Vassiliev Academy of Classical Ballet

- 857 Lexington Ave 2nd Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11221

The Vassiliev Academy of Classical Ballet (VACB), located in the vibrant and easily accessible borough of Brooklyn, is a premier institution dedicated to the rigorous and artistic discipline of classical ballet. Operating in the higher echelon of classical ballet training, the Academy provides New York City’s serious young dancers with a comprehensive education aimed at developing them into technically strong and highly expressive artists. Founded by the internationally acclaimed, former Russian principal ballet dancer Andrei Vassiliev, the school carries a distinguished legacy and a commitment to excellence, precision, and cultural enrichment.

Unlike typical recreational dance studios, VACB is structured to serve pre-professional students, offering intense training that prepares them for global competitions and eventual contracts with major ballet companies. Mr. Vassiliev, utilizing his extensive knowledge gained from decades of experience with prestigious companies like the English National Ballet, has developed a teaching curriculum that is uniquely diverse, drawing from the Vaganova, Balanchine, and English styles of ballet techniques. This blended approach is crucial for modern dancers, as it allows students to easily adapt to the varied repertoires and company styles found in both American and European professional ballet.

The Academy is committed to fostering not only strong classical technique but also musicality, purity of line, and a high level of performance quality. While the school focuses on serious training, it is also noted as being a suitable and enriching environment for children. The mission extends beyond the classroom, striving for evolution through respected relationships with students, professionals, and the local and international community, reinforcing its position as a cultural and educational asset within the New York dance scene.

The Academy is situated in the thriving heart of Brooklyn, providing a convenient and well-located hub for dancers across the New York metropolitan area.

• Address: 857 Lexington Ave 2nd Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11221, USA.
• Neighborhood: This address places the school in the Bushwick/Bedford-Stuyvesant area of Brooklyn, a location that is easily accessible via the New York City subway system.
• Proximity: The Brooklyn location serves as an excellent training option for students in Queens, Long Island, and throughout Brooklyn, offering top-tier instruction without the daily commute into Manhattan for many residents.

The Vassiliev Academy of Classical Ballet's services are centered around rigorous, professional-level classical ballet training, catering primarily to young dancers pursuing a career in ballet.

• Year-Round Training Programs: The core service includes continuous, intensive training for students through a professional curriculum designed to build comprehensive classical technique.
• Blended Technique Instruction: The curriculum is distinctive, focusing on a combination of Vaganova (Russian), Balanchine (American), and English styles of classical ballet, providing students with a well-rounded and adaptable skill set.
• Pre-Professional Intensive Programs: The Academy offers multi-month programs, such as a 3-month Pre-Professional Intensive, which culminates in a "Certification of Completion" for dedicated students.
• Summer Intensives: Annual summer programs are offered, often running for several weeks, where students can immerse themselves in concentrated training, sometimes focusing on the diverse techniques taught at the school.
• Specialized Classes: Daily training typically includes core ballet technique classes, Pas de Deux (partnering), Repertoire (learning classical variations), Character Dance, Contemporary Dance, and Physical Conditioning.
• Career Preparation and Guidance: For advanced students, the Academy provides invaluable “transition assistance,” which includes producing professional CVs, photos, and videos, as well as audition preparation and guidance for applying to ballet companies.
• Open Classes: Occasionally, the Academy hosts "open classes" for a wider audience, including professionals and beginners, allowing a variety of New York dancers to experience Mr. Vassiliev’s teaching methodology.

VACB’s most significant highlights stem from its esteemed leadership and its commitment to high-level dance education.

• Internationally Acclaimed Founder: The Academy is led by Andrei Vassiliev, a former Principal Dancer with a world-class performance and teaching background, lending significant prestige and deep expertise to the program.
• Diverse Technical Curriculum: The unique approach of blending Vaganova, Balanchine, and English techniques is a key feature, ensuring students are versatile and prepared for any global ballet company.
• Focus on Professional Development: The school provides dedicated services to transition students from the academy to professional careers, leveraging Mr. Vassiliev's extensive network within the international ballet world.
• Training for Competitions: Students are often provided intense training in preparation for prestigious national and international competitions, such as the Youth American Grand Prix.
• Commitment to Small Class Sizes: The objective is to maintain small group sizes (e.g., 15 to 20 students per group) to ensure that the training is intensive, dedicated, and allows for maximum individual attention from the master teachers.
• Focus on Artistry and Culture: Beyond technique, the school is dedicated to fostering an atmosphere of creativity, musicality, and culture, developing well-rounded dance artists.
• Positive Environment for Youth: The Academy is noted as being "Good for kids," indicating that while the training is rigorous, the environment is structured and appropriate for young students passionate about ballet.

For serious young dancers and their families in New York looking to inquire about auditioning or enrolling in the Vassiliev Academy of Classical Ballet’s programs, please use the following contact details.

• Address: 857 Lexington Ave 2nd Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11221, USA
• Phone: (303) 434-6208
• Mobile Phone: +1 303-434-6208

For the New York student committed to a professional ballet career, the Vassiliev Academy of Classical Ballet is the clear choice for its elevated level of training and its professional trajectory. What makes this Academy truly worth choosing is the unparalleled expertise of its founder and director, Andrei Vassiliev. Students are not just taking classes; they are being immersed in a curriculum shaped by a former principal dancer who has worked with 21st-century choreographic masters. This pedigree is rare and provides an immediate competitive edge.

The core value proposition lies in the unique synthesis of Vaganova, Balanchine, and English techniques. In the demanding world of ballet, versatility is paramount, and VACB’s training ensures its students possess the adaptability to enter virtually any company, whether they prefer the dramatic flair of a European house or the speed and musicality of an American company. The Academy’s small class focus, which prioritizes intensive training and individual attention, is a significant advantage over larger, more crowded institutions. Furthermore, the commitment to providing career-launching services—from professional media creation to utilizing a global network for audition opportunities—demonstrates an investment in the student's entire professional journey, not just their technique. For the serious, talented, and passionate young New Yorker, the Vassiliev Academy of Classical Ballet is not just a dance school; it is a dedicated launching pad for an international ballet career.

Vassiliev Academy of Classical Ballet

857 Lexington Ave 2nd Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11221, USA