Name of teacher / supervisor
Nicolas Rapaic (replacing Tamara Beudeker in 2022-2023)
Period, duration
Block 3, 6 Weeks
Block 4, 7 Weeks
Block 5, 5 Weeks
Study load
55 contact hours
Competencies
1, 3, 4
Summary
This ballet class is constructed to practice and to embody the classical ballet principles. With full concentration there is more body awareness, clarity in movements and an personal and honest expression of the dancer. Within a safe environment, the‹ building blocks’of the technique are used to develop individual space for exploration, to gain confidence, freedom and joy in ballet class.
Content and design of the class
Class is suitable for all first years students. In case the student has no experience with classical training, they are encouraged to read literature about the basic steps. This class starts at the barre and progresses to the centre to practice the basic physical principles of the classical technique: musicality, lengthening, rotation, coordination, jumps, adagio, turns, port de bras, connection between steps, alignment, opposition, focus, dynamics, yielding, élevé, suspension, and orientation in space.
Learning goals
At the end of the course participants are able to:
- Understand and embody basic terminology and ballet vocabulary.
- Memorize and perform movements within the personal physical possibilities.
- Use the principals of ballet as an organisation form of the body; is able to analyse movements within this system.
- Gain awareness of internal sensations and connections
- Gain clarity in dynamic alignment.Improve coordination
- Gain clear spacial directions
- Use musicality with precision.
- Use of musicality to give dynamic quality to the movement.
- Use imagery to explore different movement qualities.
- Send energy beyond their physical body
- Release unnecessary tension
- Explore their physical possibilities and challenge their limits.
Working method(s) used
Group class where we also work in smaller groups and now and then use peer-to-peer feedback.
Used study material
Books: « Klassieke ballet techniek », Rene Vincent. « Classical Ballet Technique », Gretchen Ward Warren/Susan Cook.
Assessment criteria:
Open to feedback, applies feedback, reflects on own working attitude, investigative nature, progress in technique, artistic progress, collaboration with peers and teacher, mental skills, consistency in attendance, is independent.
Method of assessment
Participation, continuous verbal group and individual feedback, evaluation after each block.