Expert: Connie - 1/12/2007

Question
My daughter is 8 years on and have been taking ballet at a classical ballet studio for four years.  Can you please tell me the differences between Cecchetti and Voganova?   Also, how easy is it to transition from one style to another if we were to switch ballet schools.  Is one style perferred over another for professional dancers?

Answer
Ceccheti is an Italian method, while Voganova is Russian.  Voganova is a newer technique that incorporates many of Ceccheti's techniques.  If you look at the majority of principal dancers in most ballet companies you can trace their training to the Voganova method.  I train under the Vagonova method, and it's great.  My parents were professional dancers, and the best training they ever got was from a Voganova school.  As far as I know, Voganova is the most sensible way to train.  
As for switching schools, an eight year old will have no problem transitioning because only basics like the basic stance and arm positions are being taught at this age.  
Hope this helps!