Technique, Musicality and Artistry: Observing Teaching in Practice CPD Course

This activity provides RAD teachers with the opportunity to observe teaching and learning in action within the context of a non-syllabus, mixed-ability intensive training environment. The activity invites participants to consider how an experienced teacher can create meaningful learning for dancers with different levels of technical experience, training backgrounds and aspirations within the same class.

Participants will observe two complementary sessions: a technique and virtuosity class led by an experienced, qualified teacher, followed by a repertoire and character exploration session led by an experienced industry practitioner. Through these contrasting contexts, participants will explore how diverse teaching approaches and pedagogical techniques can be adapted to support individual students while maintaining a cohesive, challenging and engaging group learning environment.

The technique-focused session will provide an opportunity to observe strategies for differentiating, challenging and supporting dancers with varying technical abilities, including approaches to imagery, demonstration, feedback, musicality and individualisation. The repertoire and character exploration session will explore how new movement material can be communicated to dancers with differing levels of experience, while developing musicality, stylistic understanding, artistic interpretation and individual expression.

A facilitated discussion will enable participants to critically analyse the approaches observed and consider how such strategies might be adapted and applied within their own teaching practice.

Aims

 The aims of this course are:

• To broaden participants’ understanding of effective and creative approaches to teaching mixed-ability groups, through observation and critical analysis of technique, virtuosity, musicality, repertoire and character development in practice,
• To consider how teaching strategies and pedagogical techniques can be adapted to meet differing levels of technical ability, experience and individual need, while maintaining a shared, challenging and engaging learning environment, and
• To consider how these approaches may inform and enrich their own teaching practice.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this course, participants will:

• Have an increased understanding of strategies and pedagogical techniques for teaching mixed-ability groups while maintaining appropriate challenge, progression and engagement for individual students,
• Be able to identify and critically evaluate creative and effective teaching strategies used to support technical development, musicality and individual expression, including differentiation, demonstration, imagery, questioning and feedback,
• Have a greater understanding of how new movement material, repertoire and stylistic demands can be communicated to students with differing levels of experience and ability, while recognising and nurturing each student’s individual strengths, artistry and developing artistic voice, and
• Be able to reflect critically on observed teaching approaches in two contrasting teaching environments and identify strategies that could be adapted and incorporated into your own teaching practice.

Venue

Royal Academy of Dance, 188 York Road, London, SW11 3JZ

Tutors

The classes will be taught by Yorkshire Ballet Seminars faculty. The discussion will be led by Isabelle Brouwers, Artistic Director of Yorkshire Ballet Seminars.

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