1. Ballet principles, positions & journal writing prompts

2. What is Ballet? An artistic form of theatrical dance, in the tradition of classical technique in conjunction with music, mime and décor.

3. Principles of Ballet French language 2 Parts- Barre & Center
Ballet dancers use two elements when dancing to help them look soft & light:
* Alignment
* Pull up or lift through the legs, stretching upward, engaging abdominals

4. Principles of Ballet cont.
Turn out- outward rotation of legs and feet
Pointe- pointing of the feet- ALWAYS in classical ballet
Squareness- keeping shoulders and the hips on the same plane and parallel to each other and the floor
Weight distribution- centering over the feet. “foot triangle,” no rolling over

5. Ballet Positions
Positions of the feet
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th

6. Ballet Positions
Positions of the arms
3rd
1st
2nd
4th
5th

7. Writing Prompt #1 – 9/10 & 9/11
In the last 2 weeks we have learned about alignment and posture. What have you learned about your personal alignment and posture in your everyday life? How does proper alignment help you in your daily life? How does proper alignment help you with executing ballet steps?

8. Writing Prompt #2 – 9/24 & 9/25
Pretend you are a dance critic writing for the El Paso Times. You have just seen 2 performances: FHS Dance Departments Forte Ballroom Group and Fusion Dance Group dancing at the pep rally. Describe the theme and style of each of the dances. What did you think of the costumes and choreography? Were there any dancers that stood out? How would you evaluate the dancers’ energy and facial expressions? What did the dances have in common? What was different? Which one did you like better? Why?

9. Writing Prompt #3 – 10/8 & 10/9
We have been learning basic ballet technique for the last six weeks. What is your impression of ballet so far? What has been your favorite thing about ballet? What has been the most challenging thing about ballet at this point?

10. Writing Prompt #4 – 10/23 & 10/24
We have been studying Ballet and Modern/Contemporary at the same time for the past 4 weeks. Pretend you are a writer for Dance Magazine. You are writing an article reviewing & comparing the two styles of dance. Describe each style. What do they have in common? How are they different? Which do you like better? Why? If you had to choose one of them to do for the rest of your life, which one would it be? Why?