Ballet Minor
A minor in ballet is offered through Loyola University College of Music
to students who have had extensive pre-college dance instruction and performance
experience. In their pursuit of the ballet minor, students perform classical,
character, contemporary, and jazz works with Loyola Ballet. Other requirements
include a course on the history of dance, as well as the choreography
and presentation of an original work. A music course is recommended to
enhance the student’s musicality.
Students who pursue a ballet minor are required to choreograph one original
work during their junior or senior years using members of the Ballet Repertory
class. This experience not only educates the student on the selection
of music and costumes and the choreography of movement, but also teaches
him or her about the technical aspects of a production such as lighting,
sets and sound, and budget management. Additionally, the choreographer
learns the subtle art of directing others, which requires him or her to
select a cast, schedule rehearsals, provide constructive criticism, and
motivate each dancer in the cast to bring his or her greatest gift of
artistry to the stage.
Ballet Minor Curriculum and Class Descriptions
MUGN M4111 - Ballet Repertory (6 semesters)-18 credit hours
MUGN M499 - Independent Study (choreography)-1 credit hour
MUGN V142 - History of Dance -3 credit hours
Total:22 credit hours
Prerequisites: Intermediate Ballet or by audition only
Class times: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 11:30am-1:20pm
Rehearsal times: Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Saturday afternoons
Required textbooks: Grieg, Valerie. Inside Ballet Technique.
Princeton Book/Dance Horizon, Publishers ISBN 0-87127-191-5
(New students in this level are required to answer all questions at
the end of all chapters, due last day of classes)
Vaganova, Agrippina. Basic Principles of Classical Ballet.
Dover Publications, Inc. ISBN 0-486-22036-2
A minor in ballet is offered through Loyola University College of Music
to students who have had extensive pre-college dance instruction and performance
experience. In addition to appearing with the Loyola Ballet, requirements
include a course on the history of dance, as well as the choreography
and presentation of an original work. A music course is recommended to
enhance the student’s musicality.
Students who pursue a ballet minor are required to choreograph one original
work during their junior or senior years using members of the Loyola Ballet
program. This experience not only educates the student on the selection
of music and costumes and the choreography of movement, but also teaches
him or her about the technical aspects of a production such as lighting,
sets and sound, and budget management. Additionally, the choreographer
learns the subtle art of directing others, which requires him or her to
select a cast, schedule rehearsals, provide constructive criticism, and
motivate each dancer in the cast to bring his or her greatest gift of
artistry to the stage.
The History of Dance course surveys the history of ballet from the 15th
century to present. Lectures and discussions are supplemented with extensive
use of video and other visuals. The history of classical dance is explored
in the first portion of the course through lectures and readings. In the
second half of the course, students analyze several ballet masterpieces
to develop a sense of informed critical observation.
Students are required to participate in the entire class period and
perform in the Loyola Ballet Concert near the end of the semester.
The grading system is as follows:
Class and Performance Attendance 65%
Performances 25%
Effort 10%
Students who are more than five minutes late for class will not
receive full credit for that class.
A maximum of three make-up classes may be taken during the semester. No
student is permitted to observe his or her own class. In order to receive
full credit for a make-up class, students are required to observe or participate
for the entire length of the class.
