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Dance Technique: Vaganova Method
The 5 positions of the feet in classical dance (Vaganova method)
The classical dance education system in Russia, based on the pedagogical work of Agrippina Vaganova, was the first to be structured and codified down to the smallest detail.
Each of the eight learning levels has its own teaching plan . This makes it easier for the teacher and for the student to follow the pedagogical progression: each element of the academic vocabulary is taught in a logical and understandable way, from its basic form to the final version .
Before integrating a movement, it will be cut out and studied in detail. Gradually, element by element, classical dance technique is built and developed allowing the student to understand and deeply integrate each step. The solidity of the technique acquired thus allows the dancer greater freedom of movement, since he does not have to struggle to obtain the correct positions.
The teaching of the first years is particularly important, since it is in this phase that the foundations of the technique are established. The following schedule looks at the first part of the first year for a non-vocational school. Before starting the exercises at the barre, it is advisable to do a short warm-up and stretch the legs to prepare the joints and soften the muscles.
1st lesson
At the beginning of the first year, students learn the five positions of the feet and the three basic positions of the arms.
The Positions of the Feet (Russian Syllabus)
The first position
the feet are turned outward at an angle of 180°, the heels together;
the weight of the body is placed on the midline of the feet.
The second position
the feet are apart and turned outwards at an angle of 180°, the distance between the heels being approximately that of one foot;
the weight of the body is placed on the midline of the feet.
The third position
the feet are turned outwards at an angle of 180°, the heel of the front foot superimposed on the heel of the rear foot;
the weight of the body is placed on the midline between the feet.
The third position is used especially for the first phase of learning the fifth and in the character dance (folk).
The fourth position
the feet are turned outwards with an angle of 180°, placed one in front of the other at the distance of one foot, without offset;
the weight of the body is placed on the midline between the feet.
The fifth position
the feet are turned outward at an angle of 180°, superimposed on each other so that the point of the foot in front is aligned with the heel of the foot behind and vice versa.
the weight of the body is placed on the midline between the feet.
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