Back in April 2023, fellow Examiner Merle Adam and I embarked on the process of revising the syllabus for the Society of Classical Ballet – Vaganova Method. It was a project the entire examining committee had wanted to undertake for some time. We all agreed that the old syllabus did not always flow effectively from level to level. The time had come to take a thorough look at the syllabus and give it a complete overhaul. A new pedagogical approach was necessary to provide members with clearer developmental guidelines for their students.
So, through daily two- to three-hour phone conversations from late April to the end of July, Merle and I immersed ourselves in the intricacies of building a dancer from Level Primary through to Pre-Professional. The end result was a 14-level syllabus unveiled at the Society’s annual teacher training seminar in Ottawa.
I would like to extend a personal thank you to Examiner Merle Adam. Our daily conversations were stimulating and educational, even when we were both exhausted, overwhelmed, and our minds were reeling. The endless debate was a pleasure, and our working process has made me a more informed teacher and pedagogue.
The syllabus of the Society has been at the heart and soul of my teaching for the past 40+ years! – Leica
On August 19, 2023 in Ottawa, both Merle and I were thrilled to be awarded Honorary Life Membership by the Society of Classical Ballet–Vaganova Method, in recognition of our contributions to dance education. It was a wonderful way to conclude this project.
For more information about the Society and our examination process see our the Recital & Examinations page.
