Ballet with World Famous Valery Lantratov
Ballet Master Class with Valery Lantratov
Moscow-born principal ballet dancer with the Moscow Stanislavski and Kremlin ballets and general director of the Russian National Ballet Foundation, Lantratov conducts master classes at B.A.D. every year.
"Chin up, chin up, do not dance in the shadows…"
The concise instruction could be heard throughout Batavia Academy of Dance on this cold January evening that was anything but ordinary. The energy and passion here today is undeniable to those who share the space with world-famous ballet dancer, Valery Lantratov.
Lantratov, the famous first soloist ballet dancer of the Moscow Stanislavski Ballet, taught a master class to a select number of honored Batavia Academy of Dance ballet students. This world-renowned Russian ballet dancer is also known for his flawless roles in Copellia, Romeo and Juliet, Don Quixote, with one of his greatest accomplishments having been awarded the highest artistic honor in 1997 by the Russian Federation.
It is not every day one has an opportunity to be taught by such an esteemed ballet dancer. Selina Costabile, a dancer joining the studio at a very exciting time said "This is the first time I got to meet him, I was very excited and really looked forward to it!"
The world-renowned Russian dancer exudes a great reverence for the hard work and progress he can see the dancers are making here.
An ecstatic and humbled Anne Gugliuzza, founder and artistic director of Batavia Academy of Dance, explains, "We follow the Vaganova (Russian) technique in our studio and to have Valery Lantratov acknowledge the work we are doing here is amazing."
"He's so personable and warm, great with the kids and this is a wonderful cultural experience for the dancers."
So the saying goes, Greatness inspires greatness. Those words are certainly echoed here, within the walls of Batavia Academy of Dance where young men and women aspire to be great not just in the studio, but with the hope and intention of dancing with greatness into all aspects of life.
