Developing dynamic qualities in classical ballet

Developing dynamic qualities in classical ballet

A focus class exploring how to use coordination, musicality and rhythm to improve the dynamic quality of movement.

£10.00

  • 1 Class
  • Suitable for 11+

In this focus class, dancers will have the opportunity to work through the different elements which contribute to the successful use of dynamics. Stillness in dance will also be explored by highlighting various shapes made in classical ballet that contrast with the movement. This class reflects The Royal Ballet School's integrated training system, where teachers often vary the order of their class content to challenge students in different ways. This can help students maintain energy and focus, and also reflects a more realistic environment, like a company rehearsal or performance.

 

 

What you will learn

  • The effective use of coordination and weight placement to move with contrasting and varying dynamic qualities
  • How musicality and the use of rhythm aid the dynamic interpretation of movement
  • How perceived stillness in dance can highlight the dynamic qualities of movement.
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Your Tutors

Layla Harrison

Ballet Teacher

Layla is an alumna of The Royal Ballet School and attended White Lodge and Upper School. During her ballet career, Layla performed with The Royal Ballet, Kirov Ballet, English National Ballet and Scottish Ballet in works such as Alice!, Cinderella, Nutcracker, Cheating Lying Stealing, Sleeping Beauty, Rubies, Carmen, Swan Lake, Giselle, Nutcracker, Jeux, and Romeo & Juliet.

Layla has been teaching for 24 years at establishments including The Royal Ballet School, Central School of Ballet, Urdang, Hammond, Danceworks, Pineapple and W.A.C. Layla teaches open classes for professional dancers and has taught company classes for An American In Paris and On the Town. Layla has taught and adjudicated in Australia, Germany, Taiwan, Hong Kong and South Africa and is a regular judge for The Dance World Cup. She choreographs for dance schools and coaches pre-vocational students privately, with many going on to dance professionally.

Layla returned to the School to complete her Vocational Dance Teacher Training qualification and now teaches at White Lodge and for our Intensive Courses and Associate programme.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can participate?

These classes are recommended for students aged 11+ and reflect the training given to students aged 11-13 studying at The Royal Ballet School. The classes are not suitable for beginner students, students with limited experience or students under 11 years old.

For these classes, we recommend that:

  • Students are studying a syllabus delivered by a recognised classical dance awarding body, or if attending full-time vocational training, the method of training provided at their school.
  • Students have a good knowledge and understanding of ballet vocabulary.

What do I need to participate?

These classes are designed so that they can be executed in a smaller space than a ballet studio. We ask that students/parents ensure that:

  • The student meets the technical standards required for the class
  • Any apparatus used for a barre is stable and safe
  • The floor is not slippery, uneven or hazardous
  • The area used for dancing is cleared of any items which could hinder the student’s ability to fully extend their arms and legs. There should be enough space for reasonable movement. If a student cannot fully execute an exercise, they should either adapt appropriately or not participate
  • The student is able to clearly hear the teacher’s verbal instruction, see the teacher’s practical delivery and hear the music
  • The student is appropriately dressed to safely execute a dance class. Soft ballet shoes should be worn for ballet, not pointe shoes. Bare feet, socks or suitable shoes should be worn for contemporary and Pilates
  • The student’s hair is suitably tied back
  • The student is fit and well in order to take part.

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