Faculty of Education: (Re) Discovering the Karsavina Syllabus: the art and craft of allegro

Drawing on Tamara Karsavina’s unique ballet syllabus created for the Royal Academy of Dance’s three-year Teachers’ Training Course (1954), this onsite workshop explores selected technical, artistic and interpretative aspects of allegro as presented in the Karsavina Syllabus. Through practice, participants will embody (experience) components of technique, movement dynamics and artistic interpretations which are indicative of the Karsavina Syllabus allegro settings, and which thread throughout the syllabus itself.

As well as performing excerpts, participants will have an opportunity to observe the tutor coach allegro settings, with specific reference being made to the stylist and nuanced detail of movement and technique required for authentic performance.  Participants will then experience performing (to one’s own ability) key features which define selected allegro as presented in the Karsavina Syllabus. This embodiment is followed by an opportunity to discuss what has been observed, before appraising the art and craft of allegro from one’s lived and applied experiences as a ballet teacher.

Aims:
The aim of this workshop is to experience, discuss and debate the art and craft of allegro as presented in the Karsavina Syllabus.

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of the workshop participants will:

• have a basic knowledge and understanding of Karsavina’s teaching philosophies and thinking which underpin allegro as presented in the Karsavina Syllabus 
• have experienced and observed components of technique, artistry movement dynamics and interpretation indicative of allegro as presented in the Karsavina Syllabus.
• be able to value and appreciate Karsavina’s contribution to ballet as an art form and historical legacies of ballet teaching
• have gained critical analytical skills to reflect upon and apply some of the principles which underpin the Karsavina Syllabus to one’s own teaching of ballet
• have engaged in discussions with peers on various aspects of allegro.

The workshop is priced at £50 per person.