The Youth Russian Ballet Company, founded and directed by Yana Auger, where passion, discipline, and artistry unite to create a transformative experience for young aspiring ballet dancers, from Mini’s (ages 6+) to Pre-Professionals. The company welcomes high-performing dancers from across the country to rehearse and perform in a variety of performance opportunities. Dancers are accepted through an audition process at the start of each new project.
The Youth Russian Ballet Company is rooted in the time-honored traditions and methods of Russian classical ballet, a system renowned worldwide for its precision, discipline, and artistry. Choreography, stylistic choices and direction, led and inspired by the Russian ballet method guides the company to its success; nurturing dancer’s technical abilities and fostering respect for the artistry and culture of ballet.
Our mission is to nurture the next generation of ballet artists by providing a comprehensive, supportive, and professional environment from the rehearsal studio to the stage.
Performance Experience
At the Youth Russian Ballet Company, we understand that live performance is one of the most powerful ways for young dancers to grow and develop into artists of their craft. Every year, we stage three full-length classical ballets from a diverse and ever-growing repertoire to repeatedly sold out audiences. Each ballet season consists of an audition process, several months of rehearsal, general rehearsals and preparations, and final performances (4+ performances per season).
These performances provide invaluable experience in stage presence, choreography and working in a company environment.
Rehearsals
Under the guidance of experienced instructors and choreographers, dancers participate in demanding, age-appropriate rehearsals that focus on building technical skills, musicality, and stagecraft.
Dancers are held up to strict rehearsal schedules (specified during the audition process) and standards where the importance of commitment, teamwork, and dedication is emphasised, alongside ballet technique and training.
Dancers are not expected to have a pre-existing foundation in the Russian ballet method, however their willingness to adapt and learn stylistic corrections is encouraged for choreographic grounds, allowing them to grow as adaptive and skillful dancers.
These rehearsals not only prepare dancers for upcoming performances but also serve as a foundation for their long-term growth in ballet.
Dancer Development
Every season is structured in a way that dancers are given the appropriate time and instruction to both learn new choreography as well as grow their ballet skills. Dancers are encouraged to work their age-appropriate ballet technique throughout their time with the company to become overall stronger and more skilled dancers before stepping on stage to perform.
The Youth Russian Ballet Company prides itself on its ability to choreograph age appropriate ballets and roles that are specifically designed to challenge dancers and bring them to new heights in their ballet journeys. Dancers are also taught ballet performance specific stylistic elements and theater acting that prepares them to confidently take on new roles in the future.
Artistry
We believe that ballet is more than just technique — it is a form of storytelling and artistic expression. Dancers are given the opportunity to take on big stages such as The Roodepoort Theatre and The Lyric Theatre, with beautiful backdrops, intentional sets and professionally crafted ballet costumes tailored to each dancer.
Through each ballet and role, dancers are able to find emotional depth and artistry in their ballet steps that they do so often in the studio. This artistic exploration allows them to develop a deeper understanding of the art form and to express themselves with grace, power, and emotion.
Our Director
Yana Auger (nee Zakharova) has dedicated over 30 years to teaching dance, a passion that has been with her since she was six years old. Born in Russia, she began her journey with classical ballet and folk dance as a young girl, nurturing her love for dance alongside her ever-evolving skills.
In 1990, Yana graduated with distinction in Dance Teaching, Choreography, and Art School Management from the Novosibirsk College of Arts and Culture. During her studies, she trained to become a teacher in the Vaganova method of classical ballet, as well as in folk dance, character dance, jazz, ballroom, modern, and tap.
Yana's commitment to her craft didn't stop there. In 2012, she sought to further refine her teaching abilities by enrolling at the renowned Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Moscow. Her time at the Bolshoi was marked by an intense study of classical ballet pedagogy. She graduated with a degree in teaching Classical Ballet, a testament to her expertise and dedication.
Since moving to Johannesburg, South Africa, in 2007, Yana has established and directed Johannesburg’s leading russian classical ballet school, the Russian School of Ballet , with alumni now attending numerous prestigious ballet academies, namely The Vaganova Ballet Academy in Russia.
After finding that there were limited opportunities for young dancers to take part in the beauty of pure classical ballet, Yana established The Youth Russian Ballet Company, in 2020.
With every year, Yana’s commitment to spreading her love of ballet only grows. She hopes to continue fostering new generations of dancers who share her deep-seated passion for this timeless art form.