Ballet IV

cristin.jernigan@sccpss.com www.savartsdanceballet.weebly.com/

Course Description:
This course will focus on students gaining an understanding of advanced ballet technique and
terminology. Students will begin at the barre with exercises focusing on developing not only
flexibility and alignment, but dexterity, coordination, change of weight and muscular control. This
development will continue in center and be presented in several formats including adagio, petite,
moderate, and grande allegro. Students should be able to function in center with just as much
competence as at the barre. In a Digital Setting, Students will have a one-hour live technique
class with teacher corrections and thirty-minute self-guided stretch/conditioning/reflection
section. Students are expected to take class twice a week during class times, and complete a
short, written reflection of their class efforts.

Instructional Materials/Text:
• Supplies: School leotard, pink tights, ballet flats, and pointe shoes. Appropriate hair supplies
for a bun. See Supply List for further details.
• Text: Technical Manual and Dictionary of Classical Ballet: Third Revised Edition by Gail
Grant. Students will use this text for their entire four years at SAA. Other supplemental
readings will be provided by the Dance Department.

Evaluation:
Classwork: 40%
• Participation- Weekly class work grade evaluated at the end of each week. See
participation rubric.
Compliance with dress code effects participation grade

Assessment: 60%
• Technique- Quarterly Assessment grade evaluated once at midterm and again
at end of term.
• Movement Exams- 2 Assessment grades per quarter.
• Rehearsal- Assessment Grade reflecting knowledge and execution of
performance material.
• Performance- Assessment Grade following a large scale Dance Department
show at SAA
• Choreography Project- Assessment Grade. Final Exam at the end of the year.

Assignments:
*Please note that you are responsible for all missed assignments and will have 5 school days to make
up such assignments.
 Ballet IV
Course Requirements/Expectations:
By the end of the semester, each student will be expected to demonstrate the following:
Leg work should be completed at ninety degrees or higher when appropriate
o Proper alignment
o Proper rotation in all positions
o Port de Bras and proper head placement
o Demi and Grande plie in all positions
o Eleve and Releve for extended durations
o Tendu,Battement jete/degage
o Rond de jambe-a terre, en l’air and Grande rond de jambe
o Temps lie, Chasse and tombe
o Petit battement, Coupe, sur le coup de pied, passé, reitre.
o Frappe single and double
o Fondue, developpe, and envelope
o Attitude- devant and derriere and grand battement
o Positions of the body
o Adagio with legs at ninety degrees or above.
o Pas de bouree in various formats, pas de chat
o Jumps- Sauté in various positions, soubresaut, changement, royale, entrechat
trios, entrechat quatre and echappe. All jumps should contain battu.
o Sissone in multiple formats.
o Assemble, jete, temps leve, ballone, ballote, brise, brise vole, temps de cuisse
and glissade in various formats
o Grand jete in various formats, sauté de chat, grand jete dessus en tournant
o Turns-Pirouettes from 5th, Pirouettes from 4th, pique turns, and chaines
· Demonstrate positive work habits and self-discipline through a high level of consistency and
reliability in performing technical skills.
· Perform technical skills with artistic expression, demonstrating clarity, musicality and stylistic
nuance.
· Refine technique through self-evaluation and correction.
· Demonstrate understanding of how personal experience influences the interpretation of dance.
· Identify and demonstrate longer, more complex steps and patterns with rhythmic acuity and a broad
dynamic range.
· Establish a set of personal aesthetic criteria and apply it in evaluation of own work and others.
· Reflect upon how lifestyle choices, historical and cultural images of the body and professional
challenges affect the dancer.
National Dance Standards:
· Understanding dance as a way to create and communicate meaning.
· Applying and demonstrating critical and creative thinking skills in dance.