SAB + Vaganova: A Strategic Ballet Education for the 21st Century
At the School of Ballet 5:8, we believe in equipping dancers for real careers—not just exams or recitals. That’s why our training method draws from the best of both worlds: the School of American Ballet (SAB) and the Vaganova method—two world-class systems with very different strengths.
What’s SAB?
SAB, the most prestigious ballet school in the U.S. emphasizes:
Speed, athleticism, and sharp musicality
High jumps and dynamic movement
Extended lines and visual impact
Adaptability for contemporary and neoclassical work
What’s Vaganova?
The Russian Vaganova method builds:
Strength through carefully structured exercises
Clean technique rooted in turnout and epaulement
Expressive, sculpted movement
Strong foundational alignment for injury prevention
At Ballet 5:8, we blend the best of both.
From SAB: We teach musicality, quick transitions, and the ability to adapt to a range of choreography.
From Vaganova: We instill technical precision, core strength, and whole-body coordination.
From us: We add deep artistry, spiritual formation, and personal mentorship.
Our dancers, like Tristan, who earned a scholarship to SAB’s Summer Intensive, and Lydia, now a Trainee with the Company, are living proof that this fusion works. They’re trained, versatile, and ready for professional demands.
Ballet 5:8’s proprietary 5:8 Method is not one-size-fits-all. It’s a thoughtfully layered curriculum that builds artists—not just technicians.
Why It Matters
Today’s ballet companies expect dancers to perform Swan Lake one day and a cutting-edge contemporary work the next. Our hybrid approach ensures students can do both—with clarity, confidence, and beauty.
