Implementation of the Principle of Cultural Conformity in Choreographic Pedagogy (a Case Study of Choreographer Training)
Recent reforms in the Russian education system, including the introduction of the competence approach in the actual teaching practice, created the need for choreography specialists to conceptualise the experience accumulated in the past and incorporate it into the theoretical dimension of general pedagogy. One of such principles underlying the training of choreographers is the principle of cultural conformity suggested by German educator V. Diesterweg and developed in the work of renowned Russian educators K. Ushinsky, P. Kapterev, Y. Gessen, and others. This article looks at the implementation of this principle in dance training (more specifically, within the system of choreographer training). This aspect has not been discussed in the literature on choreographic training before. Drawing on the analysis of historical traditions in the Russian choreographic education, the author shows the significance of culture conformity in an effective training process at arts educational institutions. The author believes that cultural conformity in dance training is achieved through the application of classical traditions of the Russian ballet school, the Vaganov method in particular. Its logic and structure serve as a basis for the performing and teaching activities of graduates from choreography departments, regardless of what dance style they choose. In this sense, the Vaganov method is a true treasure of the Russian culture shaping its unique image.