The Russian classical ballet style was developed in the 1700s in St. Petersburg. It was originally based on French classical styles, which stressed grace, charm and elegance. In the 1800s, however, a number of Italian dancers, notably Enrico Cecchetti, brought to Russia a more athletic style that emphasized technical dexterity. Russian classical ballet is characterized by precision, strength and whole body expression, and is known for its high extensions and dramatics. Well-known ballets such as "Sleeping Beauty," "Swan Lake" and "The Nutcracker" are examples of Russian classical ballets.
The Legat ballet style was developed by Sergei Nicolai Legat (aka Nicholas Legat) in the late 1800s. It is characterized by grace of line and utilizes expressive, free-flowing movement along with power and control. Students of the Legat technique learn physical concepts to perfect body control while enhancing performance. Legat training prevents dull exercising while minimizing injury to dancers. Students and instructors seeking Legat training can study at The British-based Legat Ballet School.
Developed by Agrippina Vaganova, the Vaganova style of ballet combines elements of French, Italian and other Russian methods of ballet, and is considered the most common form of Russian classical ballet. The Vaganova style is characterized by precise, clean movement and steadiness in the torso, as opposed to the freer-flowing movement of Legat. In the Vaganova style, dancers bring attention to their hands by quick turns, often creating a fluttering effect, and use their hands and arms as springboards for the high jumps that are common in this method of dance. In Vaganova training, dancers are instructed not only to perform each step correctly, but the purpose behind each step. The most celebrated Vaganova-trained artist is Mikhail Baryshnikov.
In the early 1900s, choreographer Mikhail Fokine changed Russian ballet by better integrating story, music, choreography and scenic design into the performance. Rather than an emphasis on gymnastics and acrobatic tricks, Fokine's style focuses on using every step to tell a complete story. Unlike the Vaganova style, exaggerated hand gestures are replaced by whole body movement and conventional steps are replaced by free-flowing choreography. A progression from Legat, Fokine's style of ballet was the predecessor to modern, jazz and lyrical forms of dance. Fokine's style is demonstrated in such as works as "The Dying Swan" and "The Firebird."