Scuola di Ballo del Teatro alla Scala
Encyclopedia
La Scala Theatre Ballet School is one of the leading classical ballet schools in the world and is the associate school of La Scala Theatre Ballet, an international ballet company based at La Scala
in Milan
, Italy
. The school forms part of the theatre's Academy for Performing Arts.
Following the defeat of Napoleon, the school's name was changed to Imperial Regia Accademia di Ballo del Teatro alla Scala (Royal Imperial Dance Academy of the Teatro alla Scala).
For many years after its foundation the school offered two courses, of the total duration of eight years; the first consisted in apprenticeship, the second of specialization studies. The classes were accompanied by a violinist.
Many famous dancers have been directors of the school. Among them, the famous Carlo Blasis
, who joined the school in 1838 and directed it for 15 years, and the Italian ballerina Caterina Beretta, who was the school director from 1905 to 1908.
Because of the first world War, the school was closed down in 1917; it was later reopened (in 1921) thanks to the interest of Arturo Toscanini
. The famous Russian ballet dancer Olga Preobrajenska
was appointed as the new school director.
Enrico Cecchetti
was director of the school until his death on November the 13th 1929. Following his recommendation, Cia Fornaroli, grande prima ballerina of the Theatre La Scala, was appointed as the school new director. She directed the school until 1932, when Ettorina Mazzucchelli took her place as the school director.
Esmée Bulnes directed the school until 1967, followed by Elide Bonagiunta (until 1972). The next school director was John Field, former director of the Royal Ballet of London and former director of the Corpo di Ballo del Teatro alla Scala
(the Theater's resident company).
John Field left the school in July 1974; his place was taken by Anna Maria Prina, former student of the school and then soloist of the Corpo di Ballo del Teatro alla Scala. Current director of the dance department of the Academy is Frédéric Olivieri.
In 1998 the school was moved to a new dedicated building, in via Campo Lodigiano.
From 1999, the school also offers predance classes to children aged between 6 and 10.
In the same year, the school has introduced modern and contemporary classes, in addition to the more traditional classical ballet classes.
Students are evaluated in both disciplines (classical ballet and contemporary ballet) in order to achieve the Diploma released by the school.
The school is now organized in two parts: in the first, which lasts five years, the students follow classes common to the two specializations; in the second, which lasts three years, the students choose a specialization (classical or modern dance).
The method currently taught at the school is based on the Italian method; the Russian, French and English ballet methods are also taught as part of the pupils' curricula. Recently, the school has also started classes of American style and technique.
The curriculum includes ballet technique, pointe classes, pas de deux and classical repertoire. The students also learn contemporary and modern technique (Limon, Graham and Cunningham techniques).
Many of the school pupils also participate to production held at the Teatro alla Scala with the Corpo di Ballo del Teatro alla Scala
, the theater's resident company.
All students also attend regular school classes, organized for them by the city of Milan.
The classes of modern/contemporary dance are taught by Emanuela Tagliavia.
Girls' repertoire classes are currently taught by Vera Karpernko and Amelia Colombini; the male classes and pas de deux are taught by Leonid Nikonov and Paolo Podini.
Character dance is taught by Loreta Alexandrescu, and Spanish dance by Franca Roberto. The students also attend history of dance and history of ballet classes (Francesca Pedroni). Music classes are taught by Fabio Sartorelli and Alessandro Pontremoli.
Among them: Attilia Radice, Teresa Legnani, Cia Fornaroli, Ettorina Mazzucchelli, Nives Poli, Edda Martignoni, Bianca Gallizia, Giuliana Penzi and Elide Bonagiunta.
In more recent times, famous dancers who have studied at the school are: Carla Fracci
, Luciana Savignano, Liliana Cosi, Oriella Dorella, Paola Cantalupo, Marco Pierin, Massimo Murru, Carlotta Zamparo, Sabrina Brazzo, Gilda Gelati, Marta Romagna, Roberto Bolle
, and Alessio Carbone.
Many other dancers have started their dance instruction at the school, such as the famous ballerina Alessandra Ferri
.
La Scala
La Scala , is a world renowned opera house in Milan, Italy. The theatre was inaugurated on 3 August 1778 and was originally known as the New Royal-Ducal Theatre at La Scala...
in Milan
Milan
Milan is the second-largest city in Italy and the capital city of the region of Lombardy and of the province of Milan. The city proper has a population of about 1.3 million, while its urban area, roughly coinciding with its administrative province and the bordering Province of Monza and Brianza ,...
, Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
. The school forms part of the theatre's Academy for Performing Arts.
History
The ballet school was founded in 1813 by Benedetto Ricci, as the Accademia di ballo (dance academy) of the Teatro alla Scala.Following the defeat of Napoleon, the school's name was changed to Imperial Regia Accademia di Ballo del Teatro alla Scala (Royal Imperial Dance Academy of the Teatro alla Scala).
For many years after its foundation the school offered two courses, of the total duration of eight years; the first consisted in apprenticeship, the second of specialization studies. The classes were accompanied by a violinist.
Many famous dancers have been directors of the school. Among them, the famous Carlo Blasis
Carlo Blasis
Carlo Blasis was an Italian dancer, choreographer and dance theoretician. He is well known for his very rigorous dance classes, sometimes lasting four hours long.Blasis was born in Naples...
, who joined the school in 1838 and directed it for 15 years, and the Italian ballerina Caterina Beretta, who was the school director from 1905 to 1908.
Because of the first world War, the school was closed down in 1917; it was later reopened (in 1921) thanks to the interest of Arturo Toscanini
Arturo Toscanini
Arturo Toscanini was an Italian conductor. One of the most acclaimed musicians of the late 19th and 20th century, he was renowned for his intensity, his perfectionism, his ear for orchestral detail and sonority, and his photographic memory...
. The famous Russian ballet dancer Olga Preobrajenska
Olga Preobrajenska
Olga Iosifovna Preobrajenska was probably the best loved ballerina of the Russian Imperial Ballet....
was appointed as the new school director.
Enrico Cecchetti
Enrico Cecchetti
Enrico Cecchetti was an Italian ballet dancer, mime, and founder of the Cecchetti method. The son of two dancers from Civitanova Marche, he was born in the costuming room of the Teatro Tordinona in Rome. After an illustrious career as a dancer in Europe, he went to dance for the Imperial Ballet in...
was director of the school until his death on November the 13th 1929. Following his recommendation, Cia Fornaroli, grande prima ballerina of the Theatre La Scala, was appointed as the school new director. She directed the school until 1932, when Ettorina Mazzucchelli took her place as the school director.
Esmée Bulnes directed the school until 1967, followed by Elide Bonagiunta (until 1972). The next school director was John Field, former director of the Royal Ballet of London and former director of the Corpo di Ballo del Teatro alla Scala
Corpo di Ballo del Teatro alla Scala
The La Scala Theatre Ballet is the resident classical ballet company at La Scala in Milan, Italy. One of the oldest and most renowned ballet companies in the world, the company predates the theatre, but was officially founded at the inauguration of La Scala in 1778...
(the Theater's resident company).
John Field left the school in July 1974; his place was taken by Anna Maria Prina, former student of the school and then soloist of the Corpo di Ballo del Teatro alla Scala. Current director of the dance department of the Academy is Frédéric Olivieri.
In 1998 the school was moved to a new dedicated building, in via Campo Lodigiano.
Dance curriculum
The school typically accepts students 10 years old and older.From 1999, the school also offers predance classes to children aged between 6 and 10.
In the same year, the school has introduced modern and contemporary classes, in addition to the more traditional classical ballet classes.
Students are evaluated in both disciplines (classical ballet and contemporary ballet) in order to achieve the Diploma released by the school.
The school is now organized in two parts: in the first, which lasts five years, the students follow classes common to the two specializations; in the second, which lasts three years, the students choose a specialization (classical or modern dance).
The method currently taught at the school is based on the Italian method; the Russian, French and English ballet methods are also taught as part of the pupils' curricula. Recently, the school has also started classes of American style and technique.
The curriculum includes ballet technique, pointe classes, pas de deux and classical repertoire. The students also learn contemporary and modern technique (Limon, Graham and Cunningham techniques).
Many of the school pupils also participate to production held at the Teatro alla Scala with the Corpo di Ballo del Teatro alla Scala
Corpo di Ballo del Teatro alla Scala
The La Scala Theatre Ballet is the resident classical ballet company at La Scala in Milan, Italy. One of the oldest and most renowned ballet companies in the world, the company predates the theatre, but was officially founded at the inauguration of La Scala in 1778...
, the theater's resident company.
All students also attend regular school classes, organized for them by the city of Milan.
Faculty
At this date, the faculty is composed of: Loreta Alexandrescu, Amelia Colombini, Vera Karpenko, Tatiana Nikonova, Leonid Nikonov, Paolo Podini.The classes of modern/contemporary dance are taught by Emanuela Tagliavia.
Girls' repertoire classes are currently taught by Vera Karpernko and Amelia Colombini; the male classes and pas de deux are taught by Leonid Nikonov and Paolo Podini.
Character dance is taught by Loreta Alexandrescu, and Spanish dance by Franca Roberto. The students also attend history of dance and history of ballet classes (Francesca Pedroni). Music classes are taught by Fabio Sartorelli and Alessandro Pontremoli.
Famous school graduates
Many of the school students have achieved international fame.Among them: Attilia Radice, Teresa Legnani, Cia Fornaroli, Ettorina Mazzucchelli, Nives Poli, Edda Martignoni, Bianca Gallizia, Giuliana Penzi and Elide Bonagiunta.
In more recent times, famous dancers who have studied at the school are: Carla Fracci
Carla Fracci
Carla Fracci is a ballet dancer and actress. Her career highlights include Nijinsky, Giselle , Complete Bell Telephone Hour Performances: Erik Bruhn 1961-1967.-FAO Ambassador:...
, Luciana Savignano, Liliana Cosi, Oriella Dorella, Paola Cantalupo, Marco Pierin, Massimo Murru, Carlotta Zamparo, Sabrina Brazzo, Gilda Gelati, Marta Romagna, Roberto Bolle
Roberto Bolle
Roberto Bolle is an Italian ballet dancer. He is currently a principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre and also holds guest artist status with The Royal Ballet and La Scala Theatre Ballet, making regular appearances with both companies.- Overview :...
, and Alessio Carbone.
Many other dancers have started their dance instruction at the school, such as the famous ballerina Alessandra Ferri
Alessandra Ferri
Alessandra Ferri is a retired Italian prima ballerina assoluta. She received her training at the La Scala Theatre Ballet School and the Royal Ballet School...
.