Learn the Art of Contemporary Ballet Choreography - Intermediate (6 Wk Session)
Explore contemporary ballet fundamentals and choreographic techniques. Students will discover how to transform movement elements into meaningful choreography, fostering creativity and confidence.
What's included
6 live meetings
5 hrs 30 mins in-class hoursProjects
1 hour per week. 1-2 throughout the classAssessment
includedClass Experience
US Grade 6 - 9
Intermediate Level
"Art of Contemporary Ballet: Concept, Connection, Creativity" is an engaging class focusing on the art and technique of contemporary ballet choreography. Through exploration of movement fundamentals, creative exercises, and structured improvisation, students will gain insight into the process of crafting original choreography. They’ll learn essential choreographic elements like space, time, energy, and dynamics, applying these to develop unique dance sequences. This class encourages students to express their creativity while deepening their understanding of contemporary ballet. We will start a new choreography project about every 6 weeks. Students add to their current project each week in class. Class time runs between 30-45 minutes depending on the number of students present each lesson. However, I have blocked 45 minutes of time for this class each lesson.
Learning Goals
Learn about important elements that are building blocks of choreographyLearn how to create your very own contemporary ballet choreography
Syllabus
6 Lessons
over 6 WeeksLesson 1:
Foundations of Movement Creation
Focus: Selecting music and generating movement ideas.
Activities:
- Introduction to contemporary dance elements (use of space, time, dynamics, and flow).
- Students select instrumental music to inspire their choreography.
- Weekly set warmup
- Guided improvisation exercises to explore movement vocabulary.
- Create a short phrase (8 counts) based on a theme or emotion derived from their music.
Peer Review: Group shares initial phrases and provides constructive feedback on clarity and 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Structuring Choreography
Focus: Building and organizing movement.
Activities:
- Learn about choreographic tools: repetition, contrast, and transitions.
- Weekly set warmup
- Expand on Week 1’s phrase by adding another 8-16 counts using one new choreographic tool.
- Discuss how to structure a piece with a beginning, middle, and end.
Peer Review: Partner critique on how well the choreography flows and reflects the music. 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Cleaning and Refining Movement
Focus: Precision and movement quality.
Activities:
- Emphasize alignment, coordination, and execution.
- Weekly set warmup
- Practice cleaning counts and synchronizing movements.
- Explore dynamics and textures to enhance the mood of the piece.
Peer Review: Small groups provide feedback on movement clarity and emotional impact. 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Developing Intent and Expression
Focus: Emotional storytelling and performance quality.
Activities:
- Discuss the importance of intent in contemporary dance.
- Weekly set warmup
- Integrate facial expressions, breathwork, and intention behind movements.
- Add a new section (8-16 counts) focused on emotional connection.
Peer Review: Partners evaluate how effectively the piece conveys its intended story or emotion. 55 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Parents are responsible for the safety of their student/s. A space of at least 4 feet by 4 feet must be clear of any trip hazards or dangerous objects. Students may wear ballet shoes or participate barefoot (no socks).
Health & Safety:
You understand that dance and physical exercise carry inherent risks of injury. You should consult with a physician or healthcare professional before beginning any physical activity to ensure that it is appropriate for your fitness level and personal health.
Personal Responsibility:
You are responsible for creating a safe and appropriate environment for your participation, including wearing proper attire, using non-slippery surfaces, and ensuring adequate space. If at any point you feel discomfort, dizziness, or pain, you should stop immediately and seek medical advice.
Instruction & Modifications:
While the instructor provides guidance and modifications, it is your responsibility to gauge your ability to perform the exercises. Any modifications or variations are to be performed at your own risk.
Waiver of Liability:
By engaging in these online classes, you waive any and all claims against the instructor, the company, or any associated parties for injuries, damages, or losses that may occur from your participation in the class, whether caused by negligence or otherwise.
Intellectual Property:
The content provided in this class is for personal use only. Reproduction, distribution, or unauthorized sharing of class materials is prohibited without written consent.
Class Size Minimum:
If the class size minimum is not met, the class may still be held but finish early, depending on the material covered for each lesson. Fewer students often results in moving through the lesson much faster. The class fee, however, remains the same, because the same amount of material is being covered during each lesson. (OR) Students may be combined from multiple sections of the same class into one class time, creating one full class instead of several partially-filled classes. You will be notified in advance if this second option is required. I understand that a schedule change may interfere with other classes you are taking on Outschool.
Pre-Requisites
A minimum of 4+ years of formal ballet and dance training is recommended
Supply List
Project: - Index Cards - Pens or pencils - Notebook for Choreography Project - Access to music* Each student chooses their own instrumental song - no lyrics - for their project. Music choice must be under 3 minutes. We'll discuss music ideas in our first lesson of each new session.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined April, 2024
Teacher expertise and credentials
Associate's Degree in Science from Tidewater Community College
Amber has over 20 years of experience in ballet, contemporary, and tap choreography! She has created work for several original ballets and many showcases, including solos, duets, trios, and groups.Reviews
Live Group Course
$23
weekly or $135 for 6 classes1x per week, 6 weeks
55 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 10-15
4-10 learners per class
