Upper Division

CURRICULUM

CLASSICAL BALLET

No	Subject name	Years/Classes, hours per week
		Ballet Vaganova 1 (ages 7-10) 3 times a week	Ballet Vaganova 2 (ages 11-12) 4 times a week	Ballet Vaganova 3 (ages 13-14+) 4 times a week	Ballet Vaganova Pre-Professional (ages 15+)
1.	Basic Ballet Tech	2 X 60 min
2.	Classical Ballet Tech		1 X 1.5h	2 X 1.5h	2 X 1.5h
3.	Classical Ballet Tech + Pointe Technique		2 X 1.5h	2 X 1.5h	2 X 1.5h
4.	Body Conditioning	1 X 60 min	1 X 60 min	1 X 60 min	1 X 60 min
5.	Historical & Character Dance		1.5h
6.	Repertoire		1 X 60 min	2 X 60 min	2 X 60 min
7.	Character Dance			1 X 60 min	1 X 60 min
8.	Contemporary Dance & Improvisation		1 X 60 min	1 X 60 min	1 X 60 min

FOLK DANCE (COMPANY)

No	Subject Name	Classes/Hours per week (ages 10-14+) 3 times a week
1.	Folk Dance (Tatar Dances, Hungarian Dances, Romani (Gypsy) Dances, German Folk Dances, French Folk Dances, Spanish Folk Dances, Italian Folk Dances, Greek Folk Dances, Ukrainian Dances, Russian Folk Dances, Arabic Dances, Indian Dances, Persian Dances)	3 X 1.5h

Welcome to California’s One-of-a-Kind Folk Dance Program!

Here, children with a passion for movement, music, and tradition come together to form something truly special — a performing company of young dancers dedicated to the vibrant art of folk dance. Through this program, students don’t just learn choreography — they prepare for the stage, for competitions, and for life as confident, expressive, and culturally aware individuals.

Created with love for tradition, art, and children, our folk dance program is the first and only of its kind in California. It offers a living, breathing experience of rhythm and grace — one that awakens both body and soul. Rooted in the heritage of many nations, this program is a cultural bridge that connects generations and celebrates diversity through dance.

Folk dance is more than movement — it’s a universal language that teaches empathy, discipline, joy, and self-expression. Our dancers become cultural storytellers, ambassadors of tradition, and citizens of a global stage. They learn not only how to move, but how to feel, connect, and inspire.

From the fiery rhythms of Spain and the elegance of Italy, to the rich traditions of Greece, India, Ukraine, Hungary, and Russia — our carefully curated repertoire brings the world’s folk heritage to life. This is a rare opportunity to give your child not just dance training, but a deep, meaningful cultural journey.

Led by Artistic Director Aleksei Fomkin — a former dancer of the Mariinsky Theatre and one of the world’s leading experts in character and folk dance — our program nurtures excellence, artistry, and spirit. Mr. Aleksei has performed numerous character roles in various ballets, making him a true bearer of the finest traditions and highest standards of character and folk dance.

Folk dance is where culture lives.
Where history moves.
Where children grow into artists, and tradition becomes art.

Ballet Skills and Proficiency Certification Levels:

1. Ballet Vaganova 1
   • Requirements: Minimum 200 hours per year / 2 years / Ages 7-10
   • Proficiency: Knowledge and mastery of the basic fundamentals of classical dance (preliminary proficiency in bar exercises), ballet gymnastics, and stretching.
2. Ballet Vaganova 2
   • Requirements: Minimum 200 hours per year / 2 years / Ages 11-12
   • Proficiency: Knowledge and mastery of basic classical dance exercises (beginner proficiency in bar technique, center work, jumps, and pointe), historical dance, simple variations from classical ballets, ballet gymnastics, and stretching.
3. Ballet Vaganova 3
   • Requirements: Minimum 200 hours per year / 2 years / Ages 13-14+
   • Proficiency: Knowledge and mastery of classical dance exercises (advanced proficiency in bar technique, center work, jumps, and pointe), historical and character dances, medium-difficulty variations from classical ballets, ballet gymnastics, and stretching.
4. Ballet Vaganova Pre-professional
   • Requirements: Minimum 200 hours per year / 2 years / Ages 15+
   • Proficiency: Knowledge and mastery of classical dance exercises (pre-professional proficiency in bar technique, center work, jumps, and pointe), historical and character dances, high-difficulty variations from classical ballets, ballet gymnastics, and stretching. Additionally, foundational knowledge of teaching methods for basic classical dance (preliminary and beginner levels), ballet gymnastics, and stretching. This level grants the right to teach the fundamentals of classical dance, ballet gymnastics, and stretching.

Content and learning outcomes

Outcomes:

The first year of study: development of skills in correctness, precision, and cleanliness of execution; acquisition of skills in precise coordination of movements; reinforcement of active turnout development; development and consolidation of stability; development of movement coordination; fostering strength and endurance; mastering basic dance elements; development of artistry.

The second year of study: continuation of work on acquired skills: further development of correctness, precision, and cleanliness of execution; cultivation of the ability to harmoniously combine movements of the legs, torso, arms, and head to achieve expressiveness and meaningfulness in dance; development of attention when mastering simple rhythmic combinations; verification of accuracy and cleanliness in executing learned movements; development of stability in the center of the training room; further enhancement of strength and endurance through increased tempo and intensity in exercises; mastering more complex dance elements; refinement of technique; increasing coordination complexity; development of artistry and sense of pose.

The third year of study: overall requirements align with the previous year but with a more challenging program: continued focus on developing correctness, precision, and cleanliness of execution; consolidation of choreographic literacy; transition to elements of future dance sophistication. More attention is given to developing foot strength through increased exercises on the demi-pointe and toes, enhancing stability and leg strength through increased repetitions of learned movements, and developing various muscle groups in executing a single movement. Beginning work on technically executing exercises at an accelerated pace and developing dance sophistication. Continued work on coordinated execution of learned movements.

3. Pointe Technique 

Training on pointe in classical dance serves several essential values and goals:

1. Enhancement of Movement Aesthetics: Working on pointe gives students special grace and elegance. When executing dance combinations, it helps create a visual image of lightness and airiness.
2. Development of Foot Strength and Flexibility: Students actively train their feet, strengthening muscles and improving joint mobility. This is crucial for achieving precision and control when executing complex technical elements.
3. Formation of Correct Foot Placement: Working on pointe contributes to forming correct foot placement, the technique where body weight is shifted onto the front part of the foot. This is a fundamental element in ballet technique.
4. Expression and Artistry: Using the toes in dance allows students to add expressive moments to their performance. For instance, the toes can emphasize expressive gestures or facial expressions.
5. Training Musicality and Rhythm: Working on pointe also helps develop a sense of rhythm and musicality, as it requires precision and coordination of movements.

All these aspects make training on pointe an essential part of the training process in classical dance, contributing to achieving high technical and aesthetic mastery in ballerinas.

5. Character dance

Goal: to cultivate in children the ability for creative self-expression through dance education and to instill aesthetic ideals based on the dance heritage of various cultures.

Tasks:

• Introduce students to the history of choreographic art from different cultures.
• Teach the techniques and terminology of character dance.
• Foster an understanding of the connection between music and movement.
• Enhance proficiency to achieve expressive and free movements.
• Develop an understanding of folk dance art’s types, forms, and genres.

Content: study of Russian, Ukrainian, Belarusian, Italian, Spanish, Hungarian, Georgian, Tatar, German, English, Moldovan, Caucasian, etc., dances.

Outcomes: correctly perform exercises at the barre and in the center; able to execute dance movements correctly to the character of specific music; know and can maintain the basic choreographic patterns; perform dance movements with emotion and artistry; convey the national character of the dance.

6. Repertoire

Goal: practical acquaintance and mastery of the classical repertoire heritage of ballet art.

Content:

• L. Delibes. Coppelia (A. St. Leon) 1st Act Variation.
• L. Minkus. Don Quixote (M. Petipa) Cupid Variation.
• J. Bayer. Fairy Doll (N., S. Legat).
• E. Helsted and H. S. Paulli. Flower Festival at Genzano (A. Bournonville) Pas de Deux Variations.
• A. Adam. Giselle (J. Perrot, J. Coralli) Peasant Pas de Deux Variations.
• J. Strauss II, A. Doráti. Graduation Ball (D. Lichine) Pas De Deux Variations.
• R. Drigo. Harlequinade (M. Petipa) Pas De Deux Variations.
• L. Minkus. La Bayadere (M. Petipa) Three Shade Variations.
• P. Gertel, F. Gerold. La Fille Mal Gardee (B. Nijinska, D. Romanoff) Pas de Deux Variations.
• A. Adam. Le Corsaire (M. Petipa) Odalisque Variations.
• L. Minkus, A. Adam. Paquita (M. Petipa) All Variations.
• Glazunov. Raymonda (M. Petipa) All Variations.
• P. Tchaikovsky. Swan Lake (M. Petipa, L. Ivanov) Pas de Trois Variations.
• B. Asafiev. The Flames of Paris (V. Vainonen) Pas de Deux Variations.
• P. Tchaikovsky. The Sleeping Beauty (M. Petipa) Variations of Fairies, Blue Bird Pas de Deux Variations. 
• And others.

Outcomes: knowledge of the choreographic text of major works in the classical ballet heritage, understanding of the forms and styles of past masters, and ability to demonstrate the choreographic text of major works in the ballet heritage.

7. Body Conditioning

Goals and Objectives:

1. Improving Flexibility: Increasing the range of motion and flexibility of joints and muscles. This is especially important for students as high flexibility is required for executing complex poses and movements.
2. Injury Prevention: Regular stretching exercises improve muscle and tendon elasticity, which helps prevent injuries during physical activities, including ballet movements.
3. Enhancing Movement Quality: Flexibility and body alignment are crucial for the grace and beauty of ballet movements. Stretching helps improve the quality and precision of movements and body control in space.
4. Relaxation and Muscle Condition Improvement: Stretching exercises include relaxation elements that help reduce muscle tension and improve muscle circulation.
5. Psychophysical Well-being: Stretching can improve overall well-being, reduce stress, and enhance psychophysical harmony.

In ballet academies, stretching & conditioning is an integral part of the training process to prepare the body for the demands of ballet artistry and improve students’ overall physical fitness. The entire set of exercises is designed similarly to the warm-up routines of students and is performed on the floor. Conditioning focuses on achieving quick and high-quality results in strengthening muscles throughout the body. The exercises effectively target the inner thighs and glutes. All movements must be performed precisely under the instructor’s guidance with a straight back, relaxed shoulders, and an engaged core.

Content: Body conditioning includes a specially designed program consisting of exercises for the back muscles, exercises for the abdominal muscles, exercises for upper and lower turnout, exercises for foot articulation, exercises to strengthen the vestibular apparatus, exercises to shape dance steps, and exercises to improve joint mobility. The main advantage of stretching & conditioning is the opportunity to thoroughly work on each part of your body.

8. Contemporary Dance & Improvisation

Course Objective: This course aims to help students develop their unique style and unlock their creative potential.

Course Content: 

The contemporary dance program includes –

• Studying techniques emphasizing rhythm, expressiveness, poise, plasticity, posture, flexibility, and musicality.
• Development of improvisation skills and freedom of movement.
• Step-by-step mastery of basic movements and integration into more complex combinations and choreographies.
• Creating original choreographic pieces to nurture an individual style.
• Exercises to improve coordination, rhythm sense, and stage expressiveness.

Learning Outcomes: 

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate proficiency in contemporary dance techniques.
• Showcase flexibility, expressiveness, and freedom of movement.
• Apply improvisation principles in creating their own choreographies.
• Feel and integrate musical rhythm into their dancing.
• Develop a distinctive personal style and the ability to express themselves through movement.

9. Folk Dance

Folk dance is a language of the body that nurtures not just posture, rhythm, and grace — but also the spirit. Through direct engagement with the culture of one’s own and other peoples, children learn respect, empathy, openness, and a deeper perception of the world. They become more than performers — they become cultural ambassadors, stage artists, and citizens of the world.

This is a chance to stay connected to cultural roots, to pass on the richness of folk traditions, to instill a deep respect for one’s history and dance heritage. It’s also a rare opportunity to give a child not only dance training, but a true cultural experience that broadens their worldview and develops artistry, coordination, confidence, stage presence, inner strength, and a deep appreciation for the diversity of the world. Folk dance is performed in special character shoes with heels.

Course Content:

European Dances:

Tatar Dances

• Distinctive arm movements, torso techniques
• Variable rhythms and accents
• Gender-specific choreographies in Tatar tradition

Hungarian Dances

• Upright posture, detailed footwork, emphasis on toe work
• Csárdás: transitions from slow to fast tempos
• Male improvisation, female softness

Romani (Gypsy) Dances

• Expressive arm and torso movements, free-form structure
• Improvisational elements
• Strong musical sensitivity and expression

German Folk Dances

• Dances from Bavaria and Thuringia
• Triple rhythms, clear structures
• Partner dances, canon group formations

French Folk Dances

• Breton, Provençal, and Norman traditions
• Menuets, gavottes, branles
• Elegance and courtly style

Spanish Folk Dances

• Use of castanets, footwork, rhythmic play
• Andalusian, Castilian, and Basque forms
• Dances: Jota, Fandango, Seguidilla

Italian Folk Dances

• Tarantella, Pizzica, Saltarello
• Energetic tempos, active footwork, lively jumps
• Pair and group formats

Greek Folk Dances

• Dances: Sirtaki, Hasapiko, Kalamatianos
• Numerous circular formations
• Step patterns with a communal spirit

Ukrainian Dances

• Techniques: stamping (drobushky), trepaks, jumps, spins
• National musicality
• Dances: Hopak, Arkan, Vesnyanka

Russian Folk Dances

• Key elements: squats, taps, spins, claps
• Distinct male and female styles
• Circular forms and group dances
• Dances: Barynya, Kamarinskaya, Khorovod

Eastern & Ethnic Dances:

Arabic Dances

Oriental technique: torso, hip, and arm isolations

Dances such as Shaabi, Baladi

Feminine grace and decorative movements

Indian Dances

Foundations of classical styles (Bharatanatyam, Kathak) in folk performance

Mudras (gesture system), expressive facial movement

Rhythmic patterns, accented gesturing

Persian Dances

Fluid, flowing movements

Graceful, circular pathways

Dances with veils, bells, and props

Children will learn the basic movements of each tradition, characteristic walking styles, posture, grace, and essential technical and stylistic skills. They will master elements and choreographies from various ethnic backgrounds, distinguish and embody different cultural styles, and develop stage expression and artistry. Students enrolled in the Folk Dance program become part of a performing company, preparing for stage performances and participation in dance competitions.