Mironova Classical Ballet Academy

Our Adult Ballet Class is open to everyone. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced dancer, we believe everyone can improve at any age. We place emphasis on learning correct technique based on the Vaganova method, such as correct alignment and which muscles to engage, as opposed to just learning the steps. You will also learn dynamic use of upper body and head, which is unique to Russian style.

This class focuses on enhancing flexibility, strength, and overall physical conditioning essential for ballet dancers. Through a series of targeted stretching exercises, students work to improve their range of motion and muscle elasticity, which are crucial for achieving and maintaining optimal ballet positions. Conditioning exercises are designed to build core strength, stabilize muscles, and support overall body alignment. The class combines dynamic stretches with strength-building routines to enhance performance, prevent injuries, and support the technical demands of ballet dancing.

The contemporary class explores dynamic work through the Martha Graham and Horton techniques. Martha Graham's technique focuses on expressive movement and emotional storytelling, emphasizing contraction and release as fundamental aspects of body movement. The Horton technique, known for its strong, athletic approach, emphasizes core strength, flexibility, and complex, dynamic movements. Students will engage in dynamic exercises that incorporate the principles of both techniques, enhancing their versatility and expressive capabilities in contemporary dance.

This is an advanced Level. This training marks the beginning of formal Classical Ballet training using the Vaganova methodology. This method, both historic and timeless, emphasizes the simultaneous development of technical proficiency and individual artistry. It fosters a complete range of musical expression through proper placement and a strong classical dance foundation.

This level builds on the Elementary level, offering a deeper exploration of body placement, basic movements, and primary terminology. Students will focus on refining their technique with basic turns and jumps performed at an increased tempo, duration, and repetition. Additionally, if approved by a doctor and deemed ready by their instructor, students will begin pointe work at this level.

The first level introduces students to disciplined exercises designed to master the placement of the body, including the core, legs, arms, and head. They learn basic ballet movements such as pliés (bending of the legs), relevés (raising the balls of the feet), and tendus and jetés (stretching of the legs). The class also covers the proper execution of gliding and jumping movements while developing flexibility. Students begin to prepare for turning exercises as well.

Classes begin with a warm-up on yoga mats to boost flexibility and strength, while also helping students focus, listen, observe, and follow directions. Next, children move to the barre to learn ballet positions, enhance turnout, and refine posture. After barre exercises, they transition to the center to practice small jumps and movements, and then to the corner to work on larger jumps and traveling across the floor.

Classes start with a warm-up on yoga mats to enhance flexibility and strength while helping students focus, listen, observe, and follow directions. Next, children move to the barre to learn ballet positions, improve turnout, and refine posture. After barre exercises, they transition to the center to practice small jumps and movements, and then to the corner to work on larger jumps and traveling across the floor.

This class introduces students to the formal structure of classical ballet class, while avoiding the full outward rotation of the hip joint. Students learn elementary ballet vocabulary, including concepts of alignment, positions of the feet and arms, simple stretches, and basic movements. These exercises focus on transfer of weight, balance, use of space, and development of large and fine motor coordination, as well as jumps. The class also incorporates creative elements to ensure students maintain their natural ability and enjoyment of movement.

120 minutes of full ballet class with pointe work

90 minutes of full ballet class

Barre work only