スマホでバレエ留学
THE ESSENCE OF BALLET, IN YOUR POCKET
KLASSE is an app initiated by Rio Mitani and Christian Martinu of Austrian Ballet School (ABS) in Tokyo, successfully training aspiring professional dancers to go on to the world’s most renowned ballet companies, such as English National Ballet, Canada National Ballet, K- Ballet, and many more.
“Klasse” means “Class” in German, which expresses not only the teachings in this video series, but also the embodiment of “class” required for success in the world of professional ballet. Featuring over several hundred minutes of video lessons (and more to come in the future), Klasse brings to you a real life, unfiltered view into the teachings of ABS, with an emphasis on basic techniques, along with a clinical understanding on the meanings of such movements.
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.
KLASSE is an app initiated by Rio Mitani and Christian Martinu of Austrian Ballet School (ABS) in Tokyo, successfully training aspiring professional dancers to go on to the world’s most renowned ballet companies, such as English National Ballet, Canada National Ballet, K- Ballet, and many more.
“Klasse” means “Class” in German, which expresses not only the teachings in this video series, but also the embodiment of “class” required for success in the world of professional ballet. Featuring over several hundred minutes of video lessons (and more to come in the future), Klasse brings to you a real life, unfiltered view into the teachings of ABS, with an emphasis on basic techniques, along with a clinical understanding on the meanings of such movements.
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.
ロシア・メソッド
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.
「クラッセ」に込められた思い
このアプリケーションは、ABSの創設者であり、後継者に遺産を残したいと考えていた主任教師の三谷梨央の個人的なプロジェクトとして始まりました。リオ先生は一流の教師たちに恵まれ、その中でも最も大きな影響を恩師ウラジミール・ツカノフ先生に受けたのです。（ツカノフ先生とは、アグリッピーナ・ワガノワ先生と共に現在も受け継がれているロシアのバレエ技術を開発したニコライ・タラソフ先生の愛弟子。）
しかし、リオ先生の教え方を形作ったのは、ツカノフ先生の絶妙な教育法だけでなく、人生を定義することになる二つの要素でした。
１つは、1970年代にウィーン、オーストリアに育ったという事実。中央ヨーロッパで数少ないアジア人の一人として育ち、ウィーンのプレミアバレエアカデミーに合格した幼いリオは常に劣等感と闘い、自身のアイデンティティーについて悩むことになるのです。体型は理想的なバレリーナのものではなかったので、何年にもわたって自分にあるものをなんとか、そして最大限に活用する方法を編み出しました。
これがリオ先生独自の開発した「日本人のためのロシアのバレエ」の礎となるのです。
リオ先生のメソッドはワガノワとボリショイのロシア方式に基づいていますが、ダンサーそれぞれの体型、関節、柔軟性、弱点、強みが異なることを考慮に入れています。身体的に「才能のない」ダンサーがプロになるためには、「線」（体の見せ方）と「技術」（体の機能）を区別する必要があることに気づきました。
このアプリでは、リオ先生が実際のバレエ教室でこの「日本人のためのロシアバレエ」のテクニックを説明しています。今回は完璧な模範の生徒を用いるのではなく、皆さんの目の前で学び、試し、時には失敗し、また克服をする、さまざまなタイプの若いプロの卵が努力しているところに同行します。
そして最後に、３つ目のリオ先生の教育学と哲学に深く影響を与えた要素は個人的なキリスト教信仰。バレエは、人生の喜び、人間の魂と精神の究極の表現なのです。そして、才能とは人を祝福するために与えられたもの。バレエはただ足を伸ばして、完璧な回転をする為ではなく、ダンサーの感謝と感動から生まれる表現をお客様と分かち合うのが使命なのです。バレエにはお客様の心への窓を開く不思議な力があります。人の奥深い芯に触れ、言葉が邪魔することなく、慰めや感動、愛と希望を与えることができるのです。
このアプリケーションがダンサーや学生、教師やバレエ愛好家がバレエを通して、それぞれのベストバージョンになるお手伝いができる道具になりますように。
しかし、リオ先生の教え方を形作ったのは、ツカノフ先生の絶妙な教育法だけでなく、人生を定義することになる二つの要素でした。
１つは、1970年代にウィーン、オーストリアに育ったという事実。中央ヨーロッパで数少ないアジア人の一人として育ち、ウィーンのプレミアバレエアカデミーに合格した幼いリオは常に劣等感と闘い、自身のアイデンティティーについて悩むことになるのです。体型は理想的なバレリーナのものではなかったので、何年にもわたって自分にあるものをなんとか、そして最大限に活用する方法を編み出しました。
これがリオ先生独自の開発した「日本人のためのロシアのバレエ」の礎となるのです。
リオ先生のメソッドはワガノワとボリショイのロシア方式に基づいていますが、ダンサーそれぞれの体型、関節、柔軟性、弱点、強みが異なることを考慮に入れています。身体的に「才能のない」ダンサーがプロになるためには、「線」（体の見せ方）と「技術」（体の機能）を区別する必要があることに気づきました。
このアプリでは、リオ先生が実際のバレエ教室でこの「日本人のためのロシアバレエ」のテクニックを説明しています。今回は完璧な模範の生徒を用いるのではなく、皆さんの目の前で学び、試し、時には失敗し、また克服をする、さまざまなタイプの若いプロの卵が努力しているところに同行します。
そして最後に、３つ目のリオ先生の教育学と哲学に深く影響を与えた要素は個人的なキリスト教信仰。バレエは、人生の喜び、人間の魂と精神の究極の表現なのです。そして、才能とは人を祝福するために与えられたもの。バレエはただ足を伸ばして、完璧な回転をする為ではなく、ダンサーの感謝と感動から生まれる表現をお客様と分かち合うのが使命なのです。バレエにはお客様の心への窓を開く不思議な力があります。人の奥深い芯に触れ、言葉が邪魔することなく、慰めや感動、愛と希望を与えることができるのです。
このアプリケーションがダンサーや学生、教師やバレエ愛好家がバレエを通して、それぞれのベストバージョンになるお手伝いができる道具になりますように。
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.
"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.
Recommendations
“Entering the ABS Studio you feel that teacher and students are building a unity, and motivation and inspiration are filling the room like an invisible vibration....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
"I am so pleased that my former student Rio Mitani is training the next generation of dancers with such dedication, passion and knowledge. 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, Pedagogue Choreographer
Director V.I.A.F, & e.h. Curator Ballet Academy of Vienna State Opera
"I have been to many places in the world and met a lot of teachers, but I never have 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, Junior Soloist, English National Ballet
“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
“I had the pleasure and honor to work with the students of ABS for many years. Rio Mitani is a wonderful teacher and absolutely dedicated to her students and to the art of ballet. You see the incredible results on a constant basis and her students move into the ballet world with so much knowledge and technical strength.”
Harald Uwe Kern, Louisville Ballet, Senior Ballet Master
"In this application, Rio will teach you how to dance and use your body in a logical and easy to understand manner. Even if your body is not suited for ballet 100%, you will be pointed into the right direction and will definitely improve."
Aoi Iwasaki, Theatre National Opera and Ballet Maria Biesu, Moldavia
"ABS‘ Rio sensei and Chris sensei seek out the individual talent, humanity, and potential in each student and assist them from various angles. Their logical explanations of ballet and the amount of knowledge they provide will surely help you grow."
Rio Morisawa, Croatian National Ballet
“Entering the ABS Studio you feel that teacher and students are building a unity, and motivation and inspiration are filling the room like an invisible vibration....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
"I am so pleased that my former student Rio Mitani is training the next generation of dancers with such dedication, passion and knowledge. 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, Pedagogue Choreographer
Director V.I.A.F, & e.h. Curator Ballet Academy of Vienna State Opera
"I have been to many places in the world and met a lot of teachers, but I never have 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, Junior Soloist, English National Ballet
“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
“I had the pleasure and honor to work with the students of ABS for many years. Rio Mitani is a wonderful teacher and absolutely dedicated to her students and to the art of ballet. You see the incredible results on a constant basis and her students move into the ballet world with so much knowledge and technical strength.”
Harald Uwe Kern, Louisville Ballet, Senior Ballet Master
"In this application, Rio will teach you how to dance and use your body in a logical and easy to understand manner. Even if your body is not suited for ballet 100%, you will be pointed into the right direction and will definitely improve."
Aoi Iwasaki, Theatre National Opera and Ballet Maria Biesu, Moldavia
"ABS‘ Rio sensei and Chris sensei seek out the individual talent, humanity, and potential in each student and assist them from various angles. Their logical explanations of ballet and the amount of knowledge they provide will surely help you grow."
Rio Morisawa, Croatian National Ballet
This application started as a personal project of the founder of the Austrian Ballet School (ABS) 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.
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 inferior complexes and find her own identity.
The other was that 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.
Rio 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 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.
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 opens a window of the dancer’s heart, crying out all that is in her/him to the world and beyond. Dancers have the privilege to move people to the core, inspire them and give them hope. Without words interfering.
It is Rio’s prayer, that this app becomes a tool for dancers, students, teachers and ballet lovers to become the best version of themselves, through the beautiful world of ballet.
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.
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 inferior complexes and find her own identity.
The other was that 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.
Rio 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 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.
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 opens a window of the dancer’s heart, crying out all that is in her/him to the world and beyond. Dancers have the privilege to move people to the core, inspire them and give them hope. Without words interfering.
It is Rio’s prayer, that this app becomes a tool for dancers, students, teachers and ballet lovers to become the best version of themselves, through the beautiful world of ballet.
KLASSE
CONTENT
Senior Classes 15 - adult
Junior Content 9 - 11 years
CONTENT
Senior Classes 15 - adult
Junior Content 9 - 11 years
Continue to the Apple Store
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LINK copied from Google Play Store
LINK copied from App Store
LINK copied from Google Play Store