The essence of ballet in your pocket.
The method taught at ABS is based on the Russian Ballet method, which was co-developed by Agrippina Vaganova and Nicolai Tarasov. Tarasov passed on his teachings to his favorite student Vladimir Tsukanov, who happens to be Rio and Christian’s teacher and mentor. Rio, having struggled with her "unsuited" physique all her life, developed the “Russian Ballet for Japanese” method, which is a variation of the Russian method applicable to a more “regular” body type.
How can a small ballet school in Tokyo, Japan, generate such outstanding results? The secret sauce is now available in your pocket.
How can a small ballet school in Tokyo, Japan, generate such outstanding results? The secret sauce is now available in your pocket.
The international success of her students speaks for itself and this application makes it easy to learn more about good style, technique and foundation. Student or professional, everyone can benefit.
Prof. Evelyn Téri, e. h. Curator Ballet Academy of Vienna State Opera
Director V.I.A.F, Pedagogue Choreographer
THE “RUSSIAN” METHOD FOR JAPANESE
It is based on the Vaganova and Bolshoi method, but takes into account that dancers have different body types, joints, flexibilities, weaknesses and strengths. She realized that there needs to be a distinction between “lines” (how things look) and “technique” (functionality of the body), in order for a physically “less talented” dancer to still become professional.
THE STORY BEHIND “KLASSE” FROM RIO
This application started as a personal project of ABS founder and main teacher Rio Mitani, who wanted to leave a legacy to her successors. She felt blessed to be able to work with world class teachers, with Vladimir Tsukanov (student of Nicolai Tarassov, who together with Agrippina Vaganova developed the Russian ballet technique as known today) becoming her main teacher and mentor.
Vladimir Tsukanov & Rio Mitani, Vienna, Austria
But it was not only the exquisite pedagogy that shaped Rio sensei’s teaching style, but two other life defining factors. One being her upbringing in 1970’s Vienna, Austria. Growing up as one of the few Asians in central Europe, and entering Vienna’s premiere ballet academy, she had to struggle to overcome inferiority complexes and find her own identity. Rio’s body and looks were not that of an ideal ballerina, so she had to learn to work with what she had, and get the most out of it.
Over many years this led to the development of her own method, which she calls “Russian Ballet for Japanese”. It is based on the Vaganova and Bolshoi method, but takes into account that dancers have different body types, joints, flexibilities, weaknesses and strengths. She realized that there needs to be a distinction between “lines” (how things look) and “technique” (functionality of the body), in order for a physically “less talented” dancer to still become professional.
In this app, Rio sensei is explaining this “Russian Ballet for Japanese” technique, in the course of actual ballet classes. You will not see perfect model students, but accompany young, real life, striving dancers of different types, who are learning, trying out, sometimes failing and overcoming in front of your eyes.
Over many years this led to the development of her own method, which she calls “Russian Ballet for Japanese”. It is based on the Vaganova and Bolshoi method, but takes into account that dancers have different body types, joints, flexibilities, weaknesses and strengths. She realized that there needs to be a distinction between “lines” (how things look) and “technique” (functionality of the body), in order for a physically “less talented” dancer to still become professional.
In this app, Rio sensei is explaining this “Russian Ballet for Japanese” technique, in the course of actual ballet classes. You will not see perfect model students, but accompany young, real life, striving dancers of different types, who are learning, trying out, sometimes failing and overcoming in front of your eyes.
If I was about to start my dance-career all over again, my wish would be to come to exactly this place, to line-up with the lucky students of Rio Mitani and Christian Martinu.
Bettina Beckmann, former soloist of Hamburg Ballet from John Neumeier
And last but not least, Rio sensei’s personal Christian faith has deeply impacted her pedagogy and philosophy. Ballet is about the joy of life, an ultimate expression of a human being’s soul and spirit.
We were gifted to bless others. Once we can remember, that we have a bigger mission than just pointing feet and lifting legs, and that we have so much to be thankful for, we can then in turn share our love with the audience. Ballet has the power to open a window to the audience’s heart, and dancers have the privilege to move people to the core, inspire them and give them hope. Without words interfering.
It is Rio sensei’s prayer, that this app becomes a tool for dancers, students, teachers and ballet lovers to help become the best version of themselves, through the beautiful world of ballet.
We were gifted to bless others. Once we can remember, that we have a bigger mission than just pointing feet and lifting legs, and that we have so much to be thankful for, we can then in turn share our love with the audience. Ballet has the power to open a window to the audience’s heart, and dancers have the privilege to move people to the core, inspire them and give them hope. Without words interfering.
It is Rio sensei’s prayer, that this app becomes a tool for dancers, students, teachers and ballet lovers to help become the best version of themselves, through the beautiful world of ballet.
I have been to many places in the world and met a lot of teachers, but I have never been taught by somebody like Rio, who is so passionate and knowledgeable about ballet. I would not be where I am today if I had not been in ABS.
Erik Woolhouse, Soloist, English National Ballet
HOW TO USE KLASSE
In the age 14 + basic KLASSE lessons, I am focusing on common mistakes and frequent misconceptions that ballet students have. I am explaining technical details that help to execute the steps, and though I am not explaining how the movements should be done from scratch, I often go back to the basics to ensure we build on a solid base.
My hope is that the 14+ lessons help you to tackle classes at your own school or studio in a more understanding and structured way. Also if you are a ballet instructor, the classes will help you to look out for the right things in your students.
If you are interested in the very basic introductory information on how to correctly execute the movements, please watch the Junior program classes (age 9-11). It will be a helpful introduction into all the basic ballet movements and steps, even if you are already intermediate or advanced.
Basics really never get old.
We also prepared for you the Philosophy chapters, in which I will elaborate on values and philosophies on the Art of Ballet as well as pedagogical advice and priorities on raising professional dancers from the very beginnings.
My hope is that the 14+ lessons help you to tackle classes at your own school or studio in a more understanding and structured way. Also if you are a ballet instructor, the classes will help you to look out for the right things in your students.
If you are interested in the very basic introductory information on how to correctly execute the movements, please watch the Junior program classes (age 9-11). It will be a helpful introduction into all the basic ballet movements and steps, even if you are already intermediate or advanced.
Basics really never get old.
We also prepared for you the Philosophy chapters, in which I will elaborate on values and philosophies on the Art of Ballet as well as pedagogical advice and priorities on raising professional dancers from the very beginnings.
Rio has a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience in ballet and she has taught so many students over the years, who have become very successful in some of the best ballet companies. This app will help any level of ballet dancer.
Laurynas Vejalis, Royal New Zealand Ballet, Principal Dancer
"KLASSE" (クラッセ）
アプリケーション iPhone & Android app
Price: 10,000 Yen
LINK TO THE APP STORE
LINK TO THE ANROID STORE
1回切りの支払いで、今後公開されるすべてのコンテンツに無制限にアクセス可能。
One time payment for unlimited access including all future contents.
アプリケーション iPhone & Android app
Price: 10,000 Yen
LINK TO THE APP STORE
LINK TO THE ANROID STORE
1回切りの支払いで、今後公開されるすべてのコンテンツに無制限にアクセス可能。
One time payment for unlimited access including all future contents.
KLASSE
CONTENT
Senior Classes 15 - adult
Junior Content 9 - 11 years
CONTENT
Senior Classes 15 - adult
Junior Content 9 - 11 years
