CECCHETTI METHOD

THE METHOD

The Cecchetti Method of classical ballet is a style of theatrical dance based on the teachings of the legendary Italian ballet master Enrico Cecchetti (1850-1928). Born into a family of professional dancers, Maestro Cecchetti had a distinguished career as a principal dancer on the international stage before becoming a renowned teacher. He taught in Russia, Poland, Italy and England and became the private instructor of Anna Pavlova, among many other celebrated dancers.

Famed ballet historian Cyril Beaumont collaborated with Cecchetti and his protégés to document the Maestro's theories, beginning with the publication in 1922 of The Theory and Practice of Classical Theatrical Dancing, currently known as The Manual.

Still in use as designed by the Maestro himself, the Cecchetti Method was certainly “avant-garde” for its time. Based on sound principles and logical build-ups, with classes structured according to the days of the week, Cecchetti’s training was well-balanced and anatomically correct, producing technically proficient and artistically expressive dancers.