Classical
ballet can be defined as a style of ballet based on precise conventional
steps performed with graceful and flowing movements.The
study of ballet is the foundation for learning all forms of
dance. There is no substitute for good ballet training. All
dancers who want to have strong “technique” and
good placement must study ballet. Technique can be described
as the execution of the steps or vocabulary of a specific dance
style. Placement refers to posture and proper body alignment.
Dancers
with good ballet training are generally able to translate their
success in ballet to other forms of dance such as jazz, modern
and musical theater dance. When choosing a ballet program for
your child, look for qualified, experienced instructors.
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A good ballet program should be structured with the age-appropriate
physical and emotional milestones of each child at the forefront.
This will ensure a positive and successful experience for your
child. |
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Dancers
who have had extensive ballet training are strong, flexible and precise
in their movements.
In ballet, there
are many different styles or teaching methods available. These styles
or methods have names based on their founder or the country of origin.
Examples of ballet styles or “techniques” include Cecchetti,
Vaganova, Russian, RAD, and Balanchine. At the Diamond Dance Center,
we teach the Cecchetti style, also sometimes known as the “Italian
school.” Regardless of what ballet style your child learns,
they will still be learning a ballet vocabulary that is universal
throughout the world. The French names for all ballet steps are common
to each method and the progression of a ballet class is also well
established. Below you will find a brief overview of the Cecchetti
method and several website links for further information.
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At
the Diamond Dance Center, our students may begin their ballet
studies at age five. The study of ballet is required for all of
our company members and is strongly encouraged for all of our
dancers. |
http://michaelminn.net/andros/index.html
- great site with lots of ballet information and Cecchetti . This
site also has animated figures performing ballet steps, which are
great!
www. Thinkquest.com (Click on “Library” then type “Dance”
into the search engine.
“Studio To Stage” is particularly good for ballet information.)
CECCHETTI
METHOD
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Disciplined
system designed with careful regard to the laws of anatomy, thus
preparing dancers' bodies to bear the strains and trials of public
performance |
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Embodiment
of qualities essential to the dancer - balance, poise, strength,
elevation, elasticity, and an artistic sense of quality |
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Establishment
of carefully orchestrated exercises unique to each day of the
week to ensure that different types of steps are practiced in
a planned sequence |
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Classic
in its purity and clean-cut style, it enables dancers to respond
to the demands of different choreographers |
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Importance
of using the entire body to establish a feeling for line |
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Focus
on instruction by studying and absorbing the basic principles
which govern the art, rather than by mere imitation of an individual's
teaching style |
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Balance
between the daily practice of both Cecchetti's set exercises and
each teacher's new sequences |
CECCHETTI
EXAMINATIONS
Designed to give teachers and students specific goals to work toward
and to maintain standards of development consistent with international
standards:
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Class
examinations - designed for children to develop a sense of enjoyment
of movement and dance quality |
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Grade
examinations - designed to be more technically demanding with
the possibility of leading to higher levels of study |
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Major
examinations - career oriented with a high level of execution
expected |
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Qualifying
examinations - designed to certify teachers of dance |
Bibliography
– excerpts above taken from the Cecchetti Society, Incorporated,
USA website - www.cecchettiusa.org
Related
Links:
www.cecchetti.org
www.cyberdance.org
