I have a theory, based on absolutely nothing except for vibes that the Italian school, the Cecchetti method, works best for boys—while the Russian school, the Vaganova method, works best for girls.
Funnily enough, I spiritually agree with you and your vibes.
Your question actually reminds me of something interesting I read recently regarding Foundations of Classical Ballet by Agrippina Vaganova. In the English translations of the text, the translated Vaganova manual was diluted of its original intent, including its specific focus on female training. In the translation, the generic term "dancer" replaced gendered references, erasing distinctions that might have influenced how training methods are perceived or applied to male versus female dancers. The American edition resulted in the loss of the original focus of the book as a resource intended for a female course of study.
But going back to your question, I think you're saying this because you're looking at Vaganova academy girls versus boys. To me, the main difference seems to be that eight years of training is enough for the girls, but boys seem to take longer to reach the relative level which girls manage to reach in eight years. At the same time, and I'm guilty of this too, we shouldn't confuse vaganava acedemy with the vaganova method!
But in general, I think Vaganova and Cecchetti both have strengths and weaknesses. Specifically for boys, I’m sure Cecchetti might be more practical, with its heavy focus on stamina and strength, ideal for jumps, and the focus on coordination and balance, key in partnering work. But Vaganova would build that "virtuosismo," which is fundamental to male dancers as well, because it’s not like all they do is jump—they also need to be expressive. But this reflection is superficial, and almost stereotypical because both methods will build on strength and artistry, so honestly, it's a generalisation not worthy of much merit.
We associate the Vaganova method more with girls because the girls are so good that we forget that it’s through athleticism that they manage the fluidity, expressiveness, and breadth of movement, which we associate with the Vaganova method, reinforcing the concept of ethereal quality often associated with female ballet dancers.












