Kirov Academy of Ballet by Kelly Pollins

BRAND NEW DAY 足KIROV ACADEMY OF BALLET of Washington, DC

“As one of the world’s elite ballet academies, Kirov Academy’s performances warrant attention. The school has produced ballet competition winners and placed its graduates in major companies worldwide.” DANC E MAGAZI NE

OUR DOORS ARE WIDE OPEN…

It’s an exciting time at the Kirov Academy of Ballet. With the arrival of Artistic Director Martin Fredmann—the first American to serve as artistic director—we are signaling a new day. We remain true to the traditions of the exquisite Kirov Ballet (now known as Mariinksy Ballet). It is critically important for us to remain the “keepers of the flame” of this important dance tradition. Yet we must also train our dancers for a world of dance where they are exposed to and keep up with broader influence, so that they can remain current and relevant. Martin Fredmann and Michael Beard

generous level of support for the Kirov Academy, as in the past. The loss of that funding has required us to look at our business practices differently. We’ve cut back spending, become more efficient in our day-to-day operations, and begun forging new strategic partnerships. With your support, we can sustain this cultural treasure for many generations to come.

We are opening our doors wide to you in a new way, as well! We invite you to experience the talents of our international student body and the beautiful lines of Russian classical ballet training. Come take a tour of our unique world and observe our dancers and extraordinary faculty bringing out the best in each other. On a more serious note, our financial situation has also changed. Our sole benefactor of twenty years can no longer provide the same

M ICHAEL B EARD , Executive Director

M ARTIN F REDMANN , Artistic Director

KAB ’S MISSI ON I S TO FI ND, TRAI N AND EDUCATE STUDENTS WHO SHOW EXCEL L ENC E IN THEI R ARTISTIC POTENTI AL FOR B AL LET.

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KIROV ACADEMY of BALLET of Washington, DC

www.kirovacademydc.org

ABOUT US

KIROV ACADEMY of BALLET is located in Washington, DC, close to the campus of The Catholic University of America.

Founded in 1990, the Kirov Academy of Ballet is a world-class ballet training institution where serious students from around the world come to prepare for a professional career in dance. It is the only school outside of St. Petersburg, Russia with the right to use the “Kirov” name.

Such training has produced many of the 20th and 21st century’s most exceptional dancers and choreographers, including Pavlova, Nijinsky, Nureyev, Sizova, Baryshnikov, Makarova, Vishneva, and George Balanchine.

Our internationally-recognized faculty trains aspiring young dancers in the St. Petersburg-based Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet method, noted as the most famous and influential classical ballet school in the world.

“The Kirov Academy of Ballet provides a unique opportunity for dancers in America to receive the authentic training which has produced some of the best dancers in the world.” GEL SEY KI R KL AND

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KIROV ACADEMY of BALLET of Washington, DC

www.kirovacademydc.org

TRAINING

The Vaganova method of ballet instruction promotes dancing with the whole body to create a harmony of movement. The Vaganova methodology creates a powerful foundation featuring musical dynamics and an expressive and integrated use of the arms. No other balletic training possesses these attributes so fully and completely. Given the core strength and precision required of a Vaganova-trained dancer, many believe that this technique is the epitome of classical ballet training. Once a student has mastered the Vaganova method, learning other ballet styles and techniques is quite simple. The Kirov Academy of Balletâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s curriculum includes classes in classical technique, repertoire studies, partnering, character dance, historical court dance, music, art history, ballet history and body conditioning.

There are Early-Prep classes for ages 2-6 and a Preparatory Program for ages 6-14. In their senior year, students can audition for and participate in the Kennedy Center Ballet Master Class series, which exposes them to artistic directors and ballet masters of leading ballet companies from around the world.

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ACADEMICS

Academically, KAB’s fully-accredited program of studies features an on-site Academic Director and faculty: • providing an excellent secondary education. • integrating the study of the arts into all aspects of academic instruction. • encouraging the development of critical thinking skills, problem solving strategies, as well as ethical behavior.

Academics are a very important part of the education at the Kirov Academy of Ballet. We are the only ballet school in the United States that has academic classes taught on-site. Classes are very small and the average, low student-to-teacher ratio (7-to-1) allows students to receive any individual assistance and guidance they might need.

• providing the necessary educational services to our international students who require English language support (ESL).

Our curriculum not only meets state and college admissions requirements, but also the needs of young artists. We prepare them for college and a professional life in which they will be able to think and function at college level.

• establishing an educational environment that promotes awareness, understanding and acceptance in a diverse population.

The Kirov Academy of Ballet is accredited by The Commission on Secondary Schools of the Middle States Association.

KIROV ACADEMY of BALLET of Washington, DC

www.kirovacademydc.org

BRAND NEW DAY

KYLE Hometown: Livermore, California Fourth year

Eleventh grade

17 years old

Residential student

“Growing up I was active in acrobatics and gymnastics. I was taking hip hop at a local studio when a Russian ballet dancer I met suggested that I try out for the Kirov Academy of Ballet. I did, and was first accepted into their summer program and then after that their residential program. I like ballet because it is way more challenging— mentally there is so much you have to think about at once. It never gets easy and I never get bored. It’s about athleticism and it’s really cool. With hip-hop, you can make it your own; ballet is about specific lines and discipline. It’s definitely a cardio workout. It’s fun! I like ballet in that it’s part of a history that dates back forever. When you dance ballet it’s like being part of that time period. I’ve made some really good friends here. We’re kind of like a big family. We’re all here for the same thing… we have something in common. What’s hard is when people graduate and move on, but they are doing exciting things. One friend went to the Paris Opera, another to the Stuttgart. I hope I’m not being arrogant saying this, but if I can do this training, I can do anything!”

7:40am

Hit the snooze button