VAGANOVA VS BALANCHINE TECHNIQUE

[@dancingwithmackenzie]

THANK YOU FOR WATCHINGGG❤

[@laurenmangold7929]

I was trained Vaganova, and my daughter is just getting started in a Balanchine school. This helped me understand what to expect as she progresses.

[@lara_ballerina]

i used to train in the Cecchetti technique, and now doing ABT (which combines multiple aspects of different schools of ballet) and can definitely see the Vaganova influence on ABT (especially with the epaulement). personally prefer the Vaganova technique over Balanchine, but it was interesting to see your take on the differences! (especially since Balanchine is not as common where i am from)

[@sloth_dance]

Omg same

[@aster_11]

I'm someone who switched from RAD to Vaganova and it really was a big shock, but I can with confidence say I much prefer vaganova

[@AlexisBittner-v4v]

I made the exact same switch! It took a long time to adjust, but I love vaganova now!

[@gigimora366]

RAD is not a ballet technique for professionals that's why you were shocked

[@aster_11]

@@gigimora366 In my country it's like one of the only forms of ballet, including cecchetti. Majority of professional dancers teach and grew up with the RAD method. Sadly vaganova studios are rare, but yes I love it so much!

[@catalilac]

@@gigimora366 I wish I had a vaganova academy where live 😭

[@cosennet]

@@gigimora366 Could you explain why you believe RAD is not for professionals? I was an RAD trained professional - in London it is the most widely used method. Stands for Royal Academy of Dance, with an illustrious tradition from de Valois through Fonteyn and continuing to this day. It produces a clean, pure technique that is versatile and adapts well to other styles. I would consider the Balanchine method as more of a 'style' than pedagogy. Vaganova was a brilliant pedagogue, no denying that, and the resulting style is glorious!

[@Fleur_de_Rosé]

Very informative, thx! I'm a sucker for the firm foundation of Vaganova technique/discipline as opposed to the Balanchine style. Be thankful you were taught the Vaganova discipline because you can easily apply the Balanchine style for a nicely rounded composition.

[@paularostas7335]

Vaganova is gold! Nothing can be compared to that methodica!

[@sorcerer455]

I was/am trained in RAD and Cecchetti but I have found myself becoming more enamoured and interested in Balanchine style. I really liked this video showing the difference between these two techniques. Thank you!

[@ashleymarks3726]

this is why I find ballet so interesting. it's all about the technique.

[@KaraLey98]

Yet-love how the body and torso & head tilt in the Vaganova, which is equally expressive, imo.

[@vermillion9nelson188]

I saw a Bournoville class once where barre started with grande battement!!!😮. And we can't forget that Balanchine classic a la sebesque. lol. The breakdown is great!

[@andrealarocco4941]

I’m a Balanchine dancer all day long. Good job explaining the differences! Balanchine is all about the line. My teachers would say that we have wrists, hands, and fingers to dance with. Also yes to the crossed arms in turns. And droopy elbows is also a yes depending on how old your teacher is. 😂 Awesome job! Arabesque and turns look amazing!!

[@marta-mc17]

But the lines are muuuch nicer and elegant on the Vaganova tecnique

[@genlyai5055]

@@marta-mc17 Wrong.

[@philzmusic8098]

@@marta-mc17 The question is do you always want elegant? I play Chopin differently than I play Beethoven--a composer B. never choreographed, by the way.

[@GorgDjdjd-wo4dy]

And vaganova is more about emotion and life than Balanchine.

[@dancinggiraffe6058]

My first teacher danced in NYCB. One thing I remember from her class that I never heard in any other type of class I took was that when you do any kind of battlement (tendu, jeté, grand) to the front or back, you want to have the toe of the working leg end up on your center line when your leg is extended, not just in front/back of the hip of the working leg. That was so ingrained in me that I always think it looks sloppy when dancers don’t cross their legs over.

[@dancingwithmackenzie]

Ohh yes!!! Forgot about that!!

[@paullikesbass]

I read this comment and had to stand up and do a few, and yup, I def go to my center line. Never realized that was uncommon because that’s how I was always trained, in multiple settings. Felt really weird to me trying to keep it in front of the hip lol

[@dancinggiraffe6058]

@@paullikesbass Wherever I went after that, I kept crossing my leg over, and nobody ever told me it was wrong. But I really never did have any other teacher that said that it *should* be done that way.

[@jujubadetrigo]

I train in Vaganova and that was the first correction my teacher gave me. I wasn't crossing enough

[@crystalmeier6579]

(Older lady here), for such a young lady, im so impressed with your ability to explain and demonstrate. It was wonderful. 🌹 👏

[@mermaidopulence8539]

Balanchine girly here and I've never heard of bending the knee when bringing back to the fifth position. You were spot on with the tendu arms, we love a good dramatic tendu arms. When I was younger I was trained RAD then switched to Balanchine and I've noticed that Balanchine is about speed while making it look effortless.

[@arthrodea]

Yeah, I don't think that's Balanchine technique. I think that is just dancers "cheating" to get their foot in to a more turned out position, when they need to pull up more and pull the straight leg into a strong fifth position.

[@AnnaAnna-zi8ri]

Love these comparing styles videos! And that's you tried them all! And did pretty great!

[@dancingwithmackenzie]

Yay! Thank you!

[@KaraLey98]

Thank you for this!! I love the arms when you do the Balanchine!! I feel like the body doesn’t look as graceful unless the arms are fully expressing.

[@brianne9]

That shade of brown leotard really suits you! Thanks for the comparison.

[@a_girl_on_the_interwebs]

It really does

[@hensku.3000]

I teach ballet classes in Finland and our curriculum is heavily based on Vaganova so it’s definitely more familiar. It’s interesting to see the differences in Balanchine, like the wider prep position in pirouettes. And I’m baffled by the front spotting in piques. Like how do you know where you’re going if you’re not even looking 👀

[@philzmusic8098]

I find the Vaganova technique suited to romantic ballet, the Balanchine technique suited to both classical and modern ballet. In V. the arms are closer and more liquid, in B. the arms take up more space and are more explosive. The presence/absence of epaulement fits in with this distinction.

[@junemacauley6813]

Your comparative demonstrations were very helpful. Thank you!

[@Elemenohpea440]

I was trained in Vaganova, and my daughter is doing the ABT method. No idea which one I like better! All the methods have their strengths!

[@EconoGirl2023]

Thank you for the help. Vaganova got my heart

[@michaelgarcia2973]

Hi Mackenzie...I have heard of Balanchine but Vaganova is new to me but I love how you dance both Balanchine and Vaganova.

[@saturdaymourning5582]

Thank you for confirming something for me. I trained with many coaches and teachers, many years ago as a young gymnast. I always assumed that I had been trained in the Balanchine style bc in my dance theory class, we only discussed Balanchine. Goes to show how biased that teacher was. But, it turns out all this time it was most definitely the Vaganova style which I was taught. Which makes sense, bc both my teachers were Hungarian. Great video! Thank you for posting!

[@japark85]

I had always assumed that I was taught Balanchine technique because my teacher had actually trained with George Balanchine. I know now that most of what I learned was Vaganova. The more you know!

[@suziqginger]

I was trained in Cecchetti technique but now as an adult dancer, I can mix it up as much as I want! 🎉 I like all styles! Just depends on my mood that day 😆

[@rosamunddufort3111]

I also trained with Cecchetti, RAD and French method. Now I'm a Silver Swan and we're learning Vaganova with our Russian trained teacher after a 49 year gap!

[@sOaPy_aa]

I am a Vaganova trainned dancer ❤❤ I LOVED how well u explained evreything. You are so talented🎉🥰💕✨

[@EmilyUnverferth]

Hi!!! I love your channel so much, you inspire me to become a better dancer!!!

[@dancingwithmackenzie]

Thank you!!!❤❤

[@AstroBuoyant]

This … actually a very good comparison of the 2 schools … I was trained mostly in the French method … so I lean Vaganova … I prefer a more classical trained dancer’s background, yet in choreography, a more modern, Ballenchine/Paul Taylor esque choreography… the whole discussion is really quite compelling … I have a secret … this from a dance dude … as a male dancer, one is allowed more deviation from a particular school, one reason … I think it’s because the Corps De Ballet uniformity being so essential for women.

[@CarolsKilljoy]

this was very interesting! I've been doing ballet for 20 years but I have never known explicitly which method my teacher teaches, I feel like it's mostly Vaganova, but with some balanchine elements

[@LadyBlack22]

This is so fascinating. My instructor just does like the weirdest mashup of styles. Very interesting seeing which things she incorporates from any particular style.

[@thecuckooviolinist7376]

Thank you so much!! This is helping me to differentiate training I'm getting!

[@katereinsch4789]

Excellent and very informative demonstration. Thank you! I prefer Balanchine but over all I love dance regardless which style it is based upon.

[@peachiethecat]

Your turnout is insane, wow!

[@maximumgender]

I trained Vaganova. The classes I took when I was young were pretty strict Vaganova, but some classes I took later also had the more expressive arms you see in Balanchine. I never noticed the turn out on the side battement. It looks so weird to me!

[@mb33669]

vaganova looks like music box ballerina, balanchine feels more expressive and alive. both are amazing, but i much prefer balanchine, ngl.

[@NeverlandSystem_Satin]

Your form and positioning is beautiful. I was trained Balanchine and danced nearly entirely in that style, but never professional, so it's my preference. But all ballet is exquisite and stunning.

[@georgiadonald1588]

Fascinating video. I really liked the Balanchine style

[@flightydancer]

You dance beautifully! Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@jolanmariavarga3830]

What I always notice in Balanchine dancers is that they're allowed to lift their heel in demi plie

[@OffStageGirl]

This is actually dangerous for your feet 😅

[@AllieHutchins]

And not actually accurate to Balanchine's or the original SAB faculty's teachings. They rebounded with the heels hitting the ground in allegro and SOME parts of *choreography* were on the balls of the feet. They didn't train like that. Training like that is dangerous and a gross development of a misrepresentation similar to the see every finger >golf ball > grapefruit hands.

[@chiara4243]

You guys are so mean in these comments 😅 she never claimed to be an expert in either style or to have gone to SAB or Vaganova. In fact, you hear her say something along the lines of “in my experience” over and over… learn to have fun lol not everyone needs to be a walking Wikipedia page to be able to post online

[@KaraLey98]

Chiara, wouldn’t that be A DANCING Wikipedia page? Also I’ve read numerous compliments so far not -/mean remarks..myself-really appreciate the video💟

[@oyodancecompany5486]

@dancingwithmackenzie the term we were taught in vaganova pedagogy is small pose arms (anything below 90 degrees and big pose arms (90 degrees and above). And straight leg in then bed for pirouette. There are a lot of little details that would be clarified through studying the pedagogy vs what you learn in class 🙂

[@Erin.Newman]

I grew up doing Balanchine but my university does Vaganova. Hardest switch ever.

[@peace-now]

Thank you for the informative video.

[@mitsycat2803]

According to my very old school Russian teacher, "ballerinas never cross their arms!" Could hear her when you said that lol

[@Anna_65]

This was super nice!

[@OffStageGirl]

As a French I prefer a fifth position almost like a 3rd, and not bending the knees 😱!

[@tomorrocat]

Very interesting even to someone who is not a highly trained dancer (but fascinated with ballet!)!

[@niiliah]

Just stumbled across your video. You are such a doll! ❤

[@DangelyOnes]

So interesting...thank you❤

[@dahliamartinez714]

my goodness mackenzie, you are such a beautiful beautiful woman and dancer, so talented 🩷

[@peachiethecat]

From what i was taught, Balanchine arms in piques are the same as pirouettes- tight, almost wrapping over each other. The more "giselle" style of crossing and dropping the elbows is a style choice, not necessarily technique.

[@gastronomist]

There was some good Balanchine Claws in there.

[@philzmusic8098]

You see claws, I see swan necks.

[@nickim6571]

I feel the Vaganova is more elegant, whereas the Balanchine is more athletic.

[@k_uricka]

Lovely bevel! ❤️

[@noopy24]

Amazing channel

[@npats550]

I think the Vaganova school has raked floors in it's classrooms and practice studios, to get them used to be on stage. Not a dancer, but i did take adult classes for a bit, one was ITSD, and the other Cechetti. It's interesting to get little comparisons both in the actual technique but also the terminology. I know it's all in French, but with a couple of steps, which are usually in combinations, they do have a few different names. Thanks 😊

[@balletwithisabella]

Yes the school has raked floors - I’m a graduate of vaganova.

[@Fleur_de_Rosé]

​@@balletwithisabellaSo glad you commented!! Found your channel and I'm loving your portal into the Vaganova School & some insights into the Royal Ballet School, too!!

[@trishw229]

Why don't you have a thanks button? I enjoyed this video and would love to support you.😊

[@justiniantbh]

Front spotting to me is both crazy unnatural looking but also so pretty and “neat” feeling

[@siobhananna]

I learned that "cashew foot" in cechetti

[@siobhananna]

Actually, my teacher used to mock the balanchine "Ala sabesque" along with other non classical lines.

[@genlyai5055]

And every good teacher I've ever known mocks the tired old Cecchetti/Vaganova 'technique' which means one can never move fast or have expressive arms. Honey, you don't own the word 'classical' NOR its definition. GROW THE FUCK UP.

[@lilypad2827]

I definitely prefer Vaganova technique

[@vvoovvaa]

Balanchine created specific classes for his company, so it comes hand in hand with his style of choreography. And I don't think there are any companies or ballet schools that teach his style. I feel like it can be difficult for Balanchine style dancers to fit in traditional ballet companies. You have to be proactive and fluent in Vaganova training as well. Style can be changed, but the technique is different can of worms. So good luck to everyone.

[@dancingwithmackenzie]

If you want a career in the USA you need to have knowledge of all ballet styles, RAD, vaganova, and balanchine because otherwise its very hard for you to get a job :)

[@philzmusic8098]

I'm guessing Kelsey Kirkland switched techniques (except for B. ballets) when she went from NYCB to ABT.

[@aimeepatrick8269]

I trained a combination of chechetti, Balanchine and Russian at the top 5 ballet schools/companies in the USA and none of the “cheats” bending the knee, or cashew foot were at all acceptable ever. The turnout must come from the hip and not the foot which is why some people might not appear to have good turnout. Vaganova forcing the turnout is horrible for the body and caused knee, ankle and hip imbalances that make dancers injury prone.

[@tatya222002]

Vaganova method is aimed at a small number of hand-selected kids who already have the built necessarily for the method. They literally have a physical therapist present at the entrance exam.

[@Homerun153]

​@tatya222002 Correct. Vaganova selects those with: Perfect proportions, perfect turnout, perfect demi-plie, perfect medium or high insteps. All these attributes are given by Mother Nature. YT responsible for a great deal of ignorance of classical ballet and artistry, sadly.

[@mr555harv]

Really appreciate your willingness to actually demonstrate. I realize this can be embarrassing if not perfect. But that is OK. Just demonstrate slowly to show the difference. Then show the difference. You could show using clips from actual ballets. You are a beautiful dancer. Thanks

[@MissDuke2012]

You are a cutie pie. This reminded me of some great memories. 🥰

[@monongahelacats]

I prefer Vagonova over Balanchine any day of the week. There are certain principals at NYCB who have broken, floppy wrists that annoy me.

[@Smithereens007]

Same. When I saw NYCB last, I couldn’t get over how lifted their shoulders were and the hands just drive me nuts to watch having trained in Vaganova.

[@monongahelacats]

@ my training was mostly Russian as well. My teacher had an intense dislike for Balanchine.

[@Norr992]

I was trained Rad, cecchetti and vaganova.I prefer vaganova

[@bleeka325]

I was trained in cechetti

[@danceraog111]

Balanchine still wants full 180 lol

[@Thalia.Lambrou]

❤

[@moraven_]

As a franch dancer i hate the Balanchine style, it sounds like begginers with hands, arms, not using the head... I love Vaganova style, it's pure, elegant and technical

[@genlyai5055]

C'est de la merde totale, cherie!

[@Fleur_de_Rosé]

Agreed.

[@OffStageGirl]

Vaganova is not respecting the different morphologies in the hips ! They all finish destroyed 😭😱

[@arthrodea]

I don't think they all end up destroyed. What is not accounted for is that in Russia: the kids audition and are specifically selected based on body characteristics just as hip mobility and turnout. Kids lacking that will not even do serious ballet. In the US: any child can take ballet classes, there are not typically auditions (except at a very few more serious ballet academies, and even there their standards for body shape and turnout are nowhere near those for the Russian schools). So if you have someone without that natural ability trying to force a turnout - then yes they can end up with knee damage.

[@Fleur_de_Rosé]

​@@arthrodeaVery good and IMPORTANT points!

[@marta-mc17]

Vaganova over Balanchine INDEED!!!

[@genlyai5055]

FOAD.

[@lisawentworth6831]

I'm from school Balanchine...winged foot, high extension, athletic dancers. Never even heard of Vaganova until moment, and I studied Russian technique for 11 years, taught for 30.

[@jonnarobinson7541]

How could you have taught Russian technique and never heard of Vaganova???? Russian technique is a very broad category, and the Vaganova style is quite different from the Bolshoi.

[@AllieHutchins]

Well, considering that Vaganova IS a technique and Balanchine is a style..

[@dancingwithmackenzie]

The School of American Ballet would show otherwise, they train in a very different technique

[@AllieHutchins]

@@dancingwithmackenzie it's not a technique, it's not codified or a structured syllabus. And whatever they're doing currently is not what it was when Balanchine was actually alive, ie heels up, head forward with no epaulment at the Barre, grapefruit claws. They generally don't hire kids that started at SAB from scratch and graduate, there's a higher success rate from older dancers that attended the school for the final few years to learn the style on top of their technique.

[@genlyai5055]

@@AllieHutchins What drivel you post!

[@mariavakhrusheva2174]

Madam. Вы внесёте чушь.

[@dancingwithmackenzie]

do you have anything better to do

[@aerin1970]

Почему у неё такая короткая шея?!

[@dancingwithmackenzie]

I dont. But the USA actually allows short dancers to have careers cause were equally as good and beautiful!! Lol

[@philzmusic8098]

She was stretched on the rack.

[@Homerun153]

Twisted hips, scrunched up back of neck in both arabesque poses. Not good.

[@dancingwithmackenzie]

im sorry i didnt know you were the ballet master of the world

[@Homerun153]

No, merely an ex-professional ballet dancer who had the great good fortune to dance in several ballets at the Garden, behind Rudi. Implicit in your ripost is that you consider yourself an expert. Not being able to take technique criticism does not bode well for any would-be professional ballet dancer. Fyi in the performing arts, rehearsals are expensive and there is no time, nor the inclination, to correct poor technique! @dancingwithmackenzie

[@Homerun153]

I danced professionally at the Garden behind Rudi in my time, which makes me more of an expert than you. Please grow up.

[@gemini1123]

It’s funny to me that someone can be so smart and talented but also be like ‘I need to wear my tights OVER my leotard WITH the crotch seam showing’. I mean at least black tights would look better? Lol. So weird. Really makes it hard to watch. It’s like old woman’s shape wear kinda look? Trying to look ugly on purpose? I dno. It rly draws attention to the wrong area and makes dancers look bloated.

[@Sierra_Polerina]

This video is INCREDIBLE.