teachers; Laurence Korsenti, Nathalie Caris, Grigori Tchitcherine, Ernst Meisner, Rinat Gizatulin, Ainara Garcia Navarro
Study year and course duration
AD1 and AD2
Study load (weekly)
AD1 = 1 hour
AD2 = 2 hours
Contribution to the competences
1. Creative ability
2. Technical capability
3. Problem-solving ability
4. Communicative Ability
5. Ability to grow and develop
6. Ability to Collaborate
Short summary of the content
In the solo class, the student learns existing solo pieces from the 19th, 20th and 21st century ballet repertoire. The National Ballet Academy works as much as possible with versions of the ballets as performed by Dutch National Ballet. In practice, these short solos are mainly danced by soloists of a company and are therefore very challenging. The aim of the solo class is for the student to be able to connect all aspects of the classical lesson and ultimately also physically represent the role (character) of the solo and the style of the ballet from which the solo originates.
In AD1, the student learns several solos selected by the teacher from a list of solos he deems appropriate for this academic year. In some cases there are connections between the solo and repertoire lessons, in other cases the selected solo comes from a piece performed by Dutch National Ballet during the same period, so that the student can attend performances.
In AD2 the lessons are mainly focused on professional practice by preparing students for auditions. Many classical ballet companies expect the students to perform a classical solo live on auditions or submit a video. The student and the teacher work together towards this practical goal. The solo lessons can also be used by the teacher and the student to prepare a video. The student learns to position himself in the professional field (AD2).
Learning goals
The student:
- develops knowledge of classical variations of full-length ballets.
- shows a broad sense of dance and is able to perform a solo that combines a challenging technique, a sense of style and the knowledge and understanding of the role.
- prepares for the auditions by mastering a solo so that it can be featured at the auditions.
- records a video of a well-rehearsed solo for audition purposes.
- shows a feeling for 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 lesson.
Method(s) used
In the group lessons the student learns different solos.
Furthermore, there is individual coaching and use is made of video to record the solos.
Used study material (specialist literature, cases, assignments, videos, etc.)
Videos of classic variations can be used. Preferably the versions of Dutch National Ballet.
Recitation visits to Dutch National Ballet and other companies to see variations performed live.
Assessment method
Evaluation and feedback on the basis of presentation and exam lesson
Assessment criteria
1) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
2) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
3) 1, 2, 3, 4
4) 1, 2
5) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
6) 1, 2, 3
Comments
Linked to knowledge gained in the classical ballet class, but also to the repertoire lessons. Ultimately, the solo class has to show the "big picture" per student and this is what the student takes with them to company auditions.