Study guide

Course title
Solo

Name of teacher / supervisor
Laurence Korsenti, Nathalie Caris, Grigori Tchitcherine, Ernst Meisner, Rinat Gizatulin

Period, duration
BA 2, 3

Study load
2 hours a week

Contribution to the competences
1. Creative ability
2. Craftsmanship
3. Investigative and reflective ability
5. Entrepreneurial and organizational ability
6. Communicative ability
7. Ability to cooperate

Short summary of the content
In the solo class, the student learns existing solo pieces from the 19th, 20th and 21st century ballet repertoire. At the Dutch National Ballet Academy we work as much as possible with the versions of the ballets as performed by Dutch National Ballet. In practice, these short solos are mainly danced by soloists from a company and are therefore very challenging. The aim of the solo class is that the student can connect all aspects from the classical lesson and ultimately also be able to physically represent the role (character) of the solo and the style of the ballet from which the solo originates.

In BA 1, the student has learned a number of solos that were selected by the teacher from a list of solos deemed suitable for BA 1. Sometimes the solo lesson had links with the repertoire classes or a solo was chosen from the repertoire that was danced by Dutch National Ballet at that time, so that the student could find interfaces while visiting the performance.
In BA 2 and BA 3, the solo class is mainly preparatory for auditions and therefore focused on the professional field. For many classical companies, the student is expected to be able to perform a classical solo at auditions or send on video. The student and teacher will work together towards this practical goal. A solo class can also be used in these last years to prepare a video audition with the student. The teacher also pays attention, and helps the student understand, how to best position himself in the professional field.

Concrete learning objectives
The student:
•    develops knowledge of classical variations from evening-filling ballets
•    shows a broad feeling for dance and is able to perform a solo combining a high technique, a feeling for style and the knowledge and understanding of the role
•    prepares for auditions by mastering a solo so that it can be shown at auditions
•    records a video of a well-managed solo for audition purposes
•    shows a sense of different styles and develops personality in dance styles
•    is able to apply everything learned from other subjects (but especially the classical lesson) during the solo class

Method (s) used 
In group lessons, the student learns different solos.
Furthermore, individual coaching and use of video to record the solos

Study material used (professional literature, cases, assignments, videos, etc.)
Videos of classic variations can be used. Preferably the versions of Dutch National Ballet.
Performance visits to Dutch National Ballet and other companies to see variations performed live.

Assessment method:
Evaluation and feedback following presentation and exam lesson

Assessment criteria
1) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
2) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
3) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
5) 1, 2, 3, 4
6) 1, 2, 3
7) 1, 2, 3, 4

Comments on, for example, consistency and sequential requirements in the light of the overall program or other comments
Linked to knowledge gained in classical ballet class, but also the repertoire lessons. Ultimately, the solo class should show the “total picture” per student and this is what the student takes to auditions for companies.