Basic Ballet Technique

Spring 2003

 

I.              Introductory Information:

A.   Department:   Music and Theatre

B.   Department Catalog Number:   DANC105

C.   Course Title: Basic Ballet Technique

D.   Credits in Semester Hours:   3

E.   Contact Hours per Week: 4

F.   Restrictions upon Enrollment:            None

 

II.         Course Description:

Designed to teach basic skills in classical ballet, Basic Ballet Technique will increase the student’s understanding of this movement style as a participant and an observer.  It will also help students to develop an appreciation for this art form.  An emphasis will be placed on understanding of anatomy and kinesiology, proper alignment, increased flexibility, and building technical strength.  Most classes will be movement based. Lectures, class exercises, exams, and papers will examine the history, practice and theory of ballet.  

 

III.    Exposition:

A.              Upon completion of this course, students will be able to do the following:

1.         Achieve a physical and mental control, and self-discipline, in

producing efficient movement.

2.            Achieve kinesthetic and critical awareness through a basic

technical proficiency in performing ballet.

3.            Demonstrate a conceptual and physical understanding of basic

ballet terminology.

4.         Demonstrate a basic understanding of one’s own flexibility,

endurance, strength, and alignment in relation to classical ballet

technique.

5.         Demonstrate a sense of musicality through perception and

      performance of given rhythmic structures in movement phrases.

6.            Demonstrate a theoretical and applied knowledge and basic skill in

ballet technique and performance.        

7.            Demonstrate an increased ability to pick up combinations quickly

            and identify and articulate what the objectives of exercises are.

8.            Demonstrate an increased  aesthetic sensitivity of ballet as an art

form and an understanding of how the discipline of dance is a vital part of a holistic education.

 

B.              Activities and Requirements:

1.                  Students will attend and participate in all class activities including

dancing, discussions, and observances of live and taped

performances.

2.                  Students will demonstrate a basic understanding physically

and intellectually of proper alignment in relation to classical ballet

technique.

3.                  Students will complete an anatomical personal assessment of

            themselves and a journal of corrections, development, and growth

as a dancer.

4.                  Dance writing skills will be developed in response to personal assessments, videos, class discussions, and/or live performances.

 

C.              Major Units and Time Allotted: (15)

Due to the nature of a dance class, the following concepts will

be covered in every class throughout the semester.  It is through

repetition that students will be able to physicalize an applied

understanding of the concepts listed below.

1.         Basic Class Structure

a.                   Barre                                                   

-         Plie

-         Tendu

-         Degage

-         Pas de cheval

-         Pique

-         Rond de jambe

-         Jete

-         Frappe

-         Developpe

-         Enveloppe

-         Soussous

-         Soutenu

-         Petit battement

-         Pirouttes

-         Grand battement

-         Stretch

-         Port de bras

-         Epaulment

-         Attitudes

-         Arabesque lines

b.                  Center Work   

-  adagio

-  petit allegro

-  grand allegro

c.                   Across the Floor

-         Glissade

-         Chasses

-         Pique

-         Chaines turns

-         Pique turns

-         Pas de chat

-         Sissonne

-         Grand Jete

-         Waltzes

d.         Positions of the Body

2.                  Anatomy and Kinesiology of the ballet.             

3.                  Development of Aesthetic Criteria for ballet as

an observer and as a participant.

 

D.   Materials and Bibliography

1.              Suggested Textbooks:

Grant, Gail. 3rd ed.  Technical Manual and Dictionary of Classical Ballet.

            1982.

 

Paskevska, Anna.  2nd ed.  Both Sides of the Mirror:  The Science and Art

            of Ballet.  (Pennington, NJ:  Princeton Book Company Publishers)

            1997.

           

2.              Bibliographic Support:

Blandine, Germain.  Anatomy of Movement.  (Seattle:  Eastland Press,

2000). 

 

Chujoy, Anatole.  The Dance Encyclopedia.  (New York:  A.S.  Barnes

Inc., 1987).

 

Fitt, Sally.  Dance Kinesiology.  (London:  Collier Macmillan Publishers,

1996).

 

Grant, Gail. 3rd ed.  Technical Manual and Dictionary of Classical Ballet.

            (New York:  Dover Publications, 1982).

                       

                        Hammond, Sandra.  Ballet Basics.  (Mountain View, CA:  Mayfield

                        Publishing C., 1984).

 

                        Jowitt, Deborah.  Time and the Dancing Image.  (Berkely, CA:  University

                                    of California Press, 1988).

 

                        Laws, Kenneth.  Physics and the Art of Dance:  Understanding Movement.

                                    (New York:  Schirmer Books, 2002).

 

                        Lawson, Joan.  The Teaching of Classical Ballet.  (New York:  Theatre

                                    Arts Book, 1990).

 

Paskevska, Anna.  2nd ed.  Both Sides of the Mirror:  The Science and Art

            of Ballet.  (Pennington, NJ:  Princeton Book Company Publishers,

            1997).

           

Sweigard, Lulu E.  Human Movement Potential:  Its Ideokinetic

Facilation.  (New York:  Thomas Y. Crowell Co., 1975).

 

Vaganova, Agrippina.  Basic Principles of Classical Ballet:  Russian Ballet

Technique.  (New York:  Dover Publications, Inc, 1969).

 

Warren, Gretchen Ward.  Classical Ballet Technique.  (Gainesville, FL:

            University Press of Florida, 1989).

 

White, John.  Teaching Classical Ballet.  (Gainesville, FL:

            University Press of Florida, 1996).

 

IV.         Standards and Assessments:

The final course grade will be a compilation of grades derived from the following criteria:

1.                  Observation of classroom performance, technical assessments,

competencies, and improvement during the semester.

2.                  Active participation in all class activities.

3.                  Completion of all required assignments.

4.                  Examination scores, vocabulary quizzes, written papers and anatomical assessments, journals and research assignments.

Grades will be in accordance with University Policy.

    

V.              Rationale and Impact:

This course is designed to provide a beginning level class in the discipline of classical ballet.  This class will provide exposure to the ballet discipline including, technique and performance skills, thereby increasing the kinesthetic and critical awareness of aesthetic values.   This course is based on a sound anatomical and kinesiological base for classical technique.  This course will serve as a foundation course for building a Dance Minor and eventually a Dance Major at Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania.  It will enhance the curriculum of the university by providing another avenue of learning in the fine arts.

 

VI.  Cost and Staff Analysis:

Staff and materials are available.  Alternative locations for this class until a space is designed and built, include Price Performing Arts Center, Rogers Gymnasium, or Zimmerli Gymnasium #3.

 

Funding for an accompanist will be needed, common fees would be $15 an hour or $20 a class for such services of a professional musician.  This could also serve as a work study position for a music major on campus.

 

This course is expected to be offered every semester.

 

 

VII. ________________________          ____________

     Approval of University President                       Date