General Activity Description:

This one day practical workshop is designed to increase a ballet teacher’s confidence and knowledge of teaching pointe work to students at different stages of training. The workshop charts preparation and training progressions which underpin the requisites of pointe work. Participants will be introduced to, and explore through discussion, the vocabulary of pointe work from Intermediate Foundation through to more advanced levels of training. Examples of training exercises which prepare students for the progressive demands of pointe work, as well as strategies for implementing training exercises, will be explored.

Aims:

The aims of this workshop are to:

• Gain knowledge and understanding of the evolution of pointe shoes and the fitting and maintenance of pointe shoes;

• Improve the participants’ knowledge and understanding of pointe work with a particular focus on how to prepare and train pointe work across different stages of training and proficiency;
• Share and discuss ideas on creating and teaching preparatory exercises, training exercises and pointe work enchaînements.

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of the workshop you will:

• Have knowledge and understanding of the evolution of pointe shoes, fitting and maintenance of pointe shoes;
• Have knowledge and understanding of the principles (anatomical readiness and technical competencies) which indicate when students are ready to commence pointe work;
• Have developed skills to create preparatory exercises, training exercises and pointe enchaînements for different levels of study;
• Have knowledge and understanding of the needs of different students when teaching pointe work;
• Developed different approaches and strategies for teaching pointe work.

Fee:

£110 for members

£141.5 for non-members

Number of CPD hours: 8

Language: English

Tutor:

Ms Sylvia Wu

LRAD, ARAD, AISTD, Former RAD Examiner

Sylvia Wu graduated from the Teacher’s Training Course of the Royal Academy of Dance England in 1970. She attained the Solo Seal Award shortly thereafter. Upon her return to Hong Kong, she started her own school and worked for local TV stations as teacher and choreographer. She danced extensively both in Hong Kong and abroad taking principal roles in Giselle, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, La Sylphide, Les Sylphides and Firebird. In 1981, after dancing with Hagen Dance Theatre in West Germany, she joined City Contemporary Dance Company, Hong Kong where she later became its Ballet Mistress.

Wu has been a guest teacher for Singapore Dance Theatre, Guangdong Dance Company, The Hong Kong Ballet, The Hong Kong Dance Company and The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. She has also been in private dance studios extensively. She was appointed as a vocational examiner since 1999 of The Royal Academy of Dance. She currently teaches and coaches in Hong Kong and overseas on freelance basis and acts as adjudicator in dance competitions.