User:S. Vedernikova

The American Who Taught Ballet to the Russians

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The Ballet Master, Eric Conrad

Eric Conrad began his journey in Russia studying under Vitaly Afanoskov at the Vaganova Academy in St Petersburg. After years of persevering against discrimination from the old Soviet Ballet guard, Conrad finally had a break through in 2006 when he was invited to choreograph at the Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Moscow. The success of his ballet “Generation X” cemented Conrad's reputation in Moscow and he has been a much sought after teacher and choreographer every since.

While working at the Bolshoi Academy, he noticed a discrepancy between their student's traditional classical training and the choreographic demands required from professional dancers in the 21 century. This was the impetus that ultimately resulted in Conrad forming Prodigy Ballet. Several the Russian students that he has taught, coached and choreographed for have gone on to become laureates of prestigious international ballet competitions, and are currently working in the world famous Bolshoi Ballet Theater in Moscow.

In 2008 Eric earned his Advanced Pedagogical degree in the Vaganova Method (U.S. MFA) from the Institute of Russian Theater studying under Artistic Director Mikhail Lavrovsky. He was nicknamed “The Surgeon” for his ability to quickly perceive and correct problems with a dancer's technique that were imperceptible to even seasoned Russian pedagogues.