University of Utah
Ballet
BALLE Course Descriptions
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University of Utah

 General Catalog 2003-2004
January 2004

Accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges; Founding Institution of Ballet West

College of Fine Arts 

Department Office: 112 Marriott Center for Dance, 581-8231 

Mailing Address: 330 S. 1500 E., Rm. 112, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-0280 

Web Address: www.ballet.utah.edu

Faculty

Distinguished Professor Emerita. B. Arnold. 

Professors Emeriti. W.F. Christensen, L.G. Paxman.

Professors. B. Hamblin, C. Iwasaki.

Associate Professors. A. Ficzere, M. Laird, S. Lane, C. Ludlow, R. Wacko. 

Associate Professor/Lecturers. J. Duffy, S. Rasmussen. 

Assistant Professor/Lecturer. K. Horowicz.

Adjunct Professor. J. Kåge. 

Adjunct Associate Professors. B. Caldwell, R. Wood. 

Adjunct Assistant Professors. D. Dobson Kåge, P. Robinson. 

Instructor. M.Butterfield, B. Story, A. Opitz.

Advisers. Department Chair, 116 MCD, (801) 581-8231; Undergraduate Adviser, Barbara Hamblin, 211 MCD, (801) 587-3743; Graduate Adviser, Maureen Laird, 212MCD (801)581-7071.

Undergraduate Program

Degree. B.F.A. 

Ballet majors are trained for professional performing and teaching careers through ballet technique and a variety of courses designed especially for dancers that include music, dance fitness and conditioning, jazz, tap, acting, history, choreography, repertory, pointe, men's classes, and partnering. 

The program is housed in the Alice Sheets Marriott Center for Dance, one of the most beautiful and functional dance buildings in the nation. 

Performance Opportunities: Utah Ballet is the resident performing company of the Ballet Department and consists of 20 or more dancers selected by an audition of new and continuing students. The Company rehearses repertoire daily, performs two concert seasons each year on campus, and tours to cities in the Intermountain West.  Members of Utah Ballet are awarded scholarships. 

Ballet Ensemble, featuring choreography by faculty and guests provides another performance opportunity for Ballet majors who are chosen by audition. 

Ballet Showcase, presented twice each year, features original choreography by students and other qualified choreographers selected by the artistic advisor. Dancers are invited to participate by the choreographers. 

Character Dance Ensemble (CDE) consists of ballet majors who are chosen by the artistic director. A large number of performances take place on and off campus, and serve as the Department's primary outreach resource.  Members of CDE are awarded scholarships. 

Ballet West, a major national company based in Salt Lake City, selects qualified ballet majors each year to rehearse, learn the Ballet West repertoire and perform with the company as opportunities arise. 

The department also provides ballet study for nonmajors and develops general appreciation for ballet as an art form through foundation and integration courses which fulfill general education requirements. 

Additional Sources of Information: Brochures, applications, instructions for video or in-person auditions, and departmental scholarship information are available through the department office. The Department of Ballet also publishes a yearly updated student handbook for undergraduate students containing four-year course schedules, graduation requirements for the various undergraduate emphases, departmental policies and procedures, and student advising information. These resources and information may also be found on the web at: www.ballet.utah.edu 

Undergraduate Programs

Performing Emphasis: Students are prepared for performing careers in ballet, and character dance. There are courses in a variety of dance styles, two levels of partnering classes, and many opportunities to perform and choreograph. Preparation of individual resumes for audition purposes is also available. Adviser, Barbara Hamblin. 

Teaching Emphasis: The Teaching Emphasis Program provides a valid and unique course of study for dance teacher preparation and fosters high-quality teaching as a profession. Students in this emphasis are regarded as premajors until they have been judged to have the aptitude and ability to teach ballet and one other dance style approved by the faculty. The decision to allow or invite a student to major in this area is made no later than the end of the sophomore year. Contact the department for information. Adviser, Barbara Hamblin 

Character Dance Emphasis: This emphasis offers students more varied performance/production opportunities. Membership in Character Dance Ensemble plus three years of character dance are required. Contact the department for information. Adviser, Richard Wacko 

Admission to the Major: Students are officially accepted as a pre-major after the department has been notified of his/her admission to the University and by successfully passing a ballet technique audition held by the Department. 

Pre-University Major Programs. The Ballet Department offers the following two programs for high school students that provide opportunities for ballet training and study at the University:

Early Admission. High school seniors with outstanding scholastic records may apply for early admission to the University. Students so designated register as fully matriculated freshman students even though they have not received their high school diplomas. 

High School University Student Status. Students attending an accredited high school who wish to participate in ballet technique classes at the University of Utah concurrently, must be at least high school sophomores 15 years of age or older. Sophomores must have a 3.7 GPA; Juniors, a 3.5 GPA; and Seniors, a 3.2 GPA.  This opportunity is provided for the exceptionally gifted ballet student.  Prospective students must audition in person and qualify for general admission to the University.  Students are accepted based upon their audition by the faculty.  Upon acceptance, students must meet academic standards and conduct themselves according to high school and University behavioral codes.  High School University Program students pay fees according to the number of credit hours for which they register.   Credit and grades are awarded by the University.  High School University Students are not designated as majors or pre-majors until they are fully matriculated. For more information and application procedures, please see our website:  www.ballet.utah.edu.

Freshman Admissions. Students entering as freshmen must submit a departmental application and two photographs in ballet attire and poses before scheduling an in-person audition or mailing a videotape. Since the program is intensive, students are advised to have at least six years of continuous and concentrated study in ballet prior to enrolling in the department.  Entering students are admitted in Fall Semester only.

Transfer Students Admissions. Transfer students must submit a copy of their transcripts, audition in person or videotape, and must qualify for Ballet Technique 3290 or above. Transfer students may graduate from the Ballet Department only is they fulfill all requirements and spend a minimum of three full years in residence at the University of Utah. 

Placement Classes. All students entering the program are required to attend a placement class held immediately prior to the beginning of Fall Semester. Faculty assign students to the appropriate ballet technique class according to the level of individual accomplishment. 

Premajor Probationary Period. All ballet students are designated premajors upon entrance, signifying probationary status. Full ballet-major status is achieved by being promoted into an upper-division technique class (BALLE 3290 or above) by the sophomore year.

Exams. A practicum examination is held at the end of the academic year, for   students to be evaluated for promotion by the faculty.   Students must earn a grade of B or better at all levels of technique to be considered for promotion. 

Scholarships
For Scholarship information, please contact the Department of Ballet or go to our website: www.ballet.utah.edu.  Utah Ballet and Character Dance Ensemble members are granted special departmental scholarships on a semester basis.

Requirements for the Major: B.F.A. 
Subsequent to departmental approval, ballet majors are required to fulfill requirements in one of the following emphases: Performing, Teaching, Character Dance.

Performing Emphasis

First Year
Fall Semester
BALLE 2290, 3290, 4290, 5290 or 5300 Ballet Technique (3) 
BALLE 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 5010 Pointe (1) 
or BALLE 3590 or 5590 Men's Class (0.5)
BALLE 4500, 4510 Part. Adagio (0.5) Men
BALLE 4550, 5550 Part Adagio (1) Upper Div. Men only
BALLE 1500 Elements of Music (2) 
BALLE 1400 Ballet Fitness and Care of Injuries (2) 
BALLE 2300 Character Dance (1) 
Total Hours: 9 -10

Spring Semester
BALLE 2290, 3290, 4290, 5290 or 5300 Ballet Technique (3) 
BALLE 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 5010 Pointe (1) 
or BALLE 3590 or 5590 Men's Class (0.5)
BALLE 4500, 4510 Part. Adagio (0.5) Men
BALLE 4550, 5550 Part Adagio (1) Upper Div. Men only5
BALLE 2810 Selected Topics (1) 
BALLE 2310 Character Dance (1)
BALLE 3010 Acting for Dancers (2)
Total Hours: 8-9 

Second Year
Fall Semester
BALLE 2290, 3290, 4290, 5290 or 5300 Ballet Technique (3) 
BALLE 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 5010 Pointe (1) 
or BALLE 3590 or 5590 Men's Class (0.5)
DANCE 1260 Modern Dance (2) 
BALLE 4500 Pas de Deux (0.5) 
BALLE 4550, 5550 Part Adagio (1) Upper Div. Men only
BALLE 4700 Choreography (4) 
Total Hours: 9.5-10 

Spring Semester
BALLE 2290, 3290, 4290, 5290, or 5300 Ballet Technique (3) 
BALLE 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 5010 Pointe (1) 
or BALLE 3590 or 5590 Men's Class (0.5)
DANCE 1270 Modern Dance (2) 
BALLE 4510 Pas de Deux (0.5) 
BALLE 4550, 5550 Part Adagio (1) Upper Div. Men only
BALLE 4710 Choreography (4) 
Total Hours: 9.5-10 

Third Year
Fall Semester
BALLE 2290, 3290, 4290, 5290 or 5300 Ballet Technique (3) 
BALLE 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 5010 Pointe (1) 
or BALLE 3590 or 5590 Men's Class (0.5)
BALLE 4500 Part. Adagio (0.5) Men
BALLE 4550, 5550 Part Adagio (1) Upper Div. Men only
BALLE 2380 Jazz Dance (2) 
Total Hours: 6-7 

Spring Semester
BALLE 2290, 3290, 4290, 5290 or 5300 Ballet Technique (3) 
BALLE 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 5010 Pointe (1) 
or BALLE 3590 or 5590 Men's Class (0.5)
BALLE 4510 Part. Adagio (0.5) Men
BALLE 4550, 5550 Part Adagio (1) Upper Div. Men only
BALLE 2390 Jazz Dance (2) 
BALLE 4410 Ballet History (3) 
Total Hours: 9-10 

Fourth Year
Fall Semester
BALLE 2290, 3290, 4290, 5290 or 5300 Ballet Technique (3) 
BALLE 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 5010 Pointe (1) 
or BALLE 3590 or 5590 Men's Class (0.5)
BALLE 4500 Part. Adagio (0.5) Men
BALLE 4550, 5550 Part Adagio (1) Upper Div. Men only
BALLE 5400 Job Search Seminar (0.5) 
Total Hours: 4.5-5.5 
plus capstone hours fall or spring:
BALLE 5950 Senior Capstone Performance (2) 
BALLE 4750 Senior Capstone Creative Research (3) 
BALLE 4950 Senior Capstone Scholarly Research (2) 

Spring Semester
BALLE 2290, 3290, 4290, 5290, 5300 Ballet Technique (3) 
BALLE 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 5010 Pointe (1) 
or BALLE 3590 or 5590 Men's Class (0.5)
BALLE 4510 Part. Adagio (0.5) Men
BALLE 4550, 5550 Part Adagio (1) Upper Div. Men only
Total Hours: 4-5 
plus capstone hours fall or spring:
BALLE 5950 Senior Capstone Performance (2) replaces 5850 or 4850
BALLE 4750 Senior Capstone Creative Research (3) replaces 4730
BALLE 4950 Senior Capstone Scholarly Research (2) or 4999 Honors Thesis
ALSO Repertory 4850 (2 Ballet Ensemble), or 5850 
(Utah Ballet) (minimum of 4 total credit hours). Repertory may be taken during any semester. 
First Year: 17-19 
Second Year: 19-20 
Third Year: 15-17 
Fourth Year: 8.5-10.5 
plus minimum repertory hours (4) 
Total Hours: 61.5-66.5 plus capstone hours 
Two semesters of 4550 may be substituted for 4500 and 4510 with faculty approval. 
Seniors take 5950 in lieu of 5850 either fall or spring semester of senior year. 
Non-Utah Ballet members add senior capstone 4750 or 4950. 

Recommended Electives
Kinesiology 
Ballet Conditioning 
Dance Production Lab 
Costume Design and Construction 
Tap

Teaching Emphasis

First Year
Fall Semester
BALLE 2290, 3290, 4290, 5290 or 5300 Ballet Technique (3) 
BALLE 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 5010 Pointe (1) 
or BALLE 3590 or 5590 Men's Class (0.5)
BALLE 4500, 4510 Part. Adagio (0.5) Men
BALLE 4550, 5550 Part Adagio (1) Upper Div. Men only
BALLE 1500 Elements of Music (2) 
BALLE 1400 Ballet Fitness and Care of Injuries (2) 
BALLE 2300 Character or 2380 Jazz (2) 
Total Hours: 10-11 

Spring Semester
BALLE 2290, 3290, 4290, 5290 or 5300 Ballet Technique (3) 
BALLE 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 5010 Pointe (1) 
or BALLE 3590 or 5590 Men's Class (0.5)
BALLE 4500, 4510 Part. Adagio (0.5) Men
BALLE 4550, 5550 Part Adagio (1) Upper Div. Men only
BALLE 2310 Character or Jazz 2390 (2) 
BALLE 2810 Selected Topics (1) 
BALLE 3010 Acting for Dancers (2)
Total Hours: 9 

Second Year
Fall Semester
BALLE 2290, 3290, 4290, 5290 or 5300 Ballet Technique (3) 
BALLE 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 5010 Pointe (1) 
or BALLE 3590 or 5590 Men's Class (0.5)
BALLE 4500, 4510 Part. Adagio (0.5) Men
BALLE 4550, 5550 Part Adagio (1) Upper Div. Men only
BALLE 5780 Teaching Essentials (3) 
BALLE 3260 Dance Production (2) 
DANCE 1260 Modern Dance (2)
Total Hours: 11.5-12 

Spring Semester
BALLE 2290, 3290, 4290, 5290 or 5300 Ballet Technique (3) 
BALLE 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 5010 Pointe (1) 
or BALLE 3590 or 5590 Men's Class (0.5)
BALLE  4510 Part. Adagio (0.5) Men
BALLE 4550, 5550 Part Adagio (1) Upper Div. Men only
BALLE 5790 Teaching Essentials (3) 
BALLE 4820 Independent Study - Teaching (1) 
or BALLE 4840 Independent Study - Other (1) 
DANCE 1270 Modern Dance (2)
Total Hours: 10.5-11 

Third Year
Fall Semester
BALLE 2290, 3290, 4290, 5290 or 5300 Ballet Technique (3) 
BALLE 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 5010 Pointe (1) 
or BALLE 3590 or 5590 Men's Class (0.5)
BALLE 4500, 4510 Part. Adagio (0.5) Men
BALLE 4550, 5550 Part Adagio (1) Upper Div. Men only
BALLE 4700 Choreography (3) 
Total Hours: 8-9
BALLE 4870, 4880, or 4890 (Capstone)  Teaching Practicum (1)

Spring Semester
BALLE 2290, 3290, 4290, 5290 or 5300 Ballet Technique (3) 
BALLE 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000 Pointe (1) 
or BALLE 3590 or 5590 Men's Class (0.5)
BALLE 4400 Kinesiology and Physics of Ballet (4)   
BALLE 4500, 4510 Part. Adagio (0.5) Men
BALLE 4550, 5550 Part Adagio (1) Upper Div. Men only
BALLE 4710 Choreography (3) 
Total Hours: 11-12

Fourth Year
Fall Semester
BALLE 2290, 3290, 4290, 5290 or 5300 Ballet Technique (3) 
BALLE 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 5010 Pointe (1) 
or BALLE 3590 or 5590 Men's Class (0.5)
BALLE 4500, 4510 Part. Adagio (0.5) Men
BALLE 4550, 5550 Part Adagio (1) Upper Div. Men only
BALLE 5400 Job Search Seminar (0.5) 
BALLE 4860 Teaching Practicum Ballet (Capstone) (1) 
BALLE 4825 Ind. Study Teach-Other (1)
Total Hours: 6.5-7.5

Spring Semester
BALLE 2290, 3290, 4290, 5290 or 5300 Ballet Technique (3) 
BALLE 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 5010 Pointe (1) 
or BALLE 3590 or 5590 Men's Class (0.5)
BALLE 4510 Pas de Deux (0.5) men 
BALLE 4550, 5550 Part Adagio (1) Upper Div. Men only
BALLE 4410 Ballet History (3) 
BALLE 4870 - 4890 Teaching Practicum - Other (Capstone) (1) 
ALSO Repertory 4850 (Ballet Ensemble), or 5850 (UTAH BALLET), or
5150 Character Dance Ensemble (minimum of 3 total credit hours). Repertory may be taken during any semester. 
 Total Hours: 10-11 
First Year: 19-21 
Second Year: 22-23 
Third Year: 19-21 
Fourth Year: 16.5-18.5   
Total Hours: 76.5-83.5 plus Independent Study 
Two semesters of 4550 may be substituted for 4500 and 4510 with faculty approval. 

Recommended Electives:
Dance Conditioning 
Costume Design and Construction 
Advanced Choreography, by invitation only
Tap

Character Emphasis

First Year
Fall Semester
BALLE 2290, 3290, 4290, 5290 or 5300 Ballet Technique (3) 
BALLE 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 5010 Pointe (1) 
or BALLE 3590 or 5590 Men's Class (0.5)
BALLE 4500, 4510 Part. Adagio (0.5) Men
BALLE 4550, 5550 Part Adagio (1) Upper Div. Men only
BALLE 1500 Elements of Music (2) 
BALLE 1400 Ballet Fitness and Care of Injuries (2) 
BALLE 2300 Character (1) 
Total Hours: 9-10

Spring Semester
BALLE 2290, 3290, 4290, 5290, or 5300 Ballet Technique (3) 
BALLE 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 5010 Pointe (1) 
or BALLE 3590 or 5590 Men's Class (0.5)
BALLE 4500, 4510 Part. Adagio (0.5) Men
BALLE 4550, 5550 Part Adagio (1) Upper Div. Men only
BALLE 2310 Character (1) 
BALLE 2810 Selected Topics (1)
BALLE 3010 Acting For Dancers (2)
Total Hours: 8-9 

Second Year
Fall Semester
BALLE 2290, 3290, 4290, 5290 or 5300 Ballet Technique (3) 
BALLE 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000 or 5010 Pointe (1) 
or BALLE 3590 or 5590 Men's Class (0.5)
BALLE 2380 Jazz Dance (2) 
BALLE 4500 Pas de Deux (0.5) 
BALLE 4550, 5550 Part Adagio (1) Upper Div. Men only
BALLE 5780 Teaching Essentials (3) 
BALLE 4310 Advanced Character Dance (1) 
BALLE 5150 Character Dance Ensemble (1) 
BALLE 4825 Independent Study - Teaching (1) 
Total Hours: 12.5-13 

Spring Semester
BALLE 2290, 3290, 4290 Ballet (3) 
BALLE 2000, 3000, 4000 Pointe (1) 
or BALLE 3590 or 5590 Men's Class (0.5)
BALLE 2390 Jazz Dance (2) 
BALLE 4510 Pas de Deux (0.5) 
BALLE 4550, 5550 Part Adagio (1) Upper Div. Men only
BALLE 5790 Teaching Essentials (3) 
BALLE 4320 Advanced Character Dance (1) 
BALLE 5150 Character Dance Ensemble (1) 
BALLE 4825 Independent Study - Teaching (1) 
BALLE 3010 Acting for Dancers (2) 
Total Hours: 12.5-13 

Third Year
Fall Semester
BALLE 2290, 3290, 4290, 5290 or 5300 Ballet Technique (3)
BALLE 3590 or 5590 Men’s class (0.5) 
BALLE 4500, 4510 Part. Adagio (0.5) Men
BALLE 4550, 5550 Part Adagio (1) Upper Div. Men only
BALLE 4700 Choreography (3) 
BALLE 3260 Dance Production (2) 
BALLE 4310 Advanced Character Dance (1) 
BALLE 5150 Character Dance Ensemble (1) 
Total Hours: 10-12 

Spring Semester
BALLE 2290, 3290, 4290, 5290 or 5300 Ballet Technique (3)
BALLE 3590 or 5590 Men’s class (0.5) 
BALLE 4500, 4510 Part. Adagio (0.5) Men
BALLE 4550, 5550 Part Adagio (1) Upper Div. Men only
BALLE 4710 Choreography (4) 
BALLE 4320 Advanced Character Dance (1) 
BALLE 5150 Character Dance Ensemble (1) 
Total Hours: 8-10 

Fourth Year
Fall Semester
BALLE 2290, 3290, 4290, 5290 or 5300 Ballet Technique (3)
BALLE 3590 or 5590 Men’s class (0.5) 
BALLE 4500, 4510 Part. Adagio (0.5) Men
BALLE 4550, 5550 Part Adagio (1) Upper Div. Men only
BALLE 5400 Job Search Seminar (0.5) 
BALLE 4060 Perspectives in Character Dance (3) 
BALLE 4860 Teaching Practicum Ballet (Capstone) (1) 
ALSO Repertory 4850 (1 Ballet Ensemble), or 5850
(1 Utah Ballet) (minimum of 2 total credit hours). Repertory may be taken during any semester. 
Total Hours: 9.5-11.5 

Spring Semester
BALLE 2290, 3290, 4290, 5290 or 5300 Ballet Technique (3)
BALLE 3590 or 5590 Men’s class (0.5) 
BALLE 4500, 4510 Part. Adagio (0.5) Men
BALLE 4550, 5550 Part Adagio (1) Upper Div. Men only
BALLE 4410 Ballet History (3) 
BALLE 4880 Teaching Practicum - Other (Capstone) (1) 
Total Hours: 7-9 
Two semesters of 4550 my be substituted for 4500 and 4510 with faculty approval. 
First Year: 17-19 
Second Year: 25-26
Third Year: 18-22 
Fourth Year: 16.5-20.5
Minimum repertory hours (2) 
Total Hours: 76.5-87.5 

Recommended Electives:
Kinesiology 
Costume Design and Construction 
Ballet Conditioning 
Tap

Graduate Program

Degrees. M.A., M.F.A. 

Graduate Adviser: Maureen Laird, 112 MCD. 

Admission to Candidacy. Applicants must audition in person or by videotape. The application deadline is April 1 for fall semester. 

Degree Requirements.
The Department of Ballet offers four M.F.A. non-thesis degrees and a M.A. thesis degree.  The M.F.A. degrees require a two-year residency in which the candidate must complete 48 credit hours.

M.F.A in Choreography/Teaching: The candidate must present three major projects and one minor choreographic project within the first three semesters.  The three major choreographic projects are accompanied by written documentation explaining the choreographer’s creative process.  The written work is expected to be completed in the candidate's final semester. Videotapes of the choreography and/or teaching project must accompany this text

M.F.A. in Character Dance:
  This program includes the study of European character dance forms, perspectives, ethnology, and character dance history. Written documentation explaining some aspect of character dance and a videotape of character dance projects are required.

M.F.A. in Performance:
  Written documentation relating to the candidate’s performing career is required.  A videotape may accompany the written text.

M.F.A. in Scholarly Research:
  The M.F.A. in Scholarly Research program requires extensive, well-documented research resulting in a written text.

M.A. in Scholarly Research:
  The M.A. in Scholarly Research is a thesis program. A one-year residency is required with the completion of 36 credit hours of approved work, including a research-based thesis. The M.A. candidate must also pass a language examination with an advanced proficiency. The Modern Language Exam (MLA) is offered in French, German, Italian, and Russian. 

Areas of Specialization. Each emphasis is flexible, allowing the candidate, with the faculty, to design his/her individual program. We also offer an M.F.A. degree which is a combination of various components. Candidates in the character dance emphasis must qualify for the Character Dance Ensemble. The performance emphasis is available exclusively to Ballet West and Utah Ballet dancers. 

Financial Aid and Scholarships Departmental scholarships are available to graduate students. A technique audition is required of all candidates and may be done by videotape. The teaching/choreography program requires submission of a videotape of choreographic works. Technique and criteria for application, are the same as required for the undergraduate students. A limited number of teaching assistantships which include tuition waivers and hourly stipends for teaching assignments and other duties are also available to second year graduate students.  Work-study is an option for students who meet the work-study application deadline in January. 

BALLE Course Descriptions

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