Ballet with the Cecchetti Method

 

Cecchetti training is a rigorous method which pays careful attention to the laws of anatomy. It develops all of the qualities essential to the dancer: balance, poise, strength, elevation, elasticity,”ballon”, etc. It is classic in its purity and clear cut style.

 

The Cecchetti method is a ballet technique and training system devised by the Italian ballet master and pedagogue Enrico Cecchetti (1850-1928). The training system is especially concerned with the anatomy within the confines of classical ballet techniques, and seeks to develop the essential characteristics of dance in its students through a rigid training regime. The goal is for the student to learn to dance by studying and internalizing the basic principles, in an effort to become self-reliant rather than imitating the movements executed by their teacher.

 

Cecchetti-trained teachers have achieved places in ballet and dance companies all over the world. Well-trained Cecchetti dancers have a purity of line and simplicity of style which enables them to take their places in dance companies of other genres of classical ballet.

 

Students are tested on their ability to properly execute a number of specifically choreographed routines that emphasize a particular ballet movement. They are also graded on their knowledge of the theory and terms. Grades five thru seven correspond to his original levels.

 

All exams have different sections that the student is graded on. These sections include theory, barre, port de bras, adage, allegro, petite allegro, tours, pointe work, musicality, quality, and style among other things. These are all part of the total grade. Dancer taking their grade four exam will be asked to choreograph a one minute dance, with teacher supervision, and perform it to the examiners. Students taking their grade seven will be asked to perform a variation to the examiners.

Student level examinations: designed to be more technically demanding and to provide a solid technical base so that when the dancer reaches higher levels, they can focus more on artistry. Examiners will correct some things, such as pirouette and retire positions, without marking any of the students down unless they fail to correct. Levels: grade one to grade four.

Pre-professional examinations: career oriented, with a high level of ballet technique and artistry expected. Examiners will no longer teach in these levels and any correction will result in being marked down. Levels: grade 5 to grade 8/diploma.

Director Priscilla Mooradian holds a grade VII teaching certificate and teacher Robin Gale holds a grade VI teaching certificate. Priscilla won the teachers scholarship and Robin won a scholarship to the National Cecchetti seminar in Michigan. Robin Gale currently serves on the Board of Directors of the East Coast Committee of the Cecchetti Council of America. Both have presented students from Grade I to Grade VI for exams.