DANC 300
Advanced Ballet/CoDa--Variations on a Theme: Technique, History, Variations and Performance Fall 2024
Division I

Designed for intermediate/advanced ballet dancers, participants will explore different topics in past and current ballet history. Dancers will augment the intellectual and philosophical paths we’ll navigate via the course’s assigned readings and viewings with embodiment of the history through variations from various ballets throughout different eras in ballet. In addition to technique classes, participants will learn variations and/or ensemble sections from selected ballets. In addition, a new, short ballet will be created on members of the course, which will be performed in the department’s fully-produced semester concerts. Selections from the variations will be presented 2 or 3 times throughout the semester, and may also be performed in the department’s fully-produced semester performances. This is primarily a studio course, although weekly readings and viewings relevant to our coursework will be assigned. These assignments will offer historical context, as well as provide rigorous looks at 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. We’ll consider basic information-the plotlines of the ballets-as well as more subtle ideas-famous dancers’ takes on these roles, the socio-political aspects of the works themselves and the times they were created in. Viewings will also be assigned to allow students to fully explore and grasp the ballets and to provide additional contextualization. Participants will submit (informal) written responses to the assignments. The class may go on one or two field trips to attend performances and may write response papers when applicable. This course MAY BE REPEATED for general academic credit. ANY participant with adequate prior training is welcome to this class! Material will be introduced at an intermediate/advanced level, and individuals will be assessed on their own personal progress.