Why Cygnets Ballet is different
Studio principal Nataliya Lebedyeva danced with the Odessa state ballet and brings a lifetime of professional experience to her teaching. Her passion is passing her knowledge onto students and watching them flourish.
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Cygnets provides an authentic ballet experience in a fun and focussed environment.
The Vaganova Technique
Cygnets Studios takes pride in teaching the classical Russian Vaganova method which is a system of ballet training that has created many of the worlds greatest dancers of the Bolshoi, Kirov and Royal Ballets. Famous graduates of the Vagonova Academy include Rudolph Nureyev, Mikhail Fokine, Vaslav Nijinsky, Anna Pavlova and Svetlana Zakharova.
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The method was originally developed by Aggrippina Vaganova based upon the teachings of the Imperial Ballet of St Petersburg fused with elements of traditional romantic French technique and the virtuosity of Italian ballet.
Unlike other methods, Vaganova is considered to be injury free and therefore ideal for all standards of ballet students from beginners to advanced.
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In our experience we have found that both English and European ballet academies greatly value the elegant form and technique of Vaganova with many of our students readily offered scholarships at leading schools.
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Success stories
At Cygnets we believe all of our pupils are stars. Many chose to study the NATD Russian Ballet syllabus and achieve excellent grades, whilst some go on to study at a ballet academy or dance school. Our students past and present have earned scholarships to prestigious dance academies such as the Royal Danish Ballet, the Royal Ballet School, and The London Studio Centre, as well as starring in dance roles in West-end musicals, film and theatre. We are proud to maintain a 100% pass rate of NATD exams with all students achieving a Merit or Distinction grade.
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Whatever path our students take, we know that each and every one learns the joy of dance and the enormous self confidence it provides
Joe
After just two years with Cygnets Ballet and under Nataliya's careful supervision Joe dazzled with his physical ability and pace of learning. Joe was snapped up by the Royal Ballet School at his first audition, initially as an associate member, and has since progressed to a full time student with full scholarship. It is a pleasure to teach such a talented, graceful and intelligent student who has the potential to become a truly great dancer.
Jack
Jack had never tried ballet before starting at Cygnets Ballet, but we recognized his talent and hard work right away. His dedication stood out, and it wasn't long before Nataliya stepped in to help him pursue his dreams. With her support, Jack successfully gained admission to the Royal Ballet Academy. His journey is a true inspiration to all aspiring dancers.
Elan
Elan studied dance for two years with Nataliya and progressed to a full-time student at the Royal Danish Ballet School in Copenhagen, having been accepted on her first audition. The Royal Danish Ballet is held in very high regard being one of the oldest in the world alongside St Petersburg and the Paris Opera
Melanie
Melanie has been a Cygnets student since the age of three and is one of our true talents, excelling in performances and NATD grades. Melanie is now a promising stage and film performer having most recently starred in a leading child role in a British movie filmed in Budapest. She continues to have private ballet lessons and group dance classes at Cygnets inbetween her busy theatrical and modelling schedules!