International
BALLET PIANIST
SYMPOSIUM

EMPOWERING
PIANISTS

Designed by Pianists,
for Pianists

Crafted by Ellina Akimova, a celebrated composer and ballet accompanist of the Paris Opera Ballet School, the International Ballet Pianist Symposium is a dedicated community for pianists to master the invisible dialogue between music and movement. Ellina Akimove will be joined by international ballet conductor Geneviève Leclair and ballet teacher Boris Richir.

Our Ballet Pianist Symposium gathers accompanists for an intensive to refine their technical craft, deconstruct the mechanics of dance accompaniment, and build lasting professional connections. Through immersive, hands-on sessions and live dancer interaction, we provide the definitive tools to elevate your artistry and thrive in the global ballet landscape.

Learn More

HIGHLIGHTS

Dancer/Pianist Dialogue

Deciphering the Studio's Unspoken Language

The most vital asset an accompanist can possess is the ability to communicate effortlessly across artistic boundaries, bringing ballet teachers and musicians face-to-face to bridge the gap between rhythm and physical line. TRANSLATING THE TEMPO Participate in masterclasses that analyze how a ballet teacher’s physical clap or vocalization translates into an accurate, mathematically sound musical time signature. DYNAMIC FEEDBACK Play during a fast-paced "Mock Class" session and receive live feedback from professional dancers on the studio floor. INTERACTIVE DEMONSTARTIONS Observe side-by-side, live-action demonstrations with dancers, allowing you to master real-time structural adjustments.

Class Accompaniment

Mastering Class Structure and Energy Mapping

Playing for a 90-minute students and company ballet class requires an intimate understanding of physical stamina and group management. MAPPING THE ENERGY CURVE Learn the theory behind pacing, mastering how to read, and match the dynamic energy curve and emotional shifts of a ballet class. STOP & GO METHOD Dive deep into the time signature requirements unique to the structural split between Barre and Center work. HANDS ON SCORE ADAPTATION Learn the rules of music arrangement for ballet structures. SUPPRTING DANCER'S DYNAMICS Put your instincts to the test in practical, real-time exercises with professional dancers.

Variations

Synchronizing Soloists and Classical Ballet Repertoire

Sharpen your precision to handle the rigid parameters and subtle nuances of classical ballet repertoire. SOLOIST & VARIATION MASTERY Deepen your mastery of tempos and discover how an accompanist shadows and protects a soloist. Through a structured group rotation, you will play live for professional dancers and exchange constructive peer reviews on metric alignment. CONDUCTING BALLET Work with a ballet conductor and deepen your understanding of playing for dancers, playing on stage, and working with a ballet conductor. SPECIALIZED ACCENT METRICS Learn how to shift your musical weight and accentuation to meet the distinct demands of the dancer, whether providing stability for intricate pointe work and pirouettes, or creating breath and suspension for expansive grand allegro jumps.

Career Readiness

Commercial Readiness & Economics of Accompaniment

Longevity in the global dance landscape requires business acumen. Turn your artistic craft into a sustainable, highly lucrative professional career. THE BUSINESS OF DANCE ACCOMPANIMENT Demystify the business and operational side of the industry, navigating corporate theater and company life, and maximizing your earning potential. COMMERCIAL LICENSING PATH Learn how to create, protect, and monetize your music, and explore secondary streams of income through specialized licensing paths. STUDIO ALBUM RECORDING Discover the technical and practical approaches to professionally recording a ballet class CD or album.

Full Schedule