Celebrating Our Students’ Success
Orlovska Dance Academy (ODS) recently completed its ballet and contemporary dance exams, and we couldn’t be prouder of our talented students! They embraced the experience with enthusiasm and performed exceptionally well during their examinations.
At ODS, our exams are designed to be a positive, constructive, and stress-free experience. We focus on the joy of learning and personal growth, helping each student see how much they’ve improved and developed as dancers. This year’s exams truly reflected that philosophy — a celebration of progress and artistry.
A Special Guest from Ukraine
We were honoured to welcome Mrs. Olena Balayan from Ukraine as our guest examiner. With nearly 40 years of experience teaching the Vaganova method of ballet and modern dance, Olena brought invaluable feedback, guidance, and inspiration to our students — who absolutely loved her!
Olena trained at the Lviv State Ballet School and completed her education at Lviv College of Arts and Culture and Ivan Franko National University in Ukraine. She currently serves as the chief dance instructor and choreographer at the Zankovetska National Drama Theatre, where she has choreographed more than 50 productions over 13 years.
Our Exam Structure and Techniques
At ODS, we offer exams from Step 2 (ages 5–7) and upward in:
- Contemporary Dance (Release Technique, José Limón Technique)
- Ballet (Russian Vaganova Method)
- Jazz-Modern Dance
Step 2–3 students focus on foundational elements such as:
- Body conditioning and posture development
- Flexibility and strength
- Feet and arm positions
- Basic barre work and allegro (jumps)
- Acting and introductory choreography
Rising Stars and Troupe teams advance into the full Vaganova ballet program and contemporary techniques, including body conditioning, center work, pointe, allegro, and choreography.
About the Vaganova Ballet Method
The Vaganova technique, developed over 100 years ago by Russian ballerina and teacher Agrippina Vaganova, combines French and Italian ballet traditions into the classical style we know today. It emphasizes harmony between arms, legs, back, and head — creating a balanced and expressive dancer.
This method has produced some of the world’s greatest ballet legends, including Mikhail Baryshnikov, Rudolf Nureyev, Svetlana Zakharova, and Anna Pavlova. The Vaganova Ballet Academy in St. Petersburg remains one
