Vadim Muntagirov and Fumi Kaneko_Grand Pas Classique

Watch renowned ballet dancers Vadim Muntagirov and Fumi Kaneko in their stunning performance of Grand Pas Classique. This classic ballet piece showcases the grace, technique, and chemistry of these two talented dancers. Don't miss this mesmerizing performance!

Vadim Muntagirov and Fumi Kaneko
Principal dancers of the Royal Opera House

Grand Pas Classique
during the World Ballet Stars Gala on June 11, 2023 at the Théâtre du Léman in Geneva.

"Grand Pas Classique" is a ballet divertissement that has become a staple in the classical ballet repertoire, celebrated for its demanding technique and the showcase of classical ballet's beauty and precision. It was choreographed by Victor Gsovsky in 1949. The piece is often performed as a stand-alone pas de deux, separate from a larger ballet, making it a popular choice for galas, competitions, and mixed repertory programs.

The ballet is set to the music of Daniel Auber, specifically from his opera "Le Dieu et la Bayadère" (The God and the Bayadere). The music was arranged and adapted for the ballet by the composer himself, which contributes to the piece's cohesive and engaging musical foundation.

"Grand Pas Classique" is renowned for its technical challenges, including a series of demanding adagios, solos, and a coda that require impeccable technique, control, and artistry from both dancers. The female dancer's role is particularly noted for its virtuoso demands, including multiple fouettés, pirouettes, and precise pointe work, while the male dancer's role includes powerful jumps and turns.

This ballet does not convey a narrative but instead focuses on showcasing the purity of classical ballet technique and the dancers' abilities. It is a testament to the dancers' training, strength, and artistry, often used as a benchmark to assess technical prowess and interpretative skills in ballet competitions and auditions.

"Grand Pas Classique" remains a beloved piece in the ballet world, admired by audiences for its elegance, technical challenges, and the opportunity it provides dancers to display the pinnacle of classical ballet technique.




Founder Vladimir Ippolitov