University Ballet Program
Under the direction of Laura Zambrano, the Ballet Program at Loyola University
offers for credit training in classical dance at all levels, beginning
through advanced. In addition to a rigorous class schedule, advanced-level
students also have an opportunity to perform biannually with the Loyola
Ballet in the restaging of classics and the creation of new works by guest,
alumni, and student choreographers. The dancers perform for campus activities
and various benefits for the community.
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 dance history
class, as well as the choreography and presentation of an original work.
A music course is recommended to enhance the student’s musicality.
University Program Curriculum and Class Descriptions
Basic Ballet I
Course: MUGN M111
Credit: 2crs. (creditable twice)
Prerequisites: none
Class times: Sec. 1-Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10:30am-11:20am, Sec. 2-Monday,
Wednesday, Friday 2:30pm-3:20pm
Required textbooks: Vaganova, Agrippina. Basic Principles of Classical
Ballet. Dover Publications, Inc. ISBN 0-486-22036-2
Beginning students are introduced to the basic principles of classical
ballet according to the Russian ballet technique developed by Agrippina
Vaganova. Elementary barre exercises are designed for the mastery of the
basic stance of the body and the positions of the feet, arms, and head
used in classical dance. In a progressive manner, students learn the basic
structure of a ballet lesson, including barre, center, adagio, and allegro
movements. In Basic Ballet I, the beginning student is introduced to the
fundamental concepts necessary to achieve movement coordination.
Students are required to participate in the entire class period and
attend the Loyola Ballet Concert near the end of the semester.
The grading system is as follows:
Class and Performance Attendance 65%
Written Exam 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 will receive credit for the observation of 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.
Basic Ballet II
Course: MUGN M211
Credit: 2crs. (creditable twice)
Prerequisites: Basic Ballet I
Class times: Tuesday and Thursday 11am-12:15pm
Required textbooks: Vaganova, Agrippina. Basic Principles of Classical
Ballet. Dover Publications, Inc. ISBN 0-486-22036-2
The topics covered in Basic Ballet II are designed for students who have
had an introduction to the art of dance. Fundamentals in the use of the
ballet barre are further explored, as is the refinement of elementary
exercises. In a progressive manner, students are introduced to the concept
of epaulement in more complex exercises, with an emphasis placed on the
development of stability in adagio and varied allegro steps.
Students are required to participate in the entire class period and
attend the Loyola Ballet Concert near the end of the semester.
The grading system is as follows:
Class and Performance Attendance 65%
Written Exam 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 will receive credit for the observation of 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.
Intermediate Ballet
Course: MUGN M311
Credit: 2crs. (creditable twice)
Prerequisites: Basic Ballet II
Class times: Tuesday and Thursday 2pm-3:45pm
Required textbooks: Vaganova, Agrippina. Basic Principles of Classical
Ballet. Dover Publications, Inc. ISBN 0-486-22036-2
The medial study of classical ballet continues through amalgamated exercises
at the barre and in the center with increased quantity, difficulty, and
speed. The development of strength in the foot and instep is achieved
by alternating movements on the whole foot and on demi-pointe, and the
execution of movements on pointe. The pirouette is introduced in Intermediate
Ballet, as is the elementary study of movements en tournant, basic batterie,
and the development of elevation in big jumps. A study of the basic forms
of tours en l’air for the male dancer and the origin and proper
use of pointe shoes for the female dancer is included.
Students are required to participate in the entire class period and
attend the Loyola Ballet Concert near the end of the semester.
The grading system is as follows:
Class and Performance Attendance 65%
Written Exam 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 will receive credit for the observation of 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.
Ballet Repertory
Course: MUGN M411
Credit: 3crs.
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
Students are accepted to Ballet Repertory upon successful completion of
Intermediate Ballet, or by audition only. Those who possess an advanced
knowledge of ballet begin to achieve the full coordination of body movements
that is necessary in classical dance. Students are led through a repetition
of the exercises already learned, in greater quantity and at a faster
tempo. The development of increased agility and mobility is achieved through
exposure to complicated adagios. Emphasis is placed on allegro movements,
which at this level become an important foundation to the intricacy of
classical ballet.
Advanced technique lessons are followed by rehearsals and performances
with the Loyola Ballet. Performance opportunities enable the dancer not
only to grow on a technical level, but artistically through the infusion
of ideas and moods into the movements learned in technique classes. Students
study and learn through faculty and self-evaluation of video tapes of
their rehearsals, lecture-demonstrations, and performances.
Ballet repertory students are required to participate throughout the entire
class and rehearsal period, which includes evening and weekend rehearsals.
Students are required to perform in the Loyola Ballet Concert near the
end of each semester. Students also have the opportunity to participate
in the Mass of the Holy Spirit during the fall semester and in the Baccalaureate
Mass during the spring 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 will receive credit for the observation of 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.
