Why I Decided to Join

I have been teaching for over ten years, but in recent years I found myself increasingly confused by the flood of contradictory information on social media. I wanted to receive accurate, trustworthy knowledge from a school with a long history and genuine tradition — that was my motivation for joining.

Most Valuable Takeaway

The concept of weight transfer onto the supporting leg and blocking the axis fundamentally changed my understanding. I realized I had been teaching it differently than I should have. The explanation of arm use — the release of tension in the fingertips during port de bras — was also exceptionally clear, and I incorporated it into my very next lesson.

How My Teaching Changed

Through the seminar, I was able to confirm that my foundational teaching approach was on the right track. The doubt I had about my own methods disappeared, and I now teach with greater confidence. That alone was worth more than anything.

Who I Would Recommend This To

I would especially recommend this to teachers who have studied abroad, or those considering sending their students to study in Russia or Europe.

On the Online Format

Even through a screen, a live lesson with real students is an entirely different experience from a simple lecture. Being able to witness the teacher correcting students in the moment — that was the most valuable thing of all.

Why I Decided to Join

I have been teaching classical ballet for over 30 years, but I had long wanted to properly study MGAH's systematic pedagogy — its academically deep, year-by-year structured methodology. I wanted to see the whole picture from the inside.

Greatest Insight from the Seminar

That core body positioning is the foundation of everything. The teacher's explanations were so detailed and precise that they prompted me to reconsider several habits I had accumulated over the years. The careful breakdown of foot use at each stage of movement was particularly valuable.

How My Teaching Changed

After the seminar, my desire to learn more grew significantly. I realized that without a deep understanding of the method, there is a risk of inadvertently causing harm to students. I am currently revisiting foot anatomy and have enrolled in additional courses.

Who I Would Recommend This To

To every teacher who takes their teaching seriously, regardless of years of experience. This seminar will always offer something new to discover.

On the Quality of Instruction

Even through a screen and through interpretation, everything came through with complete clarity. I believe that is a testament to how deeply the teacher truly understands the material.

Why I Decided to Join

I have been teaching for a long time, but I felt the need to reassess myself. When you work in the same place for many years, there is a risk of losing a fresh perspective. The MGAH seminar felt like exactly the opportunity I needed for that.

Most Valuable Takeaway

Three things I still apply every single day: first, touching — the technique of guiding a student's body with your hands; second, lesson structure — a logical and clear flow; and third, the specific words and imagery used with children. Children respond to different language than adults — being able to study that systematically made a significant difference.

How My Teaching Changed

My approach to students has changed. I now observe more before intervening. I have also changed the way I use language. As a result, the speed at which students understand instructions has noticeably improved.

Who I Would Recommend This To

I would especially recommend this to teachers who have never studied a systematic, academic pedagogy. For those who have learned purely through practice, this seminar will reveal the methodology that has been missing.

On the Online Format

Being able to observe a live lesson with real students is nothing like watching an instructional video. You see the mistakes, the corrections, the students' reactions — all of it. That is what makes it living learning.

Why I Decided to Join

I wanted to raise my level of knowledge. I have been teaching for many years, but felt that my academic grounding — particularly around en dehors — was insufficient. MGAH is known for its systematic approach, and that was the deciding factor for me.

Most Valuable Takeaway

Everything in the course — and I mean that sincerely, not as flattery. Each block was carefully crafted, logically structured, and supported by live examples with students. In particular, regarding en dehors: I finally understood correctly how to communicate it to children at each stage of their development.

How My Teaching Changed

My explanations to children have become considerably clearer. Where I used to rely on technical terminology, I now choose imagery that can be felt in the body. The difference in how students understand is unmistakable.

Who I Would Recommend This To

To every teacher who works with children. Regardless of how long you have been teaching, there is always an opportunity to reflect on your methods and improve.

On the Demonstrating Students

Watching the students of the Moscow Ballet Academy was a great source of inspiration. The quality of their preparation, their seriousness, the quality of their movement — that in itself was the most powerful argument for the program. I found myself wishing my own students could move like that.

Why I Decided to Join

I have been teaching children in Osaka for many years. My greatest challenge is that many of my students have body types considered less advantageous for classical ballet. I was looking for a teaching approach that allows growth even within anatomical limitations.

Most Valuable Takeaway

Three blocks stood out in particular: pelvic positioning — I learned new ways to explain and correct it more precisely; arm movement — details I had never noticed before; and the language of instruction. A teacher's words are just as important a tool as demonstration.

How My Teaching Changed

I changed several phrases I had been using for years. It may seem like a small shift, but the response from students is completely different. It reminded me once again of just how important language is in teaching.

Who I Would Recommend This To

I would especially recommend this to teachers who have not studied abroad and have taught primarily within the Japanese environment. This seminar offers a chance to see a genuine academic ballet tradition from the inside — without ever leaving the country.

On the Online Format

The online experience was much better than I had expected. I believe what gave it real depth was the fact that it was a genuinely live lesson — not a pre-prepared demonstration.