Approaches and Perspectives in Teaching and Learning Ballet at the University

Abstract

This article presents reflections and procedures for teaching and learning ballet at the Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM). The research, carried out between 2021 and 2022 in the disciplines of Fundamentals of Classical Dance I and II, investigates methodologies that expand the traditional approach to ballet, incorporating somatic practices and new dance teaching procedures. Based on the Practice as Research methodology, topics such as the use of the floor, the flexibility of contact with the barre, the influence of anatomy and somatics on learning, and the critical analysis of repertoire ballets are discussed. In addition, the study questions the aesthetic and corporal standards crystallized in ballet, proposing a more inclusive and reflective teaching. The results show that this approach benefits both beginners and experienced dancers, promoting a more critical and expressive training.