How Did The Vaganova School Contribute To The Spread Of Ballet?

Today, ballet is one of the oldest art forms still studied. It’s regal and graceful steps were originally intended as entertainment for the French Royalty. Knowing that it originated in France, how did it get to Russia? The Vaganova School in Russia is one of the most prestigious yet strict ballet schools of the world. The Bolshoi Company is known for their flawless choreography and technique, which is often flaunted at the Mariinsky Theatre. Since ballet in Russia is so prominent, sometime in Russia’s history they learned about the art form. During his reign, Peter the Great travelled to Europe, and while in France, he recruited the best dancers to bring to Russia to start the foundations of ballet and to inspire the next generation
This treaty was developed to protect France in the case of war; France wanted support against Germany, and Russia wanted alliances against Austria and Hungary. Although this treaty brought the nations of Russia and France, there are many reasons as to why this could not possibly cause the spread of ballet to Russia. Aside from the fact that this treaty was enacted much later than the Vaganova Academy was established, this treaty was only in the interest of military protection. A simple military alliance could not have inspired the next generation of ballet masters, and that does not take into account the fact that this treaty is long after the beginning of ballet. This military agreement was written in 1894, whereas the Vaganova School was opened in 1738, which is more than a century earlier. Although this treaty did bring together the nations of France and Russia, for many reasons this is not the reason that ballet spread to
Peter the Great brought him back, and he then went on to produce more than 50 ballets for the St. Petersburg Imperial Ballet School. He was the ballet master for ten years, took a brief break in Paris, then returned to continue work. Didelot was not the only prominent teacher, however, Jules Perrot was also a significant figure in the history of ballet. Perrot came, and brought ballets such as Giselle and Esmerelda which are still in theatres today. Other ballets began to gain popularity as well, many of which are iconic ballets in the repertoires of nearly every modern ballet company. These include, Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Coppelia, and The Nutcracker. Peter the Great also brought Jean-Baptiste Lande, who brought Marie Taglioni and her partner Christian Johanson, who taught ballet. When Marie’s contract with the company expired, Christian stayed and was a highly influential teacher of