Vaganova

Vaganova refers to Agrippina Matveyevna Vaganova (1879–1951), a Russian ballet pedagogue who devised an influential system of training known as the Vaganova method. Rooted in a synthesis of established European ballet practices, the method integrates strength, flexibility, and expressive musicality through a progressive curriculum that builds from basic positions to complex more advanced repertoire. It emphasizes the natural alignment of the body, the coordination of head, torso, arms, and legs, and the development of a free yet controlled line. A hallmark of the Vaganova method is épaulement—the precise positioning of the shoulders and torso to sculpt line—and the synchronized use of the port de bras, épaulement, and turnout to achieve clean, dynamic movement. The training stresses breath control, correct turnout, and a strong center, with a focus on pedagogy that accommodates the individual student’s growth.

The Vaganova method is closely associated with the Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet in Saint Petersburg, one of the oldest and most prestigious ballet schools in the world. Founded as the Imperial Ballet School in the 18th century, it became a central institution for training in the Vaganova system. The method has had a broad international influence, with teachers, curricula, and methodological books distributed worldwide and adopted by numerous conservatories and companies. It remains a defining approach in classical ballet education and continues to shape performances globally.