Classical Ballet part 2

Brief course description

Classical Ballet 2 covers the most important areas of professional Ballet training; classical ballet, pas de deux, ballet repertoire and different kinds of supplementary training (for example: floor-barre, body conditioning, etc.).

The main objective of the course is to develop a classical ballet technique through integration of the artistic, anatomical, musical and technical dance elements that the art form requires.

Working with the dynamics of movement and the student's ability to move musically and spatially is essential. Great importance will be placed on the development of an understanding of style, which is necessary for the dancer to be able to perform both the traditional classical repertoire and the more recent contemporary language of movement.

In ballet, every student's physical condition and their personal understanding of this, is crucial. Each individual student's physical development is of great importance in the course.

The Academy of Dance has developed a detailed progression plan for the study of classical ballet that covers the last three years (age 16-19 years) of a ballet dancer's eight years' professional education (age 11-19 years).

This progression plan has been developed in order to highlight the whole movement repertoire a ballet dancer is expected to master throughout the programme. The progression plan has been developed with a solid connection to the traditional vocabulary of classical ballet. The terminology of the progression plan is based on The Vaganova Method, with some international adjustments. The plan indicates which dance steps the student should be able to perform after each semester.

The course’s learning outcomes

On completing the course, the student should:

• be able to show technical and artistic ability at a high professional level in classical ballet, pas de deux and the relevant repertoire at a high level.
• be able to perform classical ballet with an awareness of musicality, use of space, coordination and understanding of style.
• be able to take responsibility for their own physical development and show good ballet technique in accordance with their own body's capability.
• be able to describe classical ballet in relation to or in contrast with current theatrical dance performances.

Teaching and learning methods

The course consists of teacher-led lessons, coaching and independent study. Classes are customarily given by a teacher and a pianist and with emphasis placed on developing each dancer's musicality. There will also be project work, dance training / apprenticeship, coaching, excursions, performances and the use of video and film.

Classes can involve groups of varying size and are based on the progress being made in the course, assessed in relation to the course's learning objectives. Attention is also paid to each group's composition.

The coursework requirements are:

• mandatory attendance and participation in classes.
• submission of all assignments.
• completion of an individual progression plan, containing a personal development graph.
• submission of a self-evaluation form.

Assessment

Coursework requirements must have been met for the student to receive a final assessment in the course.

During the course, the student’s work and development will be assessed in relation to the course's learning objectives. Individual evaluation discussions will be held.

At the end of every semester, each student will receive a written assessment from their primary teacher. The subject normally concludes with an evaluation class, where an external examiner will assess the students' current overall achievements in the subject.

The course is assessed by the awarding of either a pass or a fail grade.