Tag: vaganova

Why You Should Know Prima-to-Be Keaton Gillespie

Keaton Gillespie has the expressive face of a silent film star. Add in her soaring extensions, elegant port de bras, and gorgeous feet, and it’s no wonder this 15-year-old is turning heads. Currently in her second year at Ellison Ballet in NYC, Keaton made the big move up from South Carolina on her own at […]

A Rundown of the Major Ballet Techniques

Vaganova History: The legendary Russian ballerina and teacher Agrippina Vaganova combined elements of French, Italian and early Russian techniques to create this method. The syllabus is broken down into eight years of training—a slow, steady and deliberate progression. Emphases: Use of the upper body and placement of the head. “Arms are not just for decoration,” […]

American Dancer, Russian Soul

Photo by Gene Schiavone Based purely on appearances, you’d think Keenan Kampa would be aching to dance cutting-edge contemporary works. The 5′ 8″ beauty, with her lithe frame, Hollywood glamour and penchant for hip leotards, has an eye for fashion that spills over into the studio. It’s not uncommon to see her sporting a tie-dyed […]