Ballet methods explained

Vaganova, RAD, Cecchetti, Balanchine — the names on a studio's website can feel like a secret code. They are really just different schools of thought for teaching the same classical ballet, each with its own flavor and history. Here is what each method emphasizes, in plain language, and the honest truth about how much it should sway your choice of studio.

The big picture

Every method teaches the same foundation — the five positions, the same barre, the same French vocabulary of steps. What differs is emphasis: how the arms and head are carried, how movement links together, how quickly a dancer progresses, and what a "beautiful" line looks like. Each of the major methods is a complete, respected system that has produced world-class dancers, and many excellent studios blend more than one. Browse the schools by training method to see who teaches what near you.

Vaganova — the Russian method

Developed by Agrippina Vaganova in early-20th-century Russia, this method fused French elegance, Italian virtuosity, and Russian expressiveness into one demanding system. It is famous for a strong, supple back, expressive use of the upper body and head (épaulement), soaring jumps, and a sense of the whole body moving as one. Vaganova training tends to produce dramatic, powerful, deeply expressive dancers — think of the tradition behind the Bolshoi and Mariinsky. It is rigorous and builds strength methodically. Explore Vaganova-trained studios.

RAD — the Royal Academy of Dance

Founded in Britain in 1920, the RAD method is built around a clear, progressive graded exam syllabus. Dancers move through levels — Pre-Primary and Primary, then Grades 1 through 8, and separate vocational levels for serious students — with an optional exam at each stage. That structure makes progress easy to see and is a big reason RAD is one of the most popular methods for children worldwide. It emphasizes clean, correct fundamentals and a friendly, accessible path into ballet, which suits recreational and serious dancers alike. See RAD studios.

Cecchetti — the Italian method

Created by the Italian master Enrico Cecchetti, this method is prized for precision and anatomical care. It uses a specific set of exercises assigned to each day of the week, so that over a week a dancer works the whole body in a balanced, systematic way. Cecchetti training emphasizes clean lines, strong balance, correct placement, and an understanding of why each movement works — building strength and control from the ground up rather than rushing to flashy tricks. Browse Cecchetti studios.

Balanchine — the American neoclassical style

Choreographer George Balanchine, founder of the School of American Ballet and New York City Ballet, developed a distinctly American, neoclassical style. It is known for speed, musicality, and athleticism: fast footwork, deep and dynamic plié, extended lines, off-balance daring, and a close, almost syncopated relationship with the music, plus signature touches like open, expressive hands. Balanchine training feels quick, energetic, and intensely musical. Explore Balanchine-style studios.

ABT, the French school & Bournonville

Beyond the big four, you will see a few more names:

• ABT® National Training Curriculum. American Ballet Theatre's curriculum is a modern, age-appropriate program that deliberately draws on the French, Italian, and Russian schools, with a strong emphasis on healthy, safe development. See ABT-curriculum studios.
• The French school. The oldest lineage of all, rooted in the Paris Opera. It prizes elegance, fluidity, and refined footwork — soft, graceful arms and a polished, understated beauty. Browse French-school studios.
• Bournonville. The Danish method of August Bournonville, known for light, buoyant footwork and intricate beats (ballon), low and natural arms, and a joyful, unshowy elegance. See Bournonville studios.

A note on PBT

You may also spot PBT (Progressing Ballet Technique) on a studio's list. It is worth understanding that PBT is not a school of ballet like the others — it is a supplementary training program that uses exercise balls and resistance bands to build core stability, alignment, and muscle memory. Studios use it alongside whatever method they teach to strengthen the body safely. See studios that use PBT.

Which is best for my child?

Here is the honest answer parents rarely hear: for a beginner, the method barely matters — the teacher matters most. A gifted, patient teacher working in any of these systems will serve your child far better than a famous method taught poorly or too aggressively. When you visit a studio, look past the label and ask the questions that actually predict a good experience:

• Are the teachers trained and experienced, and do they seem to genuinely enjoy their students?
• Is the pace safe and age-appropriate, with no rushing young children toward pointe or advanced work?
• Are classes small enough for real attention?
• Does the studio feel encouraging and non-competitive, or intimidating?
• Does your child come out of a trial class smiling?

Any of the methods above can build a strong, joyful dancer. If your child later trains seriously, a consistent method helps — but that is a concern for down the road, not the first day. Read what age to start ballet and the types of ballet classes, then browse studios by method or find kids' ballet near you.

Common questions