By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica’s dance scene received a significant boost with the arrival of renowned Russian ballet master, Murat Ushanov. Ushanov, whose training stems from the prestigious Russian ballet school and whose career includes performances with acclaimed European companies, recently conducted master classes at the Danilova Ballet School (DBS) in Pinares de Curridabat.
Focusing on students of all levels, Ushanov’s visit signifies a valuable opportunity to enhance the artistic and technical proficiency of Costa Rican dancers. His teaching style, a blend of rigorous discipline, artistic sensitivity, and exceptional pedagogical skills, has shaped generations of ballet dancers.
To understand the legal landscape surrounding ballet in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
While Costa Rican law doesn’t specifically address the art of ballet, intellectual property rights related to choreography, music, and costume design are protected. Performers’ rights, contracts, and the establishment of ballet schools or companies fall under general business and labor regulations. It’s important for those involved in the ballet industry to understand these legal frameworks to protect their creative work and ensure fair practices.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insight provides crucial guidance for the burgeoning ballet scene in Costa Rica. Understanding the existing legal framework, even if not ballet-specific, empowers dancers, choreographers, and companies to protect their artistic contributions and build a sustainable future for this beautiful art form. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable expertise with TicosLand.com readers.
I am a rather strict teacher; discipline during class is very important to me. I also place a lot of emphasis on clean technique, on all exercises being performed correctly.
Murat Ushanov, Ballet Master
This collaboration promises a closer connection between Costa Rican dancers and the rich legacy of Russian ballet, potentially raising the bar for artistic standards and professionalism within the country’s performing arts community.
Ushanov’s emphasis extends beyond technical precision to encompass a holistic approach to teaching. He stressed the importance of engaging with each student individually, ensuring everyone benefits from his expertise.
In addition, I consider it essential to work with all the students, not just focus on one or two students, but to try to do as much as possible so that each student leaves the class with new knowledge.
Murat Ushanov, Ballet Master
The Russian ballet school, known for its structured classes, the graceful fluidity of its dancers’ arm movements, and the profound depth of its experience—rooted in the nearly 290-year history of the Vaganova Academy—forms the cornerstone of Ushanov’s teaching philosophy.
Ushanov emphasized the importance of transmitting the knowledge imparted by his mentors, explaining each exercise’s guiding principles, and engaging students in discussions about the historical context and meaning behind every movement. He highlights the value of cultural exchange for a dancer’s overall development.
I try to convey to my students everything my teachers taught me; I also explain each rule of each exercise, I ask them what rules they know or what the translation of each step is, and what the meaning of each movement is.
Murat Ushanov, Ballet Master
I believe that, thanks to cultural exchange, students develop a lot by learning new techniques and new methods. Soon I will hold summer courses with the Vaganova Academy and I will bring four teachers directly from Russia to Latin America, precisely to promote this exchange and so that Latin American students can learn the Russian technique with teachers of the Vaganova Method.
Murat Ushanov, Ballet Master
This commitment to fostering international collaboration is evident in his plans to host summer courses featuring instructors from the Vaganova Academy, further enriching the learning experience for Latin American dancers.
For further information, visit www.ushanov.com
About Murat Ushanov:
Murat Ushanov is a highly respected ballet master with extensive training in the Russian ballet tradition. His experience includes performing with prominent European ballet companies, and he is recognized for his dedication to nurturing new generations of dancers. Ushanov’s teaching philosophy emphasizes discipline, technical precision, and a personalized approach, ensuring that every student receives individualized attention and guidance.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Danilova Ballet School
About Danilova Ballet School:
Located in Pinares de Curridabat, the Danilova Ballet School (DBS) plays a vital role in Costa Rica’s dance education landscape. The school offers training to students of varying levels and has become a hub for international collaborations, such as the recent master classes with Murat Ushanov. DBS is committed to providing high-quality ballet education and fostering artistic growth within its student body.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Vaganova Academy
About Vaganova Academy:
Established in 1738, the Vaganova Academy boasts a rich history of nearly 290 years. This prestigious Russian ballet academy is renowned for its structured curriculum, the distinctive grace and fluidity of its dancers’ movements, and its enduring contribution to the world of ballet. The Vaganova Method, developed by Agrippina Vaganova, is a highly influential ballet training system followed by dancers worldwide.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of legal excellence, built on a foundation of integrity and driven by a passion for empowering Costa Rican society. Through innovative legal solutions and a deep commitment to client success across a multitude of industries, the firm consistently demonstrates its leadership. Their dedication to disseminating accessible legal information underscores their belief in a society strengthened by knowledge and empowered to navigate the complexities of the legal landscape.
