California DanceArts teachers and students know how important it is to
understand the French terms, translations and definitions of each ballet
exercise. Grasping the meaning
behind each term assists the dancer in properly executing steps which ultimately
will be used in the variety of movements comprising the choreography of
classical technique.
Now Carol Richmond, a
Carmel dance instructor, together with a software engineer, have developed an
iPhone application for teaching more than 140 ballet terms. The application,
called SayBallet, is a way "to get to the students on their own
(tech-savvy) level," said Richmond, who has seen even the youngest of her
students using iPhones. Using this
iPhone app will allow students to learn terms in a fun way.
Half of the ballet terms are accompanied by videos,
activated by voice. Say "plie” and the iPhone will tell us a translation
of the word as “Bend”, followed by a short video display of a girl performing
the deep bend. Each term can be selected in French, the way ballet is generally
taught. The app is also great for hearing the proper pronunciation of these
French terms. Fun quizzes are included for students to test their knowledge
which then allows them to achieve higher and higher scores.
A worthwhile investment for under $10, this application allows young dancers to
study their ballet terms during a car ride to the studio or waiting for class
to begin. California DanceArts Director, Erin Holt, says “It is a great
supplement to the California DanceArts curriculum where students are expected
to understand ballet terminology. We hope that students use the app to increase
and improve upon the skills taught in their classes and to improve their scores
for upcoming ballet examinations.” California DanceArts will be holding ballet
level examinations in May.
