DANC 105
BFF! (Ballet Film Festival!) Ballet Technique, History/Evolution Fall 2023
Division I

Class Details

This course is for ANYONE interested in learning more about ballet, through a variety of experiences, from absolute beginners to very advanced dancers. First, is the physical practice: Everyone will take ballet technique class twice per week, in the appropriate level (beginner, intermediate or advanced, please see specific times/days for each level in the “Additional Class Format Info” section below). All course participants will gather together once a week for viewings–a wide range of documentary, dramatic, or performance films (primarily) about ballet and ballet dancers from around the world. Readings and other viewings will be assigned so that all students have a grasp of the overarching history of ballet. We’ll consider whether, how, and why “traditional” ballets can be relevant as performance art today, and explore ways in which ballet has stumbled, and ways in which it has soared and evolved. While the course assignments will offer historical context, we’ll also take a rigorous look at broader topics in the art form, including some of the ways in which ballet hasn’t always lived up to its potential as a dance form for all people regardless of class, race, and gender. Students will submit (informal) written responses to the assignments and/or mock “film reviews.” The class may go on one or two field trips to attend live performances. EVERYONE is welcome in this class, and students will be assessed on their individual progress.
The Class: Format: studio/laboratory; In addition to two physical/technique classes per week in the dance studio, all participants will gather together to view/discuss dance films once a week; one or two field trips to view live dance may occur over semester. Specific schedules per level--Beginner: Tues/Thur 9:55-11:10 (technique) AND Wed 1:10-3:50 (group seminar); Intermediate: Tues/Thurs 11:20-12:35 (technique) AND Wed 1:10-3:50 (group seminar); Advanced: Mon/Wed 11:00-12:15 (technique) AND Wed 1:10-3:50 (group seminar)
Limit: 20
Expected: 15
Class#: 1932
Grading: yes pass/fail option, yes fifth course option
Requirements/Evaluation: Workload: in-class physical participation, 2x per week, 75 minutes each class = 2.5 hours/wk; group film viewing/discussion = 3 hours per week; weekly class readings and viewings, with informal written responses and/or "mock mini reviews" = 1-2 hours/wk; one or two live performance "field trips" with response papers over course of semester. Evaluation: based on quality of participation & individual progress in technique class, (50% of grade); quality of assignment responses and in-class discussions (30% of grade); final "Film Festival Review" paper (20% of grade)
Prerequisites: There are 3 separate technique levels (beg., inter., adv). Beginner NO prior experience is required. For int, at least 1 year or Ballet I & instructor's permission; For adv level, at least three yrs of prior ballet training, and instructor's permission
Enrollment Preferences: Students who express a wish to engage with dance in the future
Materials/Lab Fee: Ballet class attire: leotard, tights/leggings, ballet slippers (students should purchase their own clothing) approx. $75-100. Field Trip travel/meals: approx. $75 per student per trip (max two trips per semester)
Distributions: Division I

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