I am visiting St Petersburg very briefly in September and would like to watch a ballet class at the Vaganova ballet academy. Does anyone know how I could arrange this? I have been in touch with the academy directly and at their request, submitted my resume (CV). To date, no response.

thanks and regards

Michael Baker
former principal dancer and teacher

When I was accepted into the pedagogy program, it took 6 months for my acceptance to arrive. School started two weeks later. I scrabbled and arrived on the correct date. Things have changed since 1993 so maybe you will hear more readily than I. It is a wonderful experience. Enjoy St. Petersburg.

These things take time, persistence and "pull," Michael. It also depends on timing, i.e., you'll be going at about the time that classes begin (September 1 is traditional first-day of classes for Russian schools) and maybe they won't be ready to open things up for demonstrations. Good luck!

Michael, send me a message with your email, may be I can help.