Ballet- Sample Learning Contract
YOU MAY ELECT TO PROPOSE A SIMILAR STUDY FROM A DIFFERENT LOCATION. IF SO, WE WOULD NEED TO TALK ABOUT ENGAGING A QUALIFIED TUTOR IN YOUR REGION. IF INTERESTED, CONTACT ME AT MY E-MAIL ADDRESS SO WE COULD DISCUSS HOW TO SET THIS UP.
B. LEARNING ACTIVITIES
The intensity of studio classes and supplemental reading and viewing activities will depend on the level of previous learning and preparation evidenced by the student. Below are some examples of activities that might be proposed; however each learning contract should be individualized.
The student will attend and participate in 14 weekly ballet classes with Tutor Elizabeth Clark (in Rochester NY) over the course of the term. The student will keep a log of practice as well as attendance, with verification of attendance by the tutor, and will be evaluated in this part of the study on effort and improvement, as well as contribution to the class as appropriate.
The student will also obtain and read selected portions of the following books, or other books selected in consultation with the mentor:
Greskovic, Robert. Ballet 101: A complete guide to learning and loving the ballet. 1998, NY: Hyperion. ISBN no. 0-7868-8155-0
One additional book on ballet technique; a recommended text is The Classic Ballet by Lincoln Kirstein and Muriel Stuart (2004, Borzoi Books, many copies available at amazon.com).
Required chapters in Greskovic are 1-28 (all of Part I) and a selection of four of the chapters describing specific ballet works in Part IV, to be worked out in consultation with the tutor and the mentor.
The student will keep a journal on learning in classes and practice sessions (at least two weekly in addition to class) as well as notes on assigned readings. Sketches, diagrams, and notes in verbal form are acceptable, as long as the student can demonstrate how they inform the student's understanding.
The student will produce a two-page essay on understanding of each of two of four ballets chosen and viewed on videotape or in live performance, describing how the particular ballet fits within an historical and aesthetic context and reflecting on reactions to the at least one published description of it.
C. METHOD AND CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION
Learners will be evaluated on demonstration of their understanding and appreciation of the genre and technique of ballet, appropriate to the level of previous experience and instruction. For introductory students, written work will be evaluated on content and application, clarity and organization. For advanced students, studio work will be evaluated commensurate with previous experience and preparation, and written work will be expected to meet critical thinking, bibliographic style, and analytic expectations for advanced work.