Indiana Ballet Conservatory’s curriculum emphasizes classical ballet technique that is based upon the traditional training method, called the Vaganova method. This method has produced many of the world’s finest dancers. The Vaganova method of ballet instruction consists of eight standardized levels of instruction. The goals of this methodology, as structured by founding Artistic Director Alyona Yakovleva-Randall for use in our conservatory, are, but not limited to, the following:

• To foster a love of ballet.

• To teach a comprehensive, high level of ballet technique.

• To incorporate use of the arms, hands, and fingers in harmony with technique to enhance beauty and assist turns and jumps.

• To promote technical use of the back and shoulder blades as expressive instruments.

• To employ coordination to develop dance expression.

• To instill musicality by translating the character of a piece of music into a story or a feeling.

IBC expands upon this eight-level system of training to include a specially designed Preparatory Program for students approximately ages 3-9 to fully prepare them for entrance into the levels of the Vaganova method curriculum in the Pre-Professional Division. As a Professional trade school, students progress through eight levels of Vaganova training and graduate at the age of 18, fully prepared to join the professional companies or college dance programs.