Finnish Students Learn Russian Ballet from St. Petersburg Teachers

The instructors have a lot of experience, trained not only in Russia but also in Japan, China and other countries. 

 

Everything here is like in St. Petersburg: the morning starts with training in classical dance.

 

[Mary Gribanova, Training Faculty Dean]: 

"Because it's the exercise created by Vaganova. It prepares the whole body, feet, body and head, literally from the toes to the hair, for professional and competent work."

 

Characteristic classes of duet-classical dance and acting are held in the afternoon.

 

The organizers of the master class say that Finns are more interested in sport. But they dream of awakening the love for ballet among the local people.

 

[Ulla Savisalo, Art Director, Savkor Ballet]: 

"I do not think that our nation will bring well-known dancers, because our constitution, compared to other nations is not quite perfect. I hope that the Finnish people learn to understand ballet."

 

The idea of conducting a master class came to one of the first Finnish graduates of Vaganova Academy.

 

This master class is attended by 30 students, 10 from the Vaganova Academy and the remainder from Finland and other European countries.

 

Foreign students know that they can learn beautiful body and hand movements from the St. Petersburg ballet dancers. 

 

[Milla Tisseri, Student of the Master Class in Finland]:

"I prefer it over other schools, I think it's because I had Russian training when I was little so I have had Russian teachers, and I came here because I heard about this opportunity to have that training from the teachers who come straight from Vaganova. "

 

The Petersburg students say that they train very hard in the Academy. 

 

And here, in Kyyhkyla, they can also enjoy some walking and swimming besides the work.

 

[Xenia Zhiganshina, Student of Academy of Vaganova from St. Petersburg]: 

"Yesterday we went to the lake. Feet - this is what you need, we relax in the water, and immediately enjoy a sense of relaxation. We also played volleyball. We have different human entertainment. "

 

The authorities of the city and region are going to organize international master classes with Russian educators in the future. 

 

[Matti Viialainen, Governor of Etelasavo]: 

"We want to establish a connection with the Academy of Ballet and make Mikkeli the center of ballet. Etelyasavo is an area where culture is highly valued."

 

After two weeks, the students of the master class will demonstrate their skills at a gala concert in Mikkeli, which will be attended by the artists of the Mariinsky Theatre and the Theatre of Boris Eifman. 

 

Their performances are also included in the master class program.

 

NTD News, Mikkeli, Finland