Creative approaches in teaching character work: Russian, Ukrainian, Hungarian and Polish styles CPD courses

Event Date:

Sunday 23 February 2025 – Monday 24 February 2025

Event Time:

Various, GMT

Location:

Glasgow (UK)

Available Online?

Who’s it for?

This course is open to all ballet teachers. It is recommended for early career teachers.

Fee:

Members £56 | €66 | $71 per course
Non-members £78 | €92 | $99 per course

Contact:

cpd@rad.org.uk

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This series of practice-based courses, which can be taken as stand-alone or as a suite of courses, explore the styles, techniques and movement vocabularies (steps) found in the Russian, Hungarian, Ukrainian and Polish character dances as presented in RAD 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 courses 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.

Dates and Times

Grade 1 (Russian) and Grade 2 (Hungarian)

23 February, 10am – 1pm

Grade 3 (Ukrainian) and Grade 4 (Hungarian)

23 February, 2pm – 5pm

Grades 5 and 6 (Polish and Polish Court)

24 February, 9am – 12pm

Grade 7 (Hungarian Court) and Grade 8 (Russian Court)

24 February, 1pm – 4pm

Aim

The aims of the courses are:

To explore and develop teaching strategies in the teaching of character work across the RAD syllabi, and
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 one or more of the courses, you will:

have increased confidence creating informed and inspiring training exercises and enchaînements to develop character work,
have the knowledge, understand 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.

Venue

The Linda Lowry School of Ballet, Milngavie, Glasgow G62 6RA

Recommended Preparation

Participants should have basic knowledge of the applicable level character work as presented in RAD syllabi.

Tutor

Vikki Allport RAD RTS Teaching Diploma (Distinction) RAD Examiner

From the northeast of England, Victoria’s love affair with dance began aged 5, working through her RAD grades and vocational exams. After embarking on the RAD’s Student Teaching Certificate at 16, her determination to perform led to a successful career as a professional dancer and choreographer.

Settling in Mexico, she founded a highly successful dance school and spearheaded the formation of ‘Acadancers,’ a company that staged seasonal classical ballets with the Philharmonic Orchestra of Acapulco. At the same time, she choreographed shows for Mexican pop artistes, performed in music videos, and completed the RAD’s Teaching Diploma. Her contribution to culture in Mexico was recognised by the state government, which honoured her with a special award and ceremony.

Returning to the UK, Victoria became head of ballet at an independent school, while embarking on her role as an RAD examiner. A recent accolade includes the prestigious choreographic prize in the Phyllis Bedells Bursary, a collaborative creation with her student Anya Mercer, a 2019 Genée finalist and ENB graduate.

In addition to her teaching roles, Victoria is an RAD trustee, lending her expertise on strategic direction. Her involvement extends further as an artistic sub-committee member, contributing insights and guidance to elevate artistic standards in dance.

An RAD Life Member, Victoria’s commitment to continuous learning within the dance community is evident through her role as a CPD tutor. She has previously taught on the CBTS and became a Silver Swans tutor in 2017, along with tutoring on the new CDT course.

Victoria’s mark on the dance world is seen in the achievements of her former students, many of whom have become professional dancers in Mexico, while others have pursued careers as RAD teachers following their completion of the Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies.

CPD Hours

3 hours Time-Valued CPD per course

Fees

Members of the Royal Academy of Dance receive discounts on all CPD activities.

How to book

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If you have any questions or concerns regarding the above, please contact the CPD Team, cpd@rad.org.uk.

Contact

If you have any questions about this activity, please contact the CPD Team, cpd@rad.org.uk.

Booking link

Sterling: https://cvent.me/yDO8RD

Euro: https://cvent.me/Ng4NYB

US Dollars: https://cvent.me/VB7dmb