Catalog Description

Formerly known as PHED 56B
Advisory: Completion of KIN 50A with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 36 activity per unit
Description: Continuation of classical ballet training, exploring elements of ballet history, musicality, terminology, technique, and performance. Pointe technique and character dance are also presented. (CSU, UC)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Identify methods to improve muscular abilities such as flexibility, balance, and coordination.
  • CSLO #2: Outline the history of ballet and compare and contrast historical evolution.
  • CSLO #3: Explain ballet terminology at the intermediate level.
  • CSLO #4: Explain mastery in advanced pointe work including proper technique and training of ballet skills.

Effective Term

Fall 2019

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

18-72

Outside of Class Hours

9-36

Total Student Learning Hours

27-108

Course Objectives

1. Outline the history of ballet and compare and contrast historical evolution;
2. Define ballet terminology at the intermediate level;
3. Demonstrate improvement in muscular abilities such as flexibility, balance and coordination;
4. Relate intermediate musical concepts to ballet movement;
5. Demonstrate mastery of dance technique in center practice;
6. Demonstrate mastery of dance technique in barre practice as well as in a performance setting;
7. Demonstrate mastery in advanced pointe work including proper technique and training;
8. Compare and contrast the use of character dance in ballet performance; and
9. Create improvisation in ballet dance.

General Education Information

  • Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
    • AA/AS - Health Ed/Physical Ed
  • CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
    • CSUGE - E2 Physical Activity
  • Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
    • IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)

      Articulation Information

      • CSU Transferable
      • UC Transferable

      Methods of Evaluation

      • Objective Examinations
        • Example: Student will take a written exam comprised of matching terms with definitions. Example: Match the following terms with the given definitions: A. Ballon 1. Light weight jumping B. Ballet de cour 2. ballets performed in the 16th and 17th centuries C. Chasse 3. triple-step patterns of gliding character
      • Skill Demonstrations
        • Example: Student will demonstrate skills learned in barre and center training. Example: Perform an A la Seconde and Assemble in sequence.

      Repeatable

      No

      Methods of Instruction

      • Activity
      • Distance Learning

      Activity:

      1. Instructor will provide handouts and a video presentation on post-structuralist ballet, then facilitate a class discussion on the influences involved in ballet choreography.
      2. Instructor will lecture and provide video images depicting changes from different era's of ballet dance, and introduce web sites to present different concepts in building ballet performance. Instructor will demonstrate, when appropriate the differences in ballet steps. Students will then demonstrate steps.

      Distance Learning

      1. Discussion by the instructor on mastery of dance techniques in barre practice. The students will discuss the techniques in small groups.
      2. Instructor will lead a discussion on musical concepts for ballet movements. The students will discuss the musical concepts in small groups.

      Typical Out of Class Assignments

      Reading Assignments

      1. Students will read and analyze selections from a professional ballet journal about choreographer George Balanchine, an American choreographer who developed what is now known as neoclassical ballet and review the developments in ballet including contemporary ballet and post-structural ballet. 2. Students will read and discuss chapters from the text "Ballet Pedagogy – The Art of Teaching" relating to the art of ballet in today's culture.

      Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

      1. Students will write a comparative paper which will review the different styles of ballet: Classical, Neoclassical, and Contemporary. 2. Students will write a two-page paper examining an aspect of ballet in today's society and its influence on the arts. 3. Students may attend a professional ballet performance and relate their experience to in-class technique work by submitting a one page critique.

      Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.)

      Required Materials

      • Balanchine and Kirstein's American Enterprise
        • Author: James Steichen
        • Publisher: Oxford University
        • Publication Date: 2018
        • Text Edition: 1st
        • Classic Textbook?:
        • OER Link:
        • OER:

      Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.

      Appropriate dance attire, including ballet shoes.