Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

School: Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  Ballet 1

• Unit Code

  DAN1021

• Year

  2016

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  1

• Credit Points

  20

• Full Year Unit

  Y

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  

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Description

This unit is designed to engage and instruct students in the dance technique of classical ballet. Additional training in men's classes, pointe work and pas de deux are optional. This unit provides in-depth study of the positions and combinations of ballet with the importance of daily class emphasised and linked to the development of reflective practice. Safe dance principles are promoted through an emphasis on correct alignment and increased kinaesthetic awareness. The importance of physical, social and cultural sustainability relating to artform practice and professional career paths is also embraced in this unit through: the choice of repertoire; engagement with industry partners; building social and cultural confidence via exposure to diverse performance environments locally, nationally, regionally and internationally.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Articulate the basic principles of alignment and functionality involved in the exercises.
2. Demonstrate a knowledge of French terms and vocabulary used in ballet.
3. Demonstrate an ability to quickly absorb and execute new combinations on instruction and/or demonstration.
4. Demonstrate basic knowledge of kinesthesia as it applies to classical ballet.
5. Demonstrate individuality and "presence" in the execution of sequences.
6. Embody and integrate basic rhythmic structures and musicality.
7. Execute each section of class work - warm-up, barre, centre practice, pirouettes, allegro and batterie.
8. Execute rhythmic and spatial precision in performance.
9. Physically adapt to a range of techniques and teaching approaches.

Unit Content

1. A wide range of contrasting rhythmic and a-rhythmic structures in class work and performance.
2. Alignment in relation to pointe shoes - control in rising and lowering to floor, strength and placement in foot work.
3. Alignment principles in relation to the human and anatomical structure and it's variations.
4. Balance in the basic positions of the technique.
5. Classical ballet technique- warm-up, barre, centre practices, pirouettes, allegro and batterie.
6. Introduction to various internationally recognised and codified techniques - Vaganova, Cecchetti, RAD and Bouronville.
7. Men's coaching - batterie and grand allegro and techniques for enhancing strength and flexibility.
8. Physiology of exercise - strength, co-ordination and cardio-vascular endurance.
9. Pointe work at the barre and in centre practice - balance, strength, turning capacity.
10. Presentation of complex culturally specific rhythmic patterns, eg Indian and Spanish dance.
11. Spatial awareness in relation to self and others.
12. Transforming mathematical structures into meaningful musical phrasing and its integration into performance.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Practical classes. Work with guest teachers. Journal.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

Due to the professional competency skill development associated with this Unit, student attendance/participation within listed in-class activities and/or online activities including discussion boards is compulsory. Students failing to meet participation standards as outlined in the unit plan may be awarded an I Grade (Fail - incomplete). Students who are unable to meet this requirement for medical or other reasons must seek the approval of the unit coordinator.

Text References

• Ward-Warren, G. (1999). Art of teaching classical ballet - ten Twentieth Century masters. Tampa: University of South Florida Press.
• Golovkina, Sofiia. (1991). Lessons in classical dance. London: Dance Books.
• Grieg, Valerie. (1994). Inside ballet technique: Separating anatomical fact from fiction in the ballet class. Pennington, NJ: Princeton Book Company.
• Kostrovitskaya V., & Pisarev, A. (1978). School of classical dance. Moscow: Progress Publishers.
• Lawson, J. (1980). The principles of classical dance. New York: Alfred A. Knopf.
• Lowski, W. (1998). The art of teaching classic ballet. London: Dance Books.
• Magri, G. (1998). Theoretical and practical treatise on dancing. London: Dance Books.
• Schorer, Suki. (1999). Suki Schorer on Balanchine technique. London: Dance Books.
• Tarasov, Nikolai I. (1985). Ballet technique for the male dancer. Garden City, NY: Doubleday.
• Wulff, Helena. (1998). Ballet across borders: Career and culture in the world of dancers. Oxford: Berg.
• Bremser, M. (1993). International dictionary of ballet. Detroit: St James Press.
• Vaganov, A. (1969). Basic principles of classical ballet. New York: Dover Publications.

Other References

• American Ballet Theatre. (1998). American ballet theatre now. London: Dance Videos. Note: Video
• Backstage at the Kirov. (1983). Armand Hammer. Note: Video.
• Bourne, Matthew. (1996). Swan Lake. UK: BBC & NVC Arts. Note: Video.
• (1993) Essential ballet: Stars of Russian ballet from The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden & Red Square, Moscow. Note: Video.
• (1985). Video dictionary of classical ballet. Vol. 1-2. Seabright, NJ: Kultur International Films. Note: Video.
• Foy, Patricia. (1989) Margot Fonteyn. Sydney: ABC. Note: Video.
• Royal Danish Ballet & English National Ballet. (1995). Silence is the end of our song (choreography by Christopher Bruce). UK: Polygram. Note: Video.
• The Australian Ballet. (2000). Rudolf Nureyev's film of Don Quixote. ABC restoration. Note: Video.
• Glasstone, Richard. (1990). Ballet for boys: Some ideas for teaching boys and young men. London: Ross Alley Promotions. Note: Video.

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