Compare and contrast classical and modern ballet using Appalachian Spring in this ballet listening lesson.
by Polina Mann
Music Is
Use the books Music Is… by Brandon Stosuy and Music Is… by Stephan T. Johnson to explore the mood and styles of music. Students will listen to different musical examples and describe elements they hear to identify and label multiple music genres.
#7 – Perceive and analyze artistic work #8 – Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work.
Objectives
Compare and contrast Classical and Modern Ballet in this ballet listening lesson.
Materials
Book: Ballet for Martha, Making of Appalachian Spring by YouTube Recordings (See Reference List)
Recording: Simple Gifts
Historical Context
Appalachian Spring is a groundbreaking historical work of art in American history. Appalachian Spring features the collaboration between three artistic powerhouses: dancer/choreographer Martha Graham, composer Aaron Copland, and architect Isamu Noguchi. Martha Graham commissioned this work from Aaron Copland, requesting a uniquely American theme that celebrated early pioneer life in the 19th century. This score and accompanying ballet achieved widespread acclaim. Most of this lesson will be examining what made the ballet sound and feel American, how it was different from traditional Classical ballet and how it influenced ballet going forward.
Observe and discuss the style of dance Martha choreographed.
What do you notice in their movements?
How is ballet style different from traditional Classical ballet?
What do some of these movements represent? (I.e., when they clasp hands in prayer, jump to the sky, etc.)
10. Discuss the students’ observations about how the classical ballet style in this video is different.
Classical dancers wear a tutu, whereas Martha and her dancers do not.
Classical dancers wear pointe shoes and walk on their toes, whereas Martha and her dancers do not.
One film is in color; the other one is in black and white.
Martha’s dancers rise and fall and do many sudden movements, whereas Classical ballet stays relatively even without rising and falling, and the movements are very graceful.
11. Prompt discussion about the structure of ballet.
Do all dancers dance at the same time?
Why do some dancers wait while others dance?
Extension
Explore how Martha Graham influenced future female choreographers, namely Twyla Tharp. Show a clip from her ballet called “Twyla Tharp’s in the Upper Room” and discuss how her work parallels Martha Graham’s choreography.
This lesson can also be included in sub plans.
References
Greenberg, J., Jordan, S., Browne, J., & Floca, B. (2010). Ballet for Martha: Making Appalachian Spring. New York, NY: RB/Flash Point.
RoyalOperaHouse. (2017, December 01). Dance of the sugar plum fairy from the nutcracker (the royal ballet). Retrieved April 02, 2021, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zV1qLYukTH8
Hi! My name is Polina, and I teach general music in two Catholic schools in New Haven County in Connecticut. I have been teaching general and vocal music for eight years in private schools. I have three teaching certifications in music, dramatic…