of Washington, DC - Kirov Academy of Ballet

BRAND NEW DAY
­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 my arrival as Artistic Director—the first American to serve in this
position at the Kirov Academy of Ballet—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!
Martin Fredmann
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.
Our sole benefactor of twenty years can no
longer provide the same 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, rolled out new
programmatic initiatives, such as our Advanced
Training and Teacher Certification programs,
and begun forging new strategic partnerships,
both in the broader community and
throughout the dance world.
With your support, we can sustain this cultural
treasure for many generations to come.
On a more serious note, our financial situation has also changed.
M ARTIN F REDMANN
Artistic Director and Executive 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.
BRAND NEW DAY
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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
BRAND NEW DAY
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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 Ballet’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
7
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
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
GINABEL
Hometown: Silver Spring, Maryland
First year
Tenth grade
16 years old
Commuter 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.
7:25am Get to school
7:30 History
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.
8:15 Academic Break - have coffee,
finish homework;
9:30
Ballet 3-4
1pm
Take shower, get dressed in street clothes,
Warm up for ballet
have lunch, do homework
2:15
American Lit
3:05 Geometry
3:55 Anatomy
I wish more people appreciated ballet. So many of the
companies need more money, and I wish that more people
would support ballet training.”
4:45 French 1
HOME
Except on Wednesdays,
when I have rehearsal from 5:30 to 7pm
BRAND NEW DAY
9
EXPERIENCE THE EXCITEMENT OF SEEING TOMORROW’S BALLET STARS…TODAY!
KIROV ACADEMY of BALLET of Washington, DC
www.kirovacademydc.org
PERFORMANCES
Visit www.kirovacademydc.org
for performance information
and to purchase tickets
Seating is limited!
WINTER PERFORMANCE SERIES
SPRING PERFORMANCE SERIES
December 15, 16, & 17, 2011
2:30pm and 7:00pm performances
featuring
May 24, 25, & 26, 2012
2:30pm and 7:00pm performances
featuring
La Bayadère
Valse-Fantasie
Kingdom of the Shades
The New York Times calls Valse-Fantasie
“a windswept pattern of pure dancing,
attuned to the joyfulness of its waltz rhythms.”
Set in the Royal India of the past, La Bayadère is a story
of eternal love, mystery, fate, vengeance, and justice.
MUSIC: LUDWIG MINKUS
CHOREOGRAPHY: MARIUS PETIPA
STAGING: ELENA TENCHIKOVA
Performed with other selected works
MUSIC: MIKHAIL I. GLINKA
CHOREOGRAPHY: GEORGE BALANCHINE
STAGING: JOHN CLIFFORD AND MIMI PAUL
(FORMER PRINCIPAL DANCERS
WITH THE NEW YORK CITY BALLET).
and Giselle, Act II
Performed with other selected works
BRAND NEW DAY
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9
KIROV ACADEMY of BALLET of Washington, DC
www.kirovacademydc.org
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
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.
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
“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.”
DO R OTHY KOSI NSKI
DIR ECTO R O F THE PHI LLIPS CO LLECTIO N
BRAND NEW DAY
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KIROV ACADEMY of BALLET of Washington, DC
www.kirovacademydc.org
ALUMNI
“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
Mathias Dingman
Sara Michelle Murawski
Andrew Pontius
Ian Whalen
HOUSTON BALLET
AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE
DRESDEN BALLET
BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET
Melissa Hough
Natalie Varnum
Conner Walsh
Patricia Zhou
Brian Maloney
Shane Wuerthner
Emilie Drexler
THE ROYAL BALLET
VIENNA STATE OPERA BALLET
Gabriel Davidsson
Vanessa Zahorian
Sasha De Sola
Jonathan Jordan
Brooklyn Mack
KANSAS CITY BALLET
SAN FRANCISCO BALLET
WASHINGTON BALLET
Casey Herd
Elzabeth Mason
DUTCH NATIONAL BALLET
STUTTGART BALLET
BRAND NEW DAY
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GIVING
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]
FRO M OUR STUDIO TO THE WO RL D’S STAGE!
“The training is impeccable. Definitely the top American school...an essential asset for dance in America.”
MAR C EL LO ANGEL I NI , ARTI STI C DI R EC TO R, TU LSA BAL L ET
KIROV ACADEMY of BALLET of Washington, DC
www.kirovacademydc.org
KIROV ACADEMY of BALLET
of Washington, DC
4301 H AREWOOD R OAD , NE
WASHINGTON , DC 20017-1558
(near Catholic University of America)
(202) 832-1087
M ARTIN F REDMANN
Artistic Director and Executive Director
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