Year, duration:
AD 1
AD 2
Study load (weekly):
60 minutes classes, weekly homework, 10 hours for reflection assignment
Builds these competencies
1. Creative skills
2. Technical skills
4. Communicative Skills
5. Capacity for growth and innovation
6. Collaborative skills
Course content
Aside providing theoretical knowledge the course Dance History / Reflections on (classical) ballet focuses on making knowledge applicable.
The student learns to relate to historical developments of (classical) western theatre dance (AD 1) and to actual programming of renowned (repertoire) companies and the public debate (AD 2) by analyzing performances. Through this performance analysis the student learns to express an in-depth informed opinion from the position of the spectator.
Flexible modules each year allow the course to be embedded in the experiences of the students, such as repertoire and performances of the NBA and HNB.
AD 1 focuses on enabling the student to distinguish currents of (classical) western theatre dance based on the (changing) historical context and social function of dance. The student can indicate characteristics of such currents in varying staging’s. Working with the idea of ‘recurring themes’ the student learns to analyze and relate performances within the historical development of (classical) dance.
The student practices to indicate the quality of performers for example virtuosity, presence and embodiment of style and interpret the meaning of the performance based on style characteristics in form, aesthetics and themes.
AD 2 builds a framework for the student to gain knowledge of and insights into the current working environment of the ballet dancer graduate. By working with the idea of ‘mapping a field’ the student learns to relate works of renowned and relevant (classical) choreographers in the Netherlands and abroad within recent developments in dance and the public debate.
By conducting and presenting individual research the student learns to express an in-depth informed opinion combining the perspectives of a dancer and a member of society as an embodied spectator of performances.
Learning Objectives
Overall, the course facilitates the students to:
- Apply knowledge of dance history to categorize and create insights in performances
- gain expertise in observing dance performances;
- gain expertise in analyzing and interpreting dance performances;
- get acquainted with different dance styles and choreographers;
- get familiar with new developments in the dance sector;
- reflect on relevant questions of public debate referring to the dance sector (digitalization, diversity, inclusion etc.);
- present individual reflections based on performances of choice.
Study material (specialist literature, case histories, assignments, videos, etc.)
Visual material, video’s, articles, handouts etc.
Assessment method
Attendance, working attitude, assignments
Assessment criteria
1) 2, 5
2) 6
3) 4
4) 1
5) 1, 2, 3, 4
6) 4
Remarks relating to overall context of the study programme (e.g. connectional and sequential requirements), or other remarks
Embedding theory in the experiences of the students by adapting the modules to rehearsals and performances planning
Supporting cross-curricular activities