Wendy Whelan

Dance 110-H & Dance 110-HX Instructor: Diane Cheeseman
Ballet I – Fall 2019 Email: dcheeseman1@ccc.edu

Paper 1
Topic: Ballet in Contemporary Society
Due: Tuesday, October 1 @ 12:30 pm
Assignment Format: All written assignments must be typed in 12 pt Times New Roman font,
double-spaced, and include one inch margins, page numbers, and the student’s name. If more
than one page, an assignment must be stapled. Citations must adhere to APA (American
Psychological Association) formatting. For assistance with this formatting, refer to https://
owl.purdue.edu/owl/.
Grading: This assignment is worth 30 points. Points will be deducted for turning in assignments
late. Writing should be original, free of spelling and grammar errors, and demonstrate critical
thinking. Use the rubric provided.
Assignment: Using your own observations, class readings, and course terminology, write a
paper (4 page minimum) documenting a present-day professional ballet company, choreographer,
or dancer. Specific topics will be assigned individually by the instructor.
Your paper must include a comprehensive history of the assigned topic. Highlight the unique
qualities of your subject, and explain the lasting impact and/or contributions he/she/it has made
relative to ballet.
Your paper must also include a observational review of assigned related video footage.
a. Describe what happened. What did you recognize from class? Using specific movement
examples, create a description that can paint a picture in the mind of someone who has
not seen this video footage.
b. Analyze your perceptions of the work. What was the tone? What did you feel was being
communicated? Use specific examples to justify your conclusions.
c. Describe what moment struck you the most poignantly and explain why. How does the
viewing of this work change, conflict, or come into conversation with your practice and
study of ballet?
Your paper must also include a works cited page with a minimum of four (4) sources written in
accordance with APA standards; only one (1) electronic source is allowed. In addition, students
must orally present their findings to the class to be eligible for full credit. Presentations should
be approximately 3-5 minutes in length.