This Summer, a leading authority on the teaching method of classical ballet comes to YOU.
"I not only learned how to teach the way legends like Baryshnikov were taught, but I also transformed my own dancing, beginning with my turn-out. Having this knowledge does not guarantee that you will be a great teacher or dancer, that part is up to you, but Dr. Peggy Willis-Aarnio's course put me on the path to making dancers--including myself--with all the technique, artistry and passion that I only ever dreamed of."
-Mary Fernandez | Owner, Ballet University
Why this course?
More than just a syllabus, Dr. Peggy Willis-Aarnio's courses give you the tools to:
- Help every one of your students, not only the naturally gifted
- Take your personal dancing to a whole new level
- Understand the correct execution of each exercise, and the physiological reasons WHY
- Make your own lesson plans that are precisely structured for efficiency, effectiveness and injury prevention
- Follow in a line of distinguished pedagogues who taught the greatest artists of the past century (including M. Baryshnikov, N. Makarova, R. Nureyev, G. Mezentseva, G. Ulanova, V. Panov, and G. Panova)
Why Vaganova, and don't I have to go to Russia?
The teaching method of classical ballet founded by Agrippina Vaganova was developed into an exact science by her colleague and pupil Vera Kostrovitskaya, with the input of countless other ballet teachers from Russia and scientists in various fields. It was Vaganova's intent that this method should not be "her's" nor "Russia's," but that it be the global, physiologically-correct method for training classical artists. As proven by the technical virtuosity and genuine artistry of dancers trained with this method, it is really the most contemporary teaching method ever developed and tested in the world to date.
Vera Kostrovitskaya's pupil, John Barker, was the recipient to her's and Vaganova's legacy in the West. For Barker alone, Kostrovitskaya wrote a much more detailed version of the syllabus than what was published in her book, School of Classical Dance. She also taught him all of the hundreds of rules and thousands of details which comprise the method, which when lost, the syllabus loses it's true meaning. As one of the most dedicated students of John Barker, Dr. Peggy Willis-Aarnio became the "transmitter" of this invaluable information. Her work over the past 39 years--through her teaching, educational products and international teacher's congress'--has done much to carry on the proven procedure Vaganova began, which is precisely what Kostrovitskaya had hoped. (Read more about Dr. Peggy Willis-Aarnio)
Announcements
Last Updated: 5/4/12
The early bird discount EXTENDED one week, until May 8th!
Enroll today at balletuni.com/shop to take advantage of this huge discount ($300 off!)
IMPORTANT CHANGE:
The 2-For-One Kick-Off Event has been moved from Austin, TX to Panama City Beach, FL, "The World's Most Beautiful Bathing Beach!"
Vacation in the morning and study in afternoon and early evening! (For details, see Open Courses below.)
Check out new cities where the course is being offered below, or write us to tell us your wishes of where you would like to enroll and we will try to open a course near YOU!
Reminder: If you host a course, you will also receive 50% off your tuition!
That's $600 off when you make your first payment before May 1st! Locations are booking fast and we don't have much time left, so you need to let us know you want to host ASAP!
Open Courses
Find a course near you...
Courses are currently being booked around the country!
OPEN COURSES
- PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA (previously Austin, TX):
TWO-COURSE KICK-OFF EVENT. As a special kick-off to the tour, take TWO courses, covering all of elementary work (the first three years of the eight year program) FOR THE PRICE OF ONE!
1st Course: June 1-6
(2-day break)
2nd Course: June 9-13
You also have the option to sign up for just one course Enroll securely online today.
- SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
1st COURSE. Take the 1st Course, covering all the first half of elementary work (the first year and a half of the eight year program).
June 17-22 Enroll securely online today.
- APEX, NORTH CAROLINA:
TWO-COURSE EVENT. Take two courses at the same time, covering all of elementary work (the first three years of the eight year program).
1st Course: June 29-July 3
2nd Course: July 4-8
You also have the option to sign up for just one course. Enroll securely online today.
ALSO OPENING FOR ENROLLMENT SOON
- Illinois
- Concord, California
- New York
- ...and many more!
Dates TBA. Please fill out the sign-up form to request more information about courses not yet open.
The Classical Ballet Lesson DVDs are the only complete visual companion to the Vaganova syllabus, and an excellent complement to the teacher's courses. Visit the shop to order your copy!
Testimonials
Here's what people are saying about Peggy Willis-Aarnio's teacher's course...
Marina Medvetskaya
I was totally captivated by the presentation of Professor Peggy Willis-Aarnio to the complete education of students of classical dance through her lectures and video/live presentations of demonstration lessons. ... The true procedure for training in Classical Ballet can be learned at the most knowledgeable and capable hands of Professor Dr. Peggy Willis-Aarnio, and nobody can explain, teach or pass on this precious knowledge better than Peggy Willis-Aarnio.
Barry Trammell
Mrs. Willis-Aarnio’s teacher’s course is unparalleled in its usefulness and detail. When you implement the method you learn from her course you will see stunning results within two weeks of daily training. It is truly astonishing and the course is an absolute treasure!!!
Debra Sayles Senchak
The teachers’ congress taught by Professor Peggy Willis Aarnio is a total treasure to the world of teaching classical dance. It offers so many tools to help organize each step of the way in preparing lessons to build dancers to bring out their fullest potentials. Useful for every level of teacher, and a wonderful guide for building a solid school.
Tuition
Get the Early Bird Special when you enroll before May 1st!
Early Bird SPECIAL
- Must enroll by May 1st!
- $600 non-refundable deposit is paid upon enrollment to reserve your space.
- $600 balance is due on the first day of your course.
Regular
- You get the regular price when you enroll after May 1st.
- $750 non-refundable deposit is paid upon enrollment to reserve your space.
- $750 balance is due on the first day of your course.
Host
If you are interested in hosting a course in your area, please request the Host Information Packet by clicking the button below and filling out our quick & easy form.
Get 50% off your tuition!
Act fast to get the Early Bird discount. Offer ends May 1st.
$1200$600Our Policies
When you enroll in a course, we will always do our absolute best to accommodate your needs! Our objective is to make this education available to as many people as possible, and we want you to be happy with your experience. While we have never had anyone ever request their money back, if you do not feel that you learned something that you did not know before, we will give you your money back.
Scholarships are available on a need-basis. Money should never be an issue!
Your first half-payment is a non-refundable deposit so that we can ensure your space in the course. However, sometimes events occur which force us to cancel a course. In the unlikely event that this should occur after you have already enrolled, we will notify you as soon as possible and you will receive a full refund.
Have questions? Contact Mary at: mary@balletuni.com