Russian Ballet Academy of South Africa

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“Dancing is creating a sculpture that is visible only for a moment.”
Erol Ozan

About Us

Russian ballet is stooped in antiquity and technical purism. One cannot think of Russian ballet without pictures of excellence, quality, beauty and splendor, music, history and imperialism coming to mind.
Although Ballet did not begin in Russia, it is the place where Agrippina Vaganova perfected a method that has produced the world’s greatest dancers.
The Vaganova technique has only become available to the west in recent history and has at last made its way to South Africa. Madam Slou Akimguereeva was trained by Tamara Kosova, a first hand student of the great Vaganova herself.

In 2012 Chantalle de Jager, a student at the RBASA became the first South African ballerina to join the Imperial Russian Ballet company and danced with them during their winter season. Subsequently Chantalle have danced at the Miami Arts Theatre Ballet and attended further training in Kazakhstan at the Seleznev Almaty choreographic school.  In 2017 Chantalle was offered a full scholarship to study Dance Choreography and pedagogy in Russia.

In 2018 the doors of the RBASA temporarily closed when Madam Slou moved to Senegal to establish the Russian Ballet Academy of Senegal.

The Russian Ballet Academy of South Africa, under direction of Chantalle de Jager (now Bergh), opened it doors again in January 2023 in Pretoria.

Chantalle completed her studies in July 2022 and returned home with a BA Honours degree with distinction (cum laude) in the art of dance choreography and pedagogy. This qualifies Chantalle to teach dance (ballet, modern and folk), be an examiner for Vaganova examinations (all levels) and be a judge during competitions.
 
Ballet is an art passed down by mentoring and personal coaching. It is passed down generation to generation by mouth and personal instruction. Learning ballet from a book is as impossible as learning a language from a dictionary (although a training necessity) and so the Russian Ballet Academy of South Africa personally brings a direct lineage of training to our children’s hearts, minds and bodies.
What a joy and what a privilege!

What we Offer!

Ballet

Classical ballet is the foundation from which nearly all dance styles have developed. It requires strong technique, athleticism, and grace.
The Vaganova method is a ballet technique and training system devised by the Russian dancer and pedagogue Agrippina Vaganova (1879–1951). It was Agrippina who perfected and cultivated this form of teaching classical ballet and turned it into a viable syllabus.
Examinations are done in partnership with prestigeos Russian institutions of higher learning.

Contemporary and Modern. 

Contemporary dance is a style of expressive dance that combines elements of several dance genres including modern, jazz, lyrical etc. Contemporary dancers strive to connect the mind and the body through fluid dance movements.
Pioneers of contemporary dance include Martha Graham and Merce Cunningham because they broke the rules of the strict forms of ballet. Graham moved into what is now known as modern dance and Cunningham is often spoken of as the father of contemporary dance.

Character and Folk Dance

Character dance is a specific subdivision of classical dance. It is the stylized representation of a traditional folk (a dance developed by people that reflect the life of the people of a certain country or region) or national dance, mostly from European countries, and uses movements and music which have been adapted for the theater.
Examinations are done in partnership with prestigeos Russian institutions of higher learning.

Individual Classes and Choreography

We offer individual dance lessons for those students who want to fine tune and take their dance skills to a higher level. Choreography for solo dance pieces are also individually offered for those students who want to enter competitions or perform on stage in performances. (Group choreography is also available for group classes)

Adult Dance Classes

These classes are ballet based and the focus of class will be on proper technique and postural alignment, while inherently strengthening the body and increasing flexibility. The class develops an aesthetic awareness of the art of classical ballet. Includes a warm-up at the barre with center floor work and combinations. Suited for anyone who wants to move and enjoy the benefits ballet has to offer. No previous experience needed. 

Body Conditioning and Technique Training

A training class focusing on muscular strength and endurance to help shape and tone the muscles dancers need to use on a daily bases. Body conditioning combines cardio and resistance work to work out your whole body.
With a range of exercise techniques that includes aerobics, floor work, weights and resistance training, you're guaranteed a varied class that will improve your technique but also strengthen your body to prevent injuries.

The Russian Ballet Academy offers dancers at all levels the opportunity to express themselves in a supporting and uplifting environment. We teach our dancers respect for one another and interpersonal values that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.

About Me

News Report About the RBASA Gala Concert 2023

Interview in Kazakhstan

Rehearsing a scene from La Bayadere

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Contacts

Phone/WhatsApp

060 580 3919

Email

chantalle@rbasa.co.za

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