Didactics and Methodology of Classical Ballet Technique 2

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Contents

The course is focused on the methodological analysis of the basic elements of classical dance technique and is connected in its practical aspect with the teaching of Introduction to Dance Pedagogy and Pedagogical Proseminar. The teaching is about understanding the composition of exercises, elaboration of links and principles of correct assignment and explanation of elements.

Ongoing discussions are held over records of teaching and training sessions or on the basis of visits to selected art schools. Work conceived in this way enables the understanding and application in practice of the full range of elements, links, combinations in the Classical Ballet technique, developing creativity and the ability of pedagogical perception.

The course also includes active participation and references from designated workshops and seminars organized not only by the dance department, which serve as background material for the student's portfolio.

Thematic areas:

1. motivation and discipline
2. lesson structure, relaxation, compensation
3. balance, coordination, strength
4. motor memory and development of motor intelligence
5. practical training and use of musical accompaniment (including recordings)
6. understanding the system of stereotyped repetition - exercices à la barre e a au millieu
7. the issue of building mental concentration and acceptance of the exercises and the individual elements
8. training in the detailed and effective explication of each element and how to avoid mistakes in its execution

Learning outcomes

Detailed knowledge of classical dance technique, i.e. a movement „vocabulary“ of 600 pas and tempos, all positions, poses and placements of the feet, legs, arms, wrists, torso (hips, waist, shoulders, shoulder blades) and head.

Ability to methodically analyze the basic elements of classical dance technique, articulate the pedagogical principles of classical dance instruction. The student is able to correctly assign exercises, also with regard to musical accompaniment, can correctly explain the elements, recognize incorrect performance and systematically correct students.

The student understands the composition of exercises and the composition of links within a lesson and over a longer period of time, taking into account the development of dancers' physical dispositions with regard to their motivation, concentration and efficiency.

Prerequisites and other requirements

Introduction to Dance Pedagogy 2, Pedagogical pre-seminar 2

Literature

Required reading:

HAAS, Jacqui Greene. Dance Anatomy. Human Kinetics, 2010. ISBN 978-0736081931.

TARASOV, Nikolai. Ballet Technique for the Male Dancer. New York: Doubleday Company, 1985. ISBN 780385184489.

VAGANOVA, Agrippina. Basic Principles of Classical Ballet. New York: Dover Publications, 1989. ISBN 978-0486220369.

WARREN, Gretchen Ward. Classical Ballet Technique. Florida: University of South Florida Press, 1989. ISBN 9780813009452.

Recommended reading:

GASTON, Marilyn. Ballet Pedagogy, Create Space Independent Publishing Platform, 2017. ISBN 9781973888604.

GRANT, Gail. Technical manual and dictionary of classical ballet. 2. revised edition. New York: Dover Publications, 1967.

SCHORER, Suki. Suki Schorer on Balanchine Technique. Florida: University Press of Florida, 2006. ISBN 9780813029771.

E-learning: https://www.moodle.amu.cz

Evaluation methods and criteria

For the exam in the second semester, the student will demonstrate his/her mastery and understanding of the basic principles of classical dance and the methodology of the basic elements. Defense of a written year-long thesis of at least 5 standard pages.

Other requirements: Attendance 80%, activity in teaching, creation of portfolio based on reflection from workshops and observing in classes.

Further information

No schedule has been prepared for this course

The subject is a part of the following study plans

• Dance Pedagogy (BA) - Methods of Classical Ballet Technique - from 2023/24 (required main subject)