0407 359 332
Vaganova
LEVEL
1
Exam Program
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2027
10yrs - 11yrs
For Dedicated 10yr –11yr Old Dancers
At Ballet Express, we are proud to offer Australia’s only authentic Vaganova Level 1 Exam Program, a rare opportunity for young dancers to train in the true Russian Vaganova Method under official examination standards.
Unlike other schools that teach a “based on” or adapted version of Vaganova (such as the Australian Conservatoire of Ballet Syllabus). Our program follows the genuine method taught at the Vaganova Academy in St Petersburg, Russia. Students will benefit from small, focused classes that build exceptional posture, strength, musicality, artistry, and technical precision, the foundations for a lifelong love of ballet and potential vocational pathways.
Why This Program is Truly Special
Authentic Examination
Students are examined by Mr Albert Mirzoyan, a highly respected Vaganova Pedagogue qualified directly through the Vaganova Academy in St Petersburg, Russia. Mr Mirzoyan brings decades of expertise as a former soloist, ballet master, and international pedagogue. He currently serves as General Director of the Hungarian State Opera and continues to teach and examine worldwide, ensuring the highest standards of classical ballet training. His examinations provide genuine, internationally recognised certification.
Program Requirements
Open Format
Our program is open to all students from any ballet school or academy. Students can partcipate from anywhere in Australia, either in-person at our Highett studio or online and are required to attend 3 days per week.
*students do not need to be a student at Ballet Express in order to particpiate in our program
In-Person Requirements
Online participants must attend at least one full week in-person each term, plus the pre-exam week in December and the exam day itself. This ensures proper technique correction.
Age & Readiness
Open to dancers aged 10–11 years throughout 2027. Students must be at least 10 years old by 1 June 2027 (pointe work is introduced in Term 2 and is part of the end-of-year exam). No students under this age will be accepted.
Small & Exclusive
A maximum of 10 students are accepted into our program.
*Priority placement is given to current Ballet Express students.
Certification
Students who successfully pass the exam (at the discretion of Mr Mirzoyan) receive an official certificate stating they have completed the
Vaganova Level 1 Exam which is recognised internationally.
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How to Join This Prestigious
Program
Places are strictly limited.
To apply, students must complete our audition application and submit:
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A recent headshot
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Photo of 1st arabesque tendu on the floor
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Photo of 1st position with arms in bras (en face)
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Photo of tendu to the side with arms in 2nd position
This program is designed for committed young dancers ready to embrace the discipline, joy, and artistry of true Vaganova training. We can’t wait to welcome the next generation of graceful, strong, and confident ballet artists.