Get To Know Us

About Us

Explore learning ballet under the Vaganova Method. Train with experts, perform on stage, and experience the artistry that shapes ballet’s finest. Discover your passion for dance with us. Unleash your potential by studying with us.

What We Do

Our Mission

Our mission is to illuminate the world of ballet through the exemplary Vaganova method. We exist to cultivate the transformative power of ballet, to inspire and nurture the passion for dance in every student. Guided by the virtuoso techniques that have shaped the world's greatest ballet dancers, we aspire to provide an enriching environment where our students can fully engage with the dynamic art of ballet.

Our commitment to excellence is underscored by our experienced instructors hailing from Russia, Ukraine, and other post-Soviet states, who bring an authentic understanding of the Vaganova method. We take pride in offering our students the unparalleled opportunity to study this world-renowned method and perform alongside professional dancers.

We believe in the transformative power of ballet to inspire, challenge, and empower. With a focus on comprehensive dance education, we provide opportunities for professional development and globally recognized certification. Whether our students aspire to join a ballet company, compete in international competitions, or explore ballet as a recreational pursuit, our mission is to support and foster their journey. We are not just teaching ballet; we are shaping artists, nurturing dreams, and spreading the love for the Vaganova method, one dancer at a time.

Our Methodology

What Is The Vaganova Method?

The Vaganova Method, developed by Agrippina Vaganova in the early 20th century, stands as a revolutionary ballet technique combining elements from French, Italian, and Russian ballet traditions. This approach transcends mere physicality, prioritizing a holistic understanding of the body's movements and fostering a heightened consciousness of expression. The method's distinct focus on harmonizing the body's movements, including a nuanced emphasis on hand positioning and emotional expressiveness, brings forth a comprehensive ballet experience that is unlike any other.

The exceptional effectiveness of the Vaganova Method is evidenced by the renowned ballet superstars it has produced. The likes of Mikhail Baryshnikov, Alexander Godunov, Ekaterina Maximova, Maya Plisetskaya, Anna Pavlova, Rudolf Nureyev, Vladimir Vasiliev, and Galina Ulanova all owe their remarkable careers to this method. The Vaganova Method's emphasis on making difficult movements appear effortless and its focus on performance quality has led to an unmatched level of artistic expression in the world of ballet. By choosing to study the Vaganova Method, students are electing to pursue a ballet education that is not only steeped in tradition but has proven its excellence through the accomplished artists it has cultivated.

Our Story

About Our Founder

Natalia Zilber is a skilled educator with extensive experience in the ballet industry. She received her formal training at the Moscow State Academy of Choreography, where she studied for seven years. At the age of 23, she transitioned into teaching and founded The Russian Ballet School (formerly known as the Russian Classical Ballet Academy) in Montreal, QC. In 2001, the school relocated to Toronto.

Currently, Natalia serves as the director of The Russian Ballet School in Toronto, where she imparts her knowledge of the Vaganova method to aspiring ballet dancers. Through her work, she has made a positive impact on the development of countless students and the ballet community at large.

Study With Us

Why Choose Our School?

Choosing to study at our school means embracing a world-class education rooted in the honoured tradition of the Vaganova Method, a methodology globally recognized for its excellence in fostering virtuoso ballet technique. Our students delve into the intricate world of ballet under the tutelage of highly qualified instructors hailing from Russia, Ukraine, and other post-Soviet states, enriching their educational journey with a profound immersion into the birthplace of this powerful method. By studying under the Vaganova Method, you follow in the graceful footsteps of history's most eminent ballet dancers, embodying the same principles that led them to global renown.

We firmly believe in the power of practical experience, providing students with unparalleled opportunities to share the stage with professional dancers from esteemed ballet companies. This exposure allows students to witness first-hand the embodiment of their training in a professional setting, a priceless experience that accelerates their growth as dancers. Complementing our core curriculum, we regularly host masterclasses with principal dancers, offering insights into the art of ballet that transcend mere technique.
Recognizing the diversity of our students' aspirations, we offer a range of programs tailored to individual needs. For those embarking on their dance careers, we provide professional development programs that prepare them for ballet company applications, university auditions, and competitions (i.e. Youth American Grand Prix (YAGP)). Upon successful completion of our Level programs, students are awarded globally recognized and transferable certificates from UNESCO's International Dance Council, gaining membership in this prestigious council and the opportunity to perform in festivals and events around the world. For hobbyists, our recreational programs offer the chance to explore ballet at a comfortable pace, providing an enriching environment where the joy of dance takes centre stage. We welcome you to join us, to actualize your dreams of dancing, and to be part of a tradition that has shaped ballet's most legendary artists.
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Recognizing the diversity of our students' aspirations, we offer a range of programs tailored to individual needs. For those embarking on their dance careers, we provide professional development programs that prepare them for ballet company applications, university auditions, and competitions (i.e. Youth American Grand Prix (YAGP)). Upon successful completion of our Level programs, students are awarded globally recognized and transferable certificates from UNESCO's International Dance Council, gaining membership in this prestigious council and the opportunity to perform in festivals and events around the world. For hobbyists, our recreational programs offer the chance to explore ballet at a comfortable pace, providing an enriching environment where the joy of dance takes centre stage. We welcome you to join us, to actualize your dreams of dancing, and to be part of a tradition that has shaped ballet's most legendary artists.

My daughter has been attending the school for the last three years. She loves it, even though it's often challenging. It has definitely helped her physical development, posture, and coordination. Her ballet teacher, Adriana, has a clear gift for teaching. She is calm, patient, very professional, and attentive to every student in her class.
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The Director, Natalia, has created a great learning environment. The school is very well organized, which removes a lot of stress from the parents. Natalia is very dedicated to the development and well-being of the school and her students. She often goes the extra mile to accommodate individual parents or children's situations.
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The school's location is very convenient, easily accessible by transit, car, or even on foot if you are lucky enough to live in the neighbourhood. I highly recommend this school!

Aleks Kozyrev

My daughter has been attending the Academy for the last 4 years, and she also participates in the summer program every year. She now spends an average of 8 hours a week there, but each time she is as excited to go as if it were her first time.
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I greatly appreciate how dedicated Natalia, Adriana, and Julia are to providing the children with a solid dance foundation, building their confidence, and instilling in them a lifelong love of dance. They always make an effort to get to know their students on a personal level, aiming to better them both inside and outside of dance. Their encouragement and support are truly amazing.

The children learn more than just dance here. It's about cultivating a mindset and ability to lead a healthy and successful lifestyle. I can see that my daughter is also developing wonderful friendships because the environment in the studio is so inspirational and fun. It’s been my extreme pleasure to witness the students' growth from year to year. I’m glad that my daughter has found professionalism, discipline, and encouragement in this place. This is a wonderful place to help your child grow, not only as a dancer but as a person.

Yulia Sargsyan

My daughter has been attending The Russian Ballet School for 12 years. She started in grade one and has continued to dance throughout all her school years. Now, she feels quite confident and is able to perform variations from classical ballet performances.

The Russian Classical Ballet School is the studio where her childhood dream to dance came true.Natalia, Adriana, and Julia are extremely professional and dedicated teachers who are ready to devote all their time to their students.

I highly recommend this studio to anyone who wants to explore the world of dance, develop their skills, and continue growing.

Marina Yakubovsky

The school's location is convenient, the parents' waiting area is clean and comfortable, and the teachers are both professional and friendly. Many times, I've seen teachers who dance well themselves but struggle to teach effectively. However, the teachers here truly know how to instruct kids.

My daughter started learning classical ballet at this school when she was four, and now, at seven years old, she's dancing Esmeralda. I am extremely pleased with the effort these teachers put in and am amazed by the results. The most important thing is that my daughter enjoys every single moment of dance here. I highly recommend this school.

Claire Yang

My 8-year-old daughter has been training at the school for 4 years now, and she loves it! The Director, Natalia, takes a lot of pride in her work and always puts in the extra time and effort to ensure the girls continually improve. The other two ballet teachers, Adrianna and Julia, are wonderful as well.

Things do get fairly busy leading up to the year-end show, as there tend to be extra or longer practice sessions. However, this is only because Natalia and her team are committed not just to making the show a success, but also to ensuring every girl walks away with a sense of pride and accomplishment.

I highly recommend this school!

Daniela Borissova