Boys'/men's vaganova ballet program students performing Don Quixote

Boys ballet students at the barre in technique class

BOYS'/MEN'S
PROGRAM

Pre-Professioal Divson (Boys)

Director Nikolai Kabaniaev has a proven track record of developing young male students into professional dancers. Under his direction, our Boys'/Men's Program has a 95% professional alumni rate. Students of the program have won numerous awards, scholarship offers, and praise by company directors and audience members alike.

Nikolai graduated from the famed Vaganova Academy in St. Petersburg, Russia, and went on to dance with the Kirov/Mariinsky Ballet where he worked with some of the world's finest teachers, directors, and choreographers. He is dedicated to passing on his vast knowledge and expertise in classical ballet to each of his students.

OVERVIEW

A strong boys'/men's program is imperative for all aspiring young dancers at a ballet school. It allows for male students to have specialized training, while also providing partnering experience for all. Nikolai's training is known to be challenging, detailed, and powerful. It demands talent, discipline, and unwavering commitment, but the rewards are immeasurable.

Male dancer wins ballet competition award

Award-winning Training

Although our students and faculty consistently win top prizes at competitions, the real test and our priority is to place students into professional companies. Our male alumni are dancing professionally at The Joffrey Ballet, Dutch National Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, Mariinsky Theatre, Mikhailovsky Theatre, and more.

Mentorship

Let's face it - developing into a young adult can be difficult, especially when pursuing a professional career at such a young age. That is why honest professional guidance is crucial for success. Our faculty works closely with each student to give them an understanding and plan for what it takes to achieve their goals.

Performance Experience

Stage experience is essential for a dancer’s growth, bridging the gap between studio training and professional careers. Performing in full productions builds confidence, adaptability, and artistry, while rehearsals refine technique, musicality, and stage presence. Overall, students gain an understanding of what a professional production entails.

Master Ballet Teacher with young ballet student

CURRICULUM

Our Boys'/Men's Program is divided into two divisions:

JUNIOR DIVISION | Ages 6-13

Students are at the beginning stages of their training. This introductory division focuses on setting a solid foundation for vocabulary, basic technique, and artistry to effectively build upon thereafter.

PROFESSIONAL DIVISION | Ages 13-19

Students are looking to pursue a professional career. The focus is refining technique, pushing the body to its limits, partnering, and translating the work in class onto a professional stage.