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Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Utilize ballet terminology to describe beginning ballet movement
vocabulary.
2. Perform beginning ballet warm-ups, techniques, stretching,
strengthening exercises, center and across the floor exercises.
3. Explain technical principles incorporated in beginning ballet dance
and apply these principles to the execution of beginning ballet
movement.
4. Perform beginning level enchainments (chains of steps).
5. Display performance skills in presentations of beginning ballet
class choreography.
6. Identify basic rhythmic concepts incorporated in beginning ballet
dance and relate them to the execution of ballet movement.
7. Count beginning ballet movement sequences.
8. Critique a ballet performance or a ballet piece applying basic ballet
aesthetics and beginning ballet principles.
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I. French ballet terminology (including pronunciation) and corresponding
ballet movement vocabulary
II. Beginning staging terms (English)
III. Beginning ballet technique (taught through exercises at the barre,
center work and across the floor)
A. Technical principles such as alignment, turn-out, use of plie,
releve, and extension
B. Directions and facings (including concepts such as floor plan, en
face, croise, efface, and body movement directions such as: en
dehors, en dedans, en avant, en arriere devant, and derriere)
C. Positions and movements of the arms (port de bras)
D. Positions and movements of the feet and legs
E. Turns
F. Jumps
G. Adagio
H. Petit allegro
I. Grand allegro
J. Reverence
IV. Beginning enchainments (choreographed ballet sequences)
V. Supplementary strengthening and stretching (may include floor barre,
and non-traditional barre or center exercises)
VI. Ballet movement qualities
VII. Performance skills such as
A. Projection
B. Dynamics
C. Style and facial expression
D. Musicality (reflecting musical mood, accents, dynamics, etc. in
the performance of dance movement)
VIII.Rhythmical principles for beginning ballet
IX. Counting beginning ballet movement
X. How to execute beginning ballet movement. Pedagogy may include:
A. Verbal descriptions
1. Ballet terminology
2. Use of imagery
3. Biomechanics (anatomical and kinesiological references)
B. Demonstration of movement
C. Tactile information (hands-on)
D. Kinesthetic awareness enhancing tools or methods
E. Corrections
F. Critical analysis of performed movement
XI. Critiquing ballet choreography - what to look for in a ballet work
(ballet aesthetics)
Topics for repeating students:
Although some concepts, techniques, and ballet vocabulary will be
reviewed, the specific choreography of the exercises taught in every phase
of the class, the Enchainments, and the music to which they are
choreographed will vary from semester to semester. Therefore, information
conveyed to meet the demands of that choreography and the learning
experience for the student will vary each semester.
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Homework (averaging 1 hour per week per unit):
1. Weekly practice of ballet skills and or choreography covered
in class sessions
2. Memorization and practice of enchainments
3. Perform exercises to strengthen and/or stretch muscle groups required
to execute ballet movements
4. Written critique of a ballet piece or performance approved by
instructor. Note: Critique is based on a performance occurring during
the current semester or for video viewing option, instructor will
provide or approve a video.
5. Reading of hand-outs or textbook (approximately 30 pages per semester)
In class assignments include:
1. Ballet technique class activities assessed in terms of overall
improvement (class performances)
2. 1 to 3 performance exams (performance of Enchainments)
3. Note-taking when appropriate
4. Practice sessions
5. Written final exam
Optional assignments
1. Ballet video viewing and analysis
2. Partner activities focusing on ballet techniques
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Instructor prepared materials
Eliza Gaynor Minden. The Ballet Companion: A Dancer's Guide to the
Techniques, Traditions, and Joys of Ballet. Simon & Schuster, 2005.