I was quite excited
when I was invited in 1990 by President George Bush to come to America
and help create a world class ballet academy. The Kirov Academy opened in September 1990, and has rapidly become a focus of
international attention. An internationally recognized faculty train
aspiring young dancers in a pedagogy based on that of the Vaganova
Ballet Academy and the performance aesthetic of The Kirov Ballet (now
the Maryinsky). Such training has produced many of this century's
most exceptional dancers, including Pavlova, Nijinsky, Nureyev, Baryshnikov,
Makarova, and Sizova.
The Kirov Academy of Ballet of Washington, D.C.has provided an unprecedented opportunity
for artistic and cultural exchange between Russia and the United
States. Leaders of both nations have lauded this joint venture.
My experience as the Artistic Director of the Kirov Ballet has
allowed me to share much of the rich cultural heritage of Russian
classical ballet with the rest of the world. Since I am also the
Artistic Director of the Universal Ballet Company, a close working
relationship exists between the company and the academy, allowing
students unique performance opportunities.
I hope you enjoy your tour through our web pages.
Oleg Vinogradov
Founding Artistic Director
