OUR PHILOSOPHY

The Ballet Academy of Warrenton is dedicated to quality teaching of classical ballet, using the Russian method, based upon the Vaganova syllabus. This unique teaching method has been producing world-class dancers for nearly one hundred years, among them such luminaries as Rudolf Nureyev, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Maya Plisetskaya, Galina Ulanova, Natalie Makarova, Vladimer Malakov and Nina Anashiliva. The legendary choreographer George Balanchine received his ballet training and first danced in Russia before coming to America.

Classical ballet provides the foundation for all other dance forms. It is the most demanding, most disciplined of all dance forms; but also the most rewarding. With a solid ballet foundation, classically trained dancers can transfer their skills into jazz, modern dance, or any other dance form they might decide to pursue. Accomplishing that solid ballet foundation is crucial to becoming an outstanding dancer in any dance form. The Ballet Academy of Warrenton provides our students with that solid ballet foundation.

To those of you who are saying to yourself, "But I (or my child) hate ballet," click here.

"To dance, put your hand on your heart and listen to the sound of your soul."  We must always remember those words spoken by the great jazz innovator and master teacher Luigi. Luigi’s initial dance training included a strong foundation in classical ballet, which he used as the basis for his world-renowned jazz technique and teaching method.

The Academy emphasizes the artistry of ballet - the beautiful lyrical qualities and musicality that are sometimes lost in the contemporary push for greater and greater technical feats. Artistry keeps its prominent place in the Russian teaching method at the Academy, while maintaining a correct and safe approach to technique, insuring that young bodies are physically ready to perform ballet moves of increasing difficulty. The guiding principles of the Russian Vaganova Method enable a dancer to develop the flexibility, strength, endurance, muscle memory, discipline, and attention to detail that are essential to his or her growth as a ballet artist.

Every child benefits from quality dance training, even though he or she may ultimately choose another career path. In dance, children learn the cooperative teamwork necessary to produce a high quality work of art. They develop creative thinking skills and the ability to push themselves to higher achievements. They learn an immense amount about music and rhythm, and are introduced to the French language. They encounter spatial relationships and must think with both sides of their brain while learning to dance. All these skills will enhance your child’s academic performance, as well as their physical well-being. Self-confidence and self-esteem continue to develop as a young person conquers new movements and grows more certain of his or her ability to apply themselves, work hard, and master any task put before him or her. Growing through this artistic process helps a child find the pathway to personal integrity and self-assured adulthood. He or she enters society with the ability to do well at whatever life places before them; and with the ability to maintain the uncompromising high standards absorbed during their dance training.

Quality teaching pays close attention to your child’s artistic development. But of equal importance, quality teaching pays close attention to your child’s health and safety, as well as physical and emotional well-being. The Academy endeavors to help each student enjoy and treasure the hours devoted to dance training, encouraging them to love dance for the sheer pleasure and sense of artistic fulfillment, rather than only for a sense of technical accomplishment.

"Correction does much, but encouragement does more."
                Goethe

The Ballet Academy of Warrenton provides a positive environment where every student is expected to strive for excellence to the very best of his or her abilities. We, in turn, will always strive to make a positive contribution to the lives of our students and our community. We will achieve this by giving students the individualized guidance and attention to which they are entitled; while instilling the value of commitment, respect, hard work, discipline, and artistry.