Ballet I
Recommended Prerequisite: None
Grades Offered: 9 - 12
Credit: 1/2 - 1
SDE Course Code: 3599
MNPS Course Code: PAR2150
Course Description
This course is an initial exploration of techniques and theoretical concepts used in ballet. It includes developing and/or increasing awareness of proper body alignment, balance and coordination within the context of various musical meters. Basic positions and fundamental barre exercises are emphasized. The ballet vocabulary is used for a thorough understanding of all terms and positions of the body. Basic step combinations in the center of the floor are introduced.
Course of Study
· Barre
o Pliés in 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 5th positions
o Battement tendu
o Battement tendu jeté
o Rond de jambe par terre
o Battement frappé
o Petit battement sur le cou de pied
o Grand battement jeté
o Battement soutenu
o Pas de cheval
o Battement fondu
o Battement developpé
o Battement relevé lent
o Rond de jambe en l’air at 90 degrees
o Balances on two legs on demi pointe in all positions
o Balances on flat and demi pointe in retiré
o Balances on one leg on flat and demi pointe with leg extended devant and a là seconde at 45 degrees
o Balances on one leg on flat and demi pointe in arabesque at 45, 60, and 90 degrees
· Center
o Temps lié adagio (toe off floor)
o All movements done at the barre will be performed in the center.
o Body positions (croisé and éffacé) will be introduced.
o Single pirouettes en dehors and en dedans from 5th position
o Single pirouettes en dehors and en dedans from 4th position
o Single pique tours en dehors and en dedans
o Assemblé soutenu tours
o Chaînés in 1 count
· Allegro
o Chassé relevé into first arabesque with faillé
o Chassé relevé into second arabesque with faillé
o Chassé relevé into third arabesque with faillé
o Chassé relevé into fourth arabesque with faillé
o Temps levé in 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 5th positions
o Changement de pieds en face, with 1/4 turns, and with epaulement from croisé to croisé
o Échappé sauté to 2nd and 4th positions
o Glissades ( all directions)
o Assemblés (all directions)
o Sissones (all directions)
o Petit jeté (over only)
o Simple sissones
o Sauté arabesque (in all four arabesques)
o Sauté retiré derrière
o Pas de chat in combination with other grand allegro skills
o Échappé (sliding)
Reading: In addition to reading teacher handouts, students are expected to read from a variety of sources including articles and biographies on history, terminology, injury prevention, and basic anatomy. Students are expected to gain literal understanding of readings and also to interpret, analyze, and evaluate information from the readings.
Writing: Students are expected to apply correct ballet terminology in written and oral communication. Suggested written assignments include journals, critiques, document‑based questions, and dance notation.
Standards
TN State Department of Education Standards
http://www.state.tn.us/education/ci/cistandards2001/music/cifadance68.htm
Textbook
No MNPS purchased textbook
Recommended and/or Required Resources
School of Classical Dance. London: Dance Books, 1995.
Inside Ballet Technique: Separating Anatomical Fact from Fiction in the Ballet Class. Hightstown, NJ: Princeton Book Company, 1994.
Technical Manual and Dictionary of Classical Ballet. Mineola, NY: Dover Publications, 1967.