kirov academy of ballet

BRAND NEW DAYKIROV 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.”

DANCE MAGAZINE

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.

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

Martin Fredmann and Michael Beard

KAB’S MISSION IS TO FIND, TRAIN AND EDUCATE STUDENTS WHO SHOW EXCELLENCE IN THEIR ARTISTIC POTENTIAL FOR BALLET.

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.

BRAND NEW DAY 1

OUR DOORS ARE WIDE OPEN…

MICHAEL BEARD, Executive Director

MARTIN FREDMANN, Artistic Director

KIROV ACADEMY of BALLET of Washington, DC www.kirovacademydc.org

BRAND NEW DAY 3

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.

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.

ABOUT US

KIROV ACADEMY of BALLET

is located in

Washington, DC,

close to the campus of

The Catholic University

of America.

“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.”

GELSEY KIRKLAND

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.

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 Ballet’s curriculum includes classes in classical technique, repertoire studies, partnering,

character dance, historical court dance, music, art history, ballet history and body conditioning.

BRAND NEW DAY 5

TRAINING

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.


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.

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.

Academically, KAB’sfully-accredited program of studiesfeatures an on-site AcademicDirector and faculty: • providing an excellentsecondary education.

• integrating the study of the arts into all aspects of academic instruction.

• encouraging the developmentof critical thinking skills,problem solving strategies, as well as ethical behavior.

• providing the necessaryeducational services to ourinternational students whorequire English language support (ESL).

• establishing an educationalenvironment that promotesawareness, understanding andacceptance in a diversepopulation.

ACADEMICS

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

BRAND NEW DAY 7

“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!”

KYLE

7:40am Hit the snooze button

7:49 Wake up, breakfast

8:20 Chemistry

9:10 Modern European History

9:55 Break and Work Study

10:50 Art History

11:40 English Literature

12:30pm Lunch

1 Warm up for an hour

2:30 Ballet technique and repertoire class

7 Shower and eat dinner

8 Homework

9 Free time Call to my parents, relax

10:30 Lights out

Hometown: Livermore, California

Fourth year Eleventh grade 17 years old Residential student

“I started dancing in preschool when I was four. Ballet is the

only thing, outside of family and friends, that I’ve ever put

my heart and soul into. With ballet you’re in your own zone

and perfecting yourself.

My dream is to be in the San Francisco Ballet. I saw

The Nutcracker there and it was so beautiful, and I’d like to be in

a big city. I like how the Kirov Academy of Ballet incorporates

academics and ballet. It was so hard at my old school to take

ballet and keep up with my schoolwork. You always need

academics to fall back on after a career in ballet.

I have a friend who ran track who felt the same way about her

sport as I feel about ballet. If I did a double pirouette, she

understood that it was the same as making your best time as a

runner—that feeling of accomplishment and competing

against yourself.

I wish more people appreciated ballet. So many of the

companies need more money, and I wish that more people

would support ballet training.”

GINABEL

BRAND NEW DAY 9

7:25am Get to school

7:30 History

8:15 Academic Break - have coffee, finish homework;

Warm up for ballet

9:30 Ballet 3-4

1pm Take shower, get dressed in street clothes,

have lunch, do homework

2:15 American Lit

3:05 Geometry

3:55 Anatomy

4:45 French 1

HOME Except on Wednesdays,

when I have rehearsal from 5:30 to 7pm

Hometown: Silver Spring, Maryland

First year Tenth grade 16 years old Commuter student

EXPERIENCE THE EXCITEMENT OF SEEING TOMORROW’S BALLET STARS…TODAY!


PERFORMANCES

WINTER PERFORMANCE SERIESDecember 15, 16, & 17, 20112:30pm and 7:00pm performances

featuring

La BayadèreKingdom of the ShadesSet in the Royal India of the past, La Bayadère is a story of eternal love, mystery, fate, vengeance, and justice.

MUSIC: LUDWIG MINKUSCHOREOGRAPHY: MARIUS PETIPASTAGING: ELENA TENCHIKOVA

Performed with other selected works

SPRING PERFORMANCE SERIESMay 24, 25, & 26, 20122:30pm and 7:00pm performances

featuring

Valse-FantasieThe New York Times calls Valse-Fantasie“a windswept pattern of pure dancing, attuned to the joyfulness of its waltz rhythms.”

MUSIC: MIKHAIL I. GLINKACHOREOGRAPHY: GEORGE BALANCHINESTAGING: JOHN CLIFFORD AND MIMI PAUL (FORMER PRINCIPAL DANCERS WITH THE NEW YORK CITY BALLET).

and Giselle, Act IIPerformed with other selected works

BRAND NEW DAY 9

Visit www.kirovacademydc.orgfor performance informationand to purchase tickets

Seating is limited!

BRAND NEW DAY 11

We are deepening our community connections and take great pride in being part of the Greater Washington, DC

region. Our students perform in area schools with an interactive Introduction to Ballet program. The schools are

provided a curriculum and a teacher’s guide to give context and to further the discussion about ballet.

Plans are in the works to partner with an arts-based charter school in an underserved neighborhood to help

expose students to ballet. And an adult class taught by Artistic Director Martin Fredmann has been created for

community members to explore and experience ballet for themselves.

The Kirov Academy of Ballet recently engaged in an exciting new partnership with The Phillips Collection near

Dupont Circle in Washington, DC, as part of the opening of their current Degas exhibition. The Kirov Academy

of Ballet has also become a member in the Brookland Neighborhood Civic Association and Cultural Tourism DC.

“The Phillips Collection is thrilled to count Kirov Academy of Ballet of Washington, DC, among its creative collaborators. The Academy’s talented young dancers graced our galleries to celebrate the impressionist master of ballet, Edgar Degas, bringing his images to life. Our visitors won’t soon forget the experience.”

DOROTHY KOSINSKIDIRECTOR OF THE PHILLIPS COLLECTION

Collaborations are the key to growing deep

roots in the community. This philosophy

represents a brand new commitment for the

Kirov Academy of Ballet.

To learn more about the Kirov Academy

of Ballet’s community partnerships

contact Robert Lucas

Director of Development

(202) 636-0627

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

BRAND NEW DAY 13

BRAND NEW DAY 15

“I spent most of my teenage life at the Kirov Academy, and it proved to be an ideal place to learn and mature.

The nurturing atmosphere of the school allowed me to feel comfortable and at home, yet able to really focus

and strive towards achieving a professional career in ballet.

It is very rare to find such good training outside of Russia. The teachers work to refine the movement and

line of the dancer in order to create a pure, classical dancer. I feel that this allowed me a ‘blank slate’ which

allows me to work in all types of classical characters, as well as contemporary work, with ease.

I will always remember Kirov as my second home. The friends I made at Kirov are friends I’ll have for life.

They come from different backgrounds, yet are all united under one roof, under one passion: ballet.

It was incredible to be surrounded by people who understood you and wanted the same things that you

wanted. You never felt alone. Everyone was striding forward as a group, everyday.

The Kirov Academy prepared me not only for a ballet career, but also for life outside of school. They taught

me how to be responsible for myself. I am forever grateful for that, as well as everything I learned from the

knowledgeable staff and teachers.

I will always be proud to call myself a Kirov graduate.”

Patricia Zhou, The Royal Ballet

A SAMPLING OF KIROV ACADEMY OF BALLET GRADUATES NOW PERFORMING WITH MAJOR COMPANIES

Michele Wiles

Sascha Radetsky and Hee Seo

Maria Byrstrova

April Gaingeruso

Melanie Hamrich

Jessica Saund

AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE

Mathias Dingman

BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET

Sara Michelle Murawski

Andrew Pontius

Ian Whalen

DRESDEN BALLET

Casey Herd

DUTCH NATIONAL BALLET

Melissa Hough

Natalie Varnum

Conner Walsh

HOUSTON BALLET

Gabriel Davidsson

KANSAS CITY BALLET

Patricia Zhou

Brian Maloney

THE ROYAL BALLET

Vanessa Zahorian

Sasha De Sola

SAN FRANCISCO BALLET

Elzabeth Mason

STUTTGART BALLET

Shane Wuerthner

Emilie Drexler

VIENNA STATE OPERA BALLET

Jonathan Jordan

Brooklyn Mack

WASHINGTON BALLET

ALUMNI

When you give to the Kirov Academy of Ballet, your gift helps to sustain an artistic treasure

that urgently needs funding to remain in operation. Your contribution supports the preservation of

the history and techniques of one of the most important classical ballet traditions in the world.

Ensure the future of a one-of-a-kind training institution where students live and study together,

preparing for ballet careers that will take them all over the globe, while acquiring

the academic foundation they need for continued success.

For more information

about giving options,

contact Robert Lucas

Director of Development

(202) 636-0627

[email protected]

GIVING

“The training is impeccable. Definitely the top American school...an essential asset for dance in America.”

MARCELLO ANGELINI, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, TULSA BALLET


FROM OUR STUDIO TO THE WORLD’S STAGE!

KIROV ACADEMY of BALLETof Washington, DC

4301 HAREWOOD ROAD, NEWASHINGTON, DC 20017-1558

(near Catholic University of America)

(202) 832-1087

MICHAEL BEARD, Executive DirectorMARTIN FREDMANN, Artistic Director

Be a fly on the wall at the Kirov Academy of Ballet. Visit us on Facebook!

For directions, visit www.kirovacademydc.org/visit.html

PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAOLO GALLI

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kirov academy of ballet

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