This series of practice-based workshops, which can be taken as stand-alone or as a suite of workshops, explore the styles, techniques and movement vocabularies (steps) found in the Russian, Hungarian, Ukrainian and Polish character dances as presented in RAD Grades 3 and 4 syllabi. Through creating training exercises, choreographing free enchaînements, and discussing ideas with others, participants will gain a greater appreciation of the different artistic and technical aspects of each character style. Through practice-based tasks, participants will become more confident in choreographing character work settings which are technically and stylistically sound as well as inspiring and enjoyable for students. These workshops are essential for all levels of teachers, but in particular for early career (recent graduate) teachers and dance teachers who would like to refresh and extent their knowledge, understanding and skills in teaching character work.

Aims

The aims of this workshop are:

• To explore and develop teaching strategies in the teaching of Character work across Royal Academy of Dance Grades 3 and 4 syllabi;
• To increase and consolidate knowledge and understanding of the required stylistic and technical expectations of the Russian, Ukrainian, Hungarian and Polish Character styles.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of the workshop you will:

• Have increased confidence creating informed and inspiring training exercises and enchaînements to develop Character work;
• Have the knowledge, understanding and performance skills which demonstrate the required technical and performance expectations of different Character style;
• Have a greater understanding of how character dance can be taught in an interactive, accessible and inclusive manner;
• Have greater knowledge and understanding of how Character work can both support and develop the ballet technique, performance and artistry.

Recommended Preparation

Basic knowledge of the Grades 3 and 4 Character work as presented in RAD syllabi.

Tutor

Pauline Withers MA, ARAD

Pauline trained at the Stella Mann School in London and upon graduation; she became responsible for both modern theatre and national vocational training within the school.

She has taught on the Professional Dancers Teaching Diploma and the LRAD programme at the RAD. She has also taught at summer schools in the UK and Europe and been both a tutor and mentor for the Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies.

She has run her own school in London and the New Forest and is currently an RAD examiner in addition to tutoring and teaching on a freelance basis.

CPD Hours

3 hours Time-Valued CPD