Stephen Barnes

BALLET CLASS IN AMERICA II (For Pointe work)

This is Part Two in a series of five parts designed for you to create a class of your own style and liking. All of the ideas on this part (except for the pieces to choreograph on) were sparked from the movement of the teacher giving the step at the time, in the classroom, where I usually jotted it down so I couldn't forget them. Even though I work at the Pacific Northwest Ballet, which has its own style, the teachers have come from a wide and varied background. The bodies that allowed this music to come to life were trained at the following venues, most notable: Pacific Northwest Ballet, Royal Winnipeg Ballet, The Kirov, New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theater, Dance Theater of Harlem, the Bolshoi and the Royal Danish Ballet. (Plus those from assorted international guest teachers)

So that there is no misconception, these piano pieces are only a part of what it takes for a Ballet Class. When making the recording for your class, the tempi used are the ones that I am familiar with in my own environment.

With each of these CDs I am including these extras:

1)'CREATE-A-CLASS' workbook - for ideas and as an aid for co-ordinating the music track with the class level.

2) A 'SUGGESTION' list. The very best were sought out in the field of instruction and professional world for their thoughts on what steps and movements fit each piece of music. Meant as a guide only. Fascinating insight."

Track listings (with timings)

1. 2/4 quick. 0:30 15. 4/4 jazzy. 0:34
2. 2/4 quick. 0:38 16. 2/4 a little fuller sounding. 0:35
3. 2/4 medium. 0:38 17. 2/4 a little fuller. 0:31
4. a four count, sparse. 0:18 18. 2/4 smooth, pretty. 1:02
5. 2/4 medium. 0:20 19. 9/8 light. 1:05
6. 2/4 quick, light. 0:31 20. 4/4 adagio. 0:53
7. 4/4, ‘air’ music (pulse on 1). 0:52 21. adagio, light. 0:56
8. 2/4 medium. 0:24 22. 4/4 adagio. 1:38
9. 2/4 somewhat quick, light. 0:20 23. a '2' pulse, adagio. 1:10
10. 2/4 somewhat quick. 0:28 24. 3/4 adagio, darker. 1:48
11. 2/4 medium. 0:37 25. a '2' pulse, adagio, sparse. 1:51
12. 4/4 medium, smotth. 0:44 26. 4/4 medium to slow(ish). 0:59
13. 4/4 tango. 0:50 27. 3/4 adagio. 2:00
14. 4/4 tango. 0:38 28. This last piece is for teachers to choreograph (ie. end of the year performances) 4:02
Ballet Class in America I Ballet Class in America III
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