#2018 exams

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Part I. 2018 Vaganova Ballet Academy graduation performance dress rehearsal. Mariinsky Theatre. June 8. Photos by Alexander Ku.

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Classical dance exam at Vaganova Ballet Academy. Class of Nikolai Tsiskaridze. 

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Classical dance exam at Vaganova Ballet Academy (Grade 7 / Level II). Classes of Zhelonkina, Sitnikova and Vasilieva. Photos by Andrew Lush.

A post shared by Kate Panda (@katepanda007) on Apr 13, 2018 at 10:51am PDT

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Classical Heritage exam at Vaganova Ballet Academy. April 2018.

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Vaganova Ballet Academy classical dance exam. Grade 7 / Level II. Class of Nikolai Tsiskaridze.

Ilya Kuznetsov (former BBA teacher) was present at the exam and shared some of his thoughts on social media afterwards. Here are some noteworthy remarks / things to look out for:

The exam isn’t just a compilation of exercises - all combinations have an element of dance;

All combinations are choreographically interesting. The exam material is put together with striking virtuosity;

The entire lesson is built on the contrast between rapid tempos and adagio-esque tones;

Tsiskaridze’s unique language and vision is evident throughout - not a single element copies other great masters.

The students are capable of displaying the following qualities (during high-speed combinations no less):

Immobility (stability) of the supporting side - a rarity among modern-day students;

Complete, clear lines of the dancers’ legs - a sophistication of style and Peter Pestov’s hallmark;

Precise musical plasticity.

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State (graduation) character dance exam at Vaganova Ballet Academy. Character Dancer teachers: Postizheva and Rassadina. Photos by Andrew Lush.

A post shared by choco.ladka 🍫 (@lada.ivanova) on Apr 24, 2018 at 6:13am PDT

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State (graduation) duet exam at Vaganova Ballet Academy. Duet teachers: Miasnikov and Sivakov. Photos by Andrew Lush.

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Vaganova Ballet Academy Classical Dance exam

Snippets of Professor Lyudmila Kovaleva’s class taking their state (graduation) classical dance exam.

From Diana Vishneva’s instagram:

A mentor’s wisdom, a teacher’s sympathy, the absolute modernity of perception, and the ability to reflect on new trends of the time – all of these together is an amazing and rare talent of Lyudmila Kovaleva.

As a true artist, she is creative in everything: she always knows how to make even an ordinary class fascinating, show a fresh approach to the art of dance and movement. She deeply felt us, her students, and chose the tones and intonations that suited each and every one of us. She taught us that every gesture and every glance must always be meaningful; we learnt how to feel slightest halftones of the music and make our bodies respond to them.

She used her incredible intuition to help us understand dance as a true form of art, to be modern, to sense new trends in movement and aesthetics, and be conscious about the world around us. Lyudmila Kovaleva’s final exams are an event many people strive to witness with their own eyes. Her graduating students become new gems in the professional ballet world. 

Lyudmila Kovaleva’s class has just finished their exams. I’d like to wish everyone to hold on to everything that you’ve learnt and improve. And always remember your mentor. Your journey is just beginning. Good luck!’