotary movements of the legs, the arms, poses of the classical dance, connecting and auxiliary movements, jumps, beats, point work, and turns as well as material for a sample lesson. Diagrams show clearly the exact foot, leg, arm, and body positions for the proper execution of many steps and movements. The result is a fundamental theory of dance that offers dancers, teachers, and ballet lovers information often difficult to locate in other books.
118 illustrations.

Genres: Nonfiction, Art, Reference, Classics, Unfinished

192 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1969

Reviews

[Cedricsmom · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bible of classical ballet training

[Jennifer B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't imagine it can get much more complete than this. It covers every step in the Russian school of Classical Ballet, with detailed explanations and clear illustrations. For anyone who wants to practice or hone their skills, this is very useful. It also really makes one appreciate the strength and discipline behind the art. There's even a sample class at the end with musical accompaniment.

[Gus · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS BOOK IS BRILLIANT
I am learning ballet alone, I am not a professional nor anything near it, in fact I am a complete beginner, this book is simply the best for teaching you both the history and basics of classical ballet, its worth it for anyone interested in the art form.

[Atanea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helps a lot during my russian classes. Also nice too see that so many years later my teacher follows the exact same principles. Often to the point where uses the same sentences as Vaganova. 🖤

[Genoveva Uzunova · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book I recommend for every ballet dancer. It has great explanations and great illustrations. Although ballet techniques may vary the basic ballet positions, the structuring of the dance class from adagio to allegro and the organization of the ballet lessons apply to various techniques. I love the Russian ballet technique and dancers who have very expressive hand and arm movements (port de bras) and was excited to read this book. Vaganova explains the basis for performing various movements and positions, which I have wondered about when learning. Her technique, however, seems a bit strict to me. I also like that she indicates that the turnout (key in ballet) and the extent to which various leg and foot positions may be performed depends on the anatomy of the dancer and some dancers may never be able to achieve ca omplete textbook turnout with a lot a practice due to anatomical variations, and they are still excellent dancers.

[Ivana Amidzic · Rating 5 out of 5]

A staple read/manual on everything Vaganova method. Very anatomical and body mechanics oriented.

I own a copy and consult it frequently.

My dance teacher is officially trained in Vaganova method and this is how she teaches us too.

Combining this manual with our weekly instruction is a sure way to learn systematically and form a very good foundation.

[Irisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful in learning the Vaganova Method and improving my technique!

[Val · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for any classically trained dancer

[chloe anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

i think that whether you dance or simply want to study ballet, this is a really great, informative book!
but if you are looking to improve your form and presence this will definitely help.

[Caspar Vega · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ballet is the only area into which the Russians have ever contributed anything of value, so five non-Communist stars for the legendary Madame.

[Greta.Violetta · Rating 5 out of 5]

The god of ballet

[Maranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great study of classical ballet technique. A good choice for both ballerinas, and just anyone with a love of dance and dance related exercise.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great tool for any ballet teacher or dancer with an interest in the nitty gritty of classical ballet.
My ballet syllabus is largely based on the Vaganova method (some Bournonville and Balanchine influence) as passed down from my teachers and other second hand sources, so it was about time I read about the methodologies from the source herself. This book helped me better understand the technique and also gave me some ideas for improving my syllabus and class structure.

[Luna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ahhh, my beloved ballet.

This is famed Russian ballet teacher Vaganova's style of dancing, written out. She discusses her style, how they are similar and different to French (École Française) and Italain (Cecchetti) schools. She describes different steps and gives an example lesson.

Lovely book, though with teachers definitely in mind.

[Iiris Penttilä · Rating 4 out of 5]

No en ihan sanasta sanaan lukenut

[Savannah Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This ballet manual helped me to learn, and understand more, about the many different ballet styles. From Russian and French, to Vagonava and Cecchetti.

[Madamme Ballet · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bible of classical ballet.