Xenia Wiest

Ballet for Dancers

05.10. – 08.10.2026, 10:00–11:30

Training for Dancers

Bio

Born in Moscow, Xenia Wiest trained at the John Cranko School in Stuttgart and danced for over 17 years with Staatsballett Berlin and Hannover Staatsballett. Throughout her career, she performed works by renowned choreographers including Marco Goecke, Hofesh Shechter, William Forsythe, Sharon Eyal, Maurice Béjart, Angelin Preljocaj and George Balanchine.

Xenia was First Prize winner of the first International Choreographic Competition in Biarritz in 2016 and later served as Artistic Director of Ballett X Schwerin, where she introduced a prevention and strength & conditioning program for dancers.

Her classes are rooted in classical technique, based on the Raymond Franchetti method with influences from the Vaganova school. She focuses on placement, movement quality, musicality and dynamics.

As a choreographer, Xenia’s contemporary ballet style combines classical technique with contemporary influences. Music is her primary inspiration, with particular attention to the expressive use of the upper body and arms. Her repertoire ranges from short abstract works to narrative pieces and full-evening productions.

Class Description

Her classes are rooted in classical technique and emphasize the quality of movement. Particularly at the barre, the focus is on placement and the gradual opening of the hips.Simple combinations allow for an exploration of quality and precision, while maintaining awareness of the entire body. The aim of the training is to return to the “basics” while challenging participants in musicality and dynamics. This approach is especially beneficial for professional dancers who face the challenge of adapting to different styles and maintaining their physical shape, as well as for anyone who enjoys the process of working and improving.