A Russian Ballet School: Stereotypes vs. Reality
Start writing a post
Entertainment

A Russian Ballet School: Stereotypes vs. Reality

My experience of studying at Vaganova Ballet Academy was a bit different from others’ expectations about it.

4449
A Russian Ballet School: Stereotypes vs. Reality

I’m a Vaganova Ballet Academy graduate, which means I have a diploma certifying me as a professional ballet dancer. That also means I’ve spent about seven years at one of the world’s leading ballet schools, doing six hours of ballet a day instead of studying things a normal high school student would, like math and chemistry. I happen to mention this fact about me to people from time to time, and some of the questions I get asked are surprisingly similar. In this article I’ll try to answer some of those questions, as well as address some misconceptions about what life of a ballet dancer is like.

Stereotype #1: all ballet dancers have eating disorders/keep a very strict diet/don’t eat any food at all

Is it true? Not really. Sure, I knew people who had to maintain a certain diet to stay in shape, but most of us ate whatever we wanted because we knew we would burn all the calories during hours and hours of ballet practices.

Stereotype #2: dancers are very competitive and hurt each other in order to get better grades and roles

Judging by my experience, that stereotype is very exaggerated. Sure, there’s crazy competition, but the relationships in my class weren’t affected by it. We were doing a good job of separating our personal lives and ballet, and we knew that by hurting someone we wouldn’t advance very well. There are two ways to succeed: being really good at ballet, or having really good connections to the school. Each of those things are easy to separate from a person you’re friends with—some of the girls I was in class with are the most supportive and lovely people, and we managed to be great friends even though often we had to compete for certain parts in shows and places in class.

Stereotype #3: all the guys in ballet are gay

That’s also not really true. While some of them are, in fact, gay—but the percentage isn’t bigger than in any other field of work. Actually, I’ve met much more gay people after I graduated from the Academy. Our director, though, is gay. But that doesn’t mean that every male student is too. And the girls' sexualities also vary. It's just like anywhere else. Okay, yeah, the guys have to wear glitter and tights and makeup. And they survive that just fine.

Stereotype #4: the teachers are crazy/very strict/violent

This one is actually very true. The stories about ballet teachers being violent, insulting students, throwing chairs around studios—all that really does happen. I’ve witnessed the chairs flying, I’ve experienced the bullying, I’ve almost dropped out at one point because my teacher was mad at me, and that meant I couldn’t land any good parts in performances or even expect fair grades. And the reason why she was mad at me seems ridiculous to anyone who isn’t familiar with ballet schools’ unspoken rules: I’ve made the mistake of taking private ballet lessons over the summer and got caught by a choreographer that worked at the Academy. Why it’s forbidden to take private classes is still unclear to everyone, and no one ever tells you it’s prohibited; you just know that you have to keep it a secret if you’re going to do it. And I tried, failed, and then paid the price for two years, until I graduated and decided not to stay at the Academy for a Bachelor’s.

Overall, my experience at VBA was amazing and horrible at the same time. I’m certain that I wouldn’t have had so much fun if I was going to a normal high school. During those seven years I got the chance to perform in the biggest theaters in my city, meet incredible people, grow stronger and make awesome memories. But also I was bullied, depressed, had to go through unfair treatment and learn very early that even if you try hard enough things might not work out the way you wanted. But you know what? Maybe instead they work out the way you needed—I’m happy with who I am and with what I’m doing now, and I have no regrets.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

70780
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132397
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments