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Agrippina Vaganova was born in St. Petersburg, Russia, in 1879. A former dancer with the Imperial Russian Ballet, Vaganova's early career shaped her deep understanding of classical technique. After retiring from the stage, she turned her focus to teaching and developed her own method of ballet training, drawing on both the French and Italian styles she had encountered. Vaganova’s method emphasizes strength, flexibility, and fluidity, seeking to create well-rounded, versatile dancers with a solid technical foundation. Her approach integrates a balance of precision and expressiveness, with an emphasis on coordination with the music. She died in 1951, leaving behind a legacy that has deeply influenced Russian ballet and remains a cornerstone of training worldwide.

Agrippina Vaganova

Russian Vaganova Ballet Technique Documentary

Vaganova Port De Bras 1-6

Port De Bras Positions of the Vaganova Method:

Port de bras according to Gail Grant Technical Manuel and Dictionary of Classical Ballet (3rd edition)

Russian Method

preparatory position

Russian Method

Russian Method

Russian Method

third position

second position

first position