Akhmedova Ballet Academy

For those in Maryland with a serious commitment to the art of classical ballet, the Akhmedova Ballet Academy (ABA) in Silver Spring presents itself as an institution focused on rigorous training and artistic development. Situated in the heart of our community, ABA is dedicated to providing high-quality ballet instruction, primarily utilizing the renowned Vaganova method. This academy aims to prepare young, talented dancers to become strong, healthy, and fully developed artists, ready to pursue careers in major dance companies around the world.

The Akhmedova Ballet Academy, founded by Mme. Jacqueline Akhmedova, who has a distinguished background as a principal dancer with renowned companies and extensive teaching experience, including at the Kirov Academy of Ballet, positions itself as a center for world-class ballet education. The curriculum is designed to instill the discipline, technique, and artistry essential for professional ballet. For Maryland residents seeking a highly focused and intense ballet training environment, ABA offers programs that emphasize personal and artistic mentoring, striving to go above and beyond conventional dance education. It’s a place where the pursuit of ballet excellence is at the forefront of its mission, aiming to cultivate not just dancers, but well-rounded individuals prepared for the demands of a professional dance career.

The Akhmedova Ballet Academy is located at 8505 Fenton St #206, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA. This address places the academy in downtown Silver Spring, a bustling and easily accessible area for residents across Montgomery County and the wider Maryland region. Fenton Street is a central thoroughfare, making the studio straightforward to locate whether traveling by car or public transportation. Silver Spring boasts a well-connected transit system, including the Metro Red Line, which provides convenient access for students coming from various parts of the metropolitan area. The vibrant downtown environment offers nearby amenities, though the academy itself is located on the second floor, indicating a dedicated studio space. Its central location ensures that aspiring dancers from communities like Bethesda, Takoma Park, and Wheaton can reach the academy with relative ease, facilitating consistent attendance for their demanding training schedules.

• Professional Training Programs (PTP): ABA offers a structured pre-professional training program across various levels (Pre-PTP, PTP 1, PTP 2/3, PTP 3/4, PTP 4/5) designed to prepare students for professional ballet careers. These programs emphasize the Russian Vaganova Method.
• Vaganova Method Instruction: The core of the academy's training philosophy, teaching students the renowned Vaganova technique which focuses on developing strength, flexibility, musicality, and clean execution of classical ballet movements.
• Classical Technique Classes: Integral to all programs, these classes build fundamental ballet skills, body alignment, and artistic expression.
• Pointe Work: Advanced training for students ready for pointe work, focusing on strengthening and precision.
• Repertoire and Variations: Students learn classical ballet solo variations and repertoire from famous ballets, preparing them for performance.
• Contemporary Dance: Instruction in contemporary dance forms is included, broadening dancers' versatility and artistic range.
• Character Dance: Classes dedicated to character dance, which is stylized folk dance adapted for theatrical performance, are part of the comprehensive curriculum.
• Pilates and Conditioning: These classes are offered to build physical strength, improve flexibility, and prevent injuries, essential for the demanding nature of ballet.
• Audition Preparation: The academy provides guidance and training to help students prepare for auditions for professional companies and competitions.
• Performance Opportunities: Students in the Professional Training Programs have opportunities to perform in studio and on professional stages in winter and spring performances. The Studio Company also offers frequent performance experience.
• Ballet Intensives and Workshops: Seasonal programs like summer intensives and "Eleve and Align" adult ballet workshops are offered to provide focused training or an introduction to ballet.
• Studio Company: A 1-3 year apprentice program for advanced dancers (age 18+) aimed at continuing their technical and artistic development before joining a professional company, providing a small stipend per performance.
• Competition Preparation: Students are given opportunities to compete at prestigious competitions like Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) and other regional and international ballet competitions.

• Specialization in Vaganova Method: ABA's primary focus on the Vaganova method provides a specific and highly regarded classical ballet education, known for producing technically strong and expressive dancers.
• Professional Career Focus: The academy's mission is explicitly to prepare students for careers in major dance companies, suggesting a high level of intensity and commitment to professional outcomes.
• Comprehensive Curriculum: Beyond classical technique, the inclusion of pointe, repertoire, contemporary, character dance, Pilates, and conditioning indicates a well-rounded training approach designed to develop versatile dancers.
• Personal and Artistic Mentoring: The academy emphasizes individualized attention and mentoring, which is crucial for the demanding and nuanced art form of ballet.
• Performance Opportunities: Regular chances to perform on professional stages and in community settings are key highlights, providing valuable stage experience for aspiring professionals.
• Competitive Opportunities: The chance to participate in prestigious ballet competitions like YAGP offers students significant exposure and a platform to showcase their talent.
• Studio Company Program: For advanced dancers, the Studio Company offers a bridge to professional careers, providing continued rigorous training and performance opportunities with a stipend.

For those in Maryland interested in connecting with Akhmedova Ballet Academy, here are the contact details:

Address: 8505 Fenton St #206, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA

Phone: (301) 593-6262

Mobile Phone: +1 301-593-6262

For Maryland residents, particularly those in Silver Spring and the surrounding Montgomery County area, the Akhmedova Ballet Academy stands as a notable option for serious classical ballet training. Its central location in downtown Silver Spring ensures accessibility for families and students committed to intensive programs. The academy's explicit focus on the Vaganova method provides a structured and internationally recognized approach to ballet education, which can be a significant draw for aspiring professional dancers who seek a specific and rigorous pedagogical foundation.

The comprehensive curriculum, encompassing not only classical technique but also pointe, repertoire, contemporary, character dance, and conditioning, aims to produce well-rounded artists. The emphasis on personal and artistic mentoring, as highlighted in some testimonials, suggests a commitment to individual student development within a demanding field. For families in Maryland looking for a ballet school that prioritizes a professional trajectory and offers opportunities for performance and competition at a high level, ABA presents itself as an institution dedicated to these goals. While a deeper understanding of the program's specifics and suitability for individual students should always involve direct communication with the academy and careful consideration of all available information, for those committed to a path of professional ballet, the Akhmedova Ballet Academy in Silver Spring offers a distinct training environment within our local community.

Akhmedova Ballet Academy

8505 Fenton St #206, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA