Follow this beginning ballet class through barre and centerwork taught by Gayle Corkery. After the classical ballet, Carrie Cheng teaches the dancers a trio of simple character combinations. These combinations are great to introduce students to the fun and importance of character steps in their movement vocabulary. Character dances include: Polka, Mazurka, Czardas and Reverence.
Demonstrated by an accomplished group of students approximately aged 9 through 11 or a bit older, this is an enjoyable, thorough class for ballet beginners of all ages. However this is NOT a class for novices in spite of the word "Introduction" in the title. Ms. Corkery explains that it is aimed at students at the END of their first year. While a student demonstrates each exercise at the barre the teacher gives clear, in-depth instruction, then takes the opportunity to give corrections as students perform the exercises. The camera work is good, allowing the student at home to follow along easily and pick up the corrections for themselves.
The across the floor and center exercises incorporate temps lié, jeté, assemblé, glissade, pas de bourée, balancé, soutenu turns, piqué turns and other basics appropriate to this level. The class ends with 3 character dances which also incorporate some of these basics, giving you a satisfying feeling of actually being able to perform something with the skills you have learned.
Mr. Kellog's piano music is delightful, drawing from musical theatre works and "light" classics that students of this age can relate to but which are enjoyable for adults, too.
