Ballet Technique and Performance Prep

This unit develops intermediate barre and center technique while introducing traveling steps, turns, jumps, and partner lifts, and connects technique to real-world performance practices. Students will also learn performance preparation, injury prevention, footwear and hair choices, basic choreography and mime, and contextual knowledge of repertoire and company structure to prepare for more advanced study.

Learning Objectives

• Demonstrate intermediate ballet technique by performing barre and center combinations that include relevés, grands pliés, battements tendus, arabesque and attitude variations, traveling turns, traveling jumps, fouettés, coupés, and an adagio combination with correct alignment, musicality, and safe execution.
• Apply safe practice and performance-preparation protocols by executing appropriate warm-up and cool-down routines, demonstrating safe partnering lifts and spotting, selecting suitable footwear and hair styles, and explaining basic nutrition and injury-prevention strategies.
• Analyze elements of choreography and theatrical gesture by creating and justifying a short dance phrase that incorporates basic choreography guidelines and mime motifs, referencing examples from classical and contemporary repertory (e.g., Coppélia, La Bayadère, Rodeo).
• Evaluate professional and audience contexts by describing the hierarchy and roles within a ballet company, demonstrating appropriate rehearsal and performance etiquette, and identifying strategies for accessing performances and continuing training opportunities.