Top 5 Ballet Methods in the World: A Journey Through Technique and Artistry

As a ballet dancer, your journey is not just about mastering positions and executing pirouettes. It’s about understanding the deep connection between technique, style, and the artistry that each method brings to life.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of studying the most important ballet methods, each with its own unique approach and philosophy. And today, I want to share the top 5 ballet methods in the world, why they matter, and how they shaped my personal dance journey.

1. Vaganova: Strength and Precision

The Vaganova Method, developed by Agrippina Vaganova in Russia - USSR, is arguably the most widely practiced ballet technique in the world. It’s renowned for its focus on strength, precision, and fluidity. What sets Vaganova apart is its approach to combining the flexibility of classical ballet with the athleticism required for rigorous movements, particularly in the execution of jumps and turns.

My Journey with Vaganova:

It was my first contact with ballet and it was like falling in love. I couldn't be more grateful to have started with this method and my first teachers who were deeply passionate about Vaganova. It was during those classes that I truly understood the power behind the technique. The foundation of Vaganova’s work is about building a strong, grounded core, which, for me, felt like rediscovering my body in a whole new way. The method emphasizes gradual progression from simple movements to more complex ones, and that ensures dancers develop a solid base because they can see and feel it. This approach changed how I viewed strength in ballet – it’s not just about muscle, but about control and discipline.

2. Cecchetti: Classical Elegance

The Cecchetti Method, created by Italian ballet master Enrico Cecchetti, is often considered one of the most traditional and elegant techniques in the ballet world. Known for its focus on clean lines, fluidity, and precision, the Cecchetti method emphasizes balance and grace. It involves a set of fixed exercises designed to help dancers master the basics of ballet before moving on to more advanced moves.

My Experience with Cecchetti:

I had the honor of studying Cecchetti for a period, and I immediately felt how its focus on pure lines and elegance resonated with my own sense of style. In particular, I appreciated how the exercises emphasized the importance of proper alignment, which became the foundation for every leap, pirouette, and arabesque. Cecchetti taught me that ballet is not just about movement but about achieving a sense of harmony between the body and mind.

3. Balanchine: The Shock of Modernity

Oh yeah! George Balanchine! Was I ready for that? Let me tell you that the experience was nothing short of shocking. Balanchine’s approach to ballet, often considered a break from tradition, emphasizes speed, flexibility, and contemporary expression. The movement vocabulary he introduced was revolutionary – there’s a certain freedom in Balanchine’s choreography that allows for a more modern interpretation of classical dance.

My Moment of Shock:

During my first contact with Balanchine, I was taken aback by how different it was from what I had learned my whole life. The steps were quicker, more expansive, and required a level of flexibility I had never had to reach. And the hands! THE HANDS! At first, I felt out of my depth, but, of course, once I embraced it, I fell in love with the technique. It opened my eyes to the idea that ballet could be not just about preserving tradition, but also about pushing boundaries and redefining movement. Balanchine’s influence on the American ballet scene is undeniable, and for any dancer, studying his work is essencial.

4. Cuban Method: Rhythmic and Strong

Developed in Cuba and heavily influenced by the Russian Vaganova and French schools, it has become one of the most distinctive and powerful forms of ballet. This method is characterized by its muscular strength, rhythmic quality, and dramatic expressiveness. It’s often marked by rapid footwork, deep plies, and strong emphasis on jumps. Cuban ballet dancers are known for their powerful stage presence and ability to convey deep emotion through their quick and vigorous movements.

My Experience with the Cuban Method:

First, let me say that I love Carlos Acosta. He is, in my humble opinion, one of the greatest male dancers alive. And I had the opportunity to meet him during a winter program in Cuba! Yes. But I went to Cuba to learn Cuban Modern Dance and ended up going to the Cuban Ballet as well. What a joy! And also, how exhausting it was. Absolutely fast, and vigorous and powerful. The trainings were intense, and the focus on rhythm was particularly challenging – they were also during the Modern Dance classes. And it was all so fascinating to see how Cuban dancers integrate percussive rhythms into their performances. The passion and energy inherent in the Cuban style opened up a whole new world of dance for me, teaching me how to bring a different level of emotion and power into each movement.

5. Royal Academy of Dance (RAD): Structured and Global

The famous RAD Method! Developed in the UK, it is a structured approach that focuses on building strong technical foundations through progressive levels of difficulty. It is one of the most popular systems of ballet education worldwide, particularly in English-speaking countries, with its emphasis on creating a clear progression from beginner to advanced levels. RAD is known for being highly accessible and globally recognized, making it an excellent system for dancers of all ages and levels.

Though my personal journey has been more focused on Russian and Italian techniques, I’ve always respected the RAD system for its global reach and adaptability, and often took classes whenever I could. It offers a clear roadmap for dancers, and many of my colleagues around the world have found great success in the RAD system, particularly in terms of performance and certification.

Honorable Ballet Methods

While the five methods above are some of the most widely recognized and influential, there are other techniques worth mentioning. These include:

• The Italian Method

• French School

• American Ballet Theatre (ABT) Method

• Bournonville Method – the Danish style

And each ballet method has its own unique approach to developing the dancer’s body, mind, and artistry. For me, personally, Vaganova, Cecchetti, and Balanchine have left profound marks on my journey. Whether it was the strength and precision I gained from Vaganova, the elegance I learned from Cecchetti, or the freedom and innovation I experienced with Balanchine – all these methods helped me shape my understanding of dance in a deeper way.

No matter where you are in your ballet journey, understanding the different methods and embracing their unique philosophies can only enhance your growth. Ballet is an evolving art form, and every dancer can find inspiration in the variety of techniques that exist today.

Explore, experiment, and see where your own ballet journey leads you.