Lawrence Lambert

Founder improveballet.com Freelance Ballet Teacher Yacobson Ballet Vaganova Ballet Academy Graduate

[melmothblog]

Mariinsky Theatre made an official statement last night, announcing Ulyana Lopatkina’s retirement.

[lawrencelambert]

So sad to hear.. was so lucky to have seen her perform on multiple occasions. I'm interested to see what she will do next!

[mariatallchief]

Dancers of BalletMet in Becoming Violet; directed by Steven Weinzierl and choreographed by Edwaard Liang (x)

[lawrencelambert]

I really want to do a photo shoot like this. What would the colour powder be? Chalk maybe?

[psych-facts]

Don’t let another year go by without progress.

(via awkwarddly)

Thoughts for a new year of dance!

[lawrencelambert]

Hi, I really enjoy your blog and I have a question: I am from the USA and I want to audition for the international trainee program. What does the VBA look for in a dancer when choosing who gets in? Are there any height or weight requirements? Thanks!

As long as you look healthy. The Academy has a mix of body shapes, there is a general rule in regards to big lifts in Duet, generally the max boys are allowed to lift to protect there backs is 58 (thats what I heard from out duet teacher, I don't know if its a written fact). As for what they look for, I have no idea anymore, in the past couple of years they have rejected some really good dancers. I think its more subject to what the directors personally prefer these days. ( know that thats no help, but it really is up to how they feel about each individual)

[lawrencelambert]

(Insert witty caption here)

[lawrencelambert]

Already been home for a month, time goes so fast! Lucky I still have another month 😁

[lawrencelambert]

It's an upside down kind of day 🙃

[lawrencelambert]

Looking forward to teaching ballet workshops in Taree, Newcastle, Sydney and Wollongong over August! Hoping to add Maitland and Port Macquarie to that list. Stay tune for dates!

[lawrencelambert]

Just letting everyone know incase you haven't seen the news yet. The Vaganova Ballet Academy is holding its own international ballet competition!! Good luck everyone

[melmothblog]

Vaganova Ballet Academy duet exam. April 2016.

[melmothblog]

Vaganova Ballet Academy historical dance exam. April 2016.

[lawrencelambert]

Photos from our historical exam back in April

[lawrencelambert]

Hi :) , i was 22 years old the next year i can entered in the vaganova academy with this age ? thank you :)

Yes, I think it's possible. I was 22 when I did my operations last year and talked with the school about maybe stopping and doing the teaching corse at the Academy, they said I was crazy and too young to give up. So yes at 22 you still have a chance!

[lawrencelambert]

You didn't answer my question about wear I can find one of those waistbands. I've asked other people, but I can't find any information. Is it a secret?

I was sure I did. I said that all items of uniform ( tights, white half shirt, waistbands etc) were made by the school. So there is no shop or website that I know of that sells them as mine was made for me in my first year when I bought my uniforms at the school. If you really need this waistband then you would have to make it yourself. All it is is a wide piece of elastic with the ends sewn together. Was this answer ok, I'm sorry that it's not the answers you wanted to hear but its the only one I have. If you want a waistband then you will most likely have to make it.

[lawrencelambert]

Serious question: Where can I find one of those black waistbands worn by a lot of male students at the Vaganova and Bolshoi academies? I believe they are called cummerbunds, but I'm not actually sure. I cannot find any information about them or where to buy one, yet they are a common sight at large ballet schools. Also, I am absolutely not talking about dance belts. Thanks for the help!

The Vaganova academy no longer wears them. Before we started to use grishko as our uniform supplier, all items were made by the school.

[tutu-fangirl]

Eleonora Sevenard, Vaganova Ballet Academy student

[lawrencelambert]

Did you already know/speak Russian prior to studying in Russia? How did you learn? Was it difficult for you?

No, I spoke absolutely no Russian before I got to Russia. The school dose offer Russian language class but I found it really doesn't help after the first 6 months. Just because the main way I learned my Russian was talking with my classmates, after about 6 months you end up knowing what is being taught in Russia class before it been taught because it's something you've already picked up talking with your new friends. Everyone is quite friendly and willing to help you speak.

[dancersaretheathletesofgod]

Photo by Karolina Kuras