Where does ballet fit into the Curriculum for Excellence?

 
Ballet is made up of many components which traverse the curriculum. Working with ballet as a medium in class can offer the chance to nurture cross-curricular working. Music, drama, art and design, English, technical studies and modern studies can all draw from what is represented through the performances.

An artform without words, ballet is a powerful example of how meaning can be translated through movement, whether the ballet is abstract or narrative. The powerful stories that are told through ballet can offer the opportunity for discussion and inspiration for the creation of student choreography based on a theme.

Scottish Ballet’s Repbank offers a way into learning about the technical challenges, nuances and choreographic processes of making a ballet. The repbank shows examples of the craft of composing a dance in sections that can be shown to a class in order to develop critical thinking skills and an appreciation of ballet. The repbank clearly demonstrates that to dance is much more than movement and that choreography is a craft. The resource sheds light on the intentions and skill of the choreographer, how the choreographic devices are crafted, and the theatre arts and music which inspired the work.

The repbank also allows teacher to choose a section of performance to work with a class on and then details a number of activities where the key choreographic devices and themes are signposted.

The Health section offers information to young dancers and their parents in order to reinforce health and wellbeing through ballet. It informs responsible choices that support a young dancer’s lifestyle.

The Careers section demonstrates the diverse range of roles that make up a ballet company. Behind the Artistic Director and dancers isa committed team of highly trained professionals who literally get the show on the road. The video clips offer a chance to hear about the diverse jobs that support a ballet company and how young people can follow a pathway into the arts.