One – Introduction
FOR STUDENTS AGES 6-7 MAXIMUM AGE 9
GIRLS TO WEAR CHIFFON SKIRTS FULL ENOUGH TO HOLD IN DEMI-SECONDE POSITION
Each exercise that has been taught in the previous level must continue to build in strength and placement.
ENTERING THE ROOM
The teacher steps inside the door and students run in single file through the door and then line up in silence The teacher then directs the pianist to play ‘Running In’ music
1 count = 1 bar
1-16
Each student enters singly taking 4 bars of music per student
Notes:
Teacher introduces students to the examiner one by one without music (the student performs a curtsey or bow when being introduced). The teacher then introduces the pianist to the students.
WARM UP EXERCISES
1) FOOT ARTICULATION
Commence facing the corner, sitting on floor with legs stretched in front with flexed feet, hands on thighs.
1-4
1-4
5-8
9-16
1-8
9-16
Introduction – Hold the position
Articulate both feet to a full stretch
Articulate both feet to a flexed position
Repeat the above
Repeat the exercise with the right foot only
Repeat with the left foot only
Notes:
This exercise should be used to further increase awareness of the foot articulation learned in Primary with the introduction of the ability to use one foot independently of the other.
2) HAMSTRINGS & SPINAL STRETCH
Commence as in Section One: facing the corner, sitting on floor with legs stretched in front with flexed feet, hands on thighs.
1-4
1-4
5-8
9-12
13-16
Introduction – Hold the position
Walk fingers down the legs to a full stretch
Hold the stretch and then point the toes
Recover to a straight back, taking the arms up to 5th en haute, opening to seconde and back to rest hands on thighs
Repeat counts 1-4 and hold
Recover after the music
Notes:
Once again this exercise should progress from Primary with an increased awareness of the lengthening of the spine now combined with a stretch of the hamstrings in a forward movement. Itsy Bitsy Spider down the legs, etc.
3) EXERCISE FOR TURNOUT
2 counts = 1 bar
Commence sitting on the floor, knees together bent up, feet flat on floor, hands placed at teachers’ discretion
1-2
1-4
5-6
7-8
9-12
13-16
1-16
Introduction – Hold the position
Fully extend legs to the front with pointed feet
Rotate legs out
Rotate legs in (back to parallel)
Repeat counts 5-8
Draw legs up to beginning position
Repeat all
Notes:
Emphasize the rotation of the leg from the hips while maintaining body placement. Toes should feel like ‘turning a key in a door’.
MUSIC SECTION
Clapping and moving to a slow or quick 3/4
Teachers have a choice of showing either A or B of the music section – not both.
A
Stand erect with feet in parallel position.
4 bars
4 bars
8 bars
Students begin clapping a 3/4 (count 1 is strong, counts 2 & 3 are soft)
Pianist will join in
Students will then move freely to the music-movement must relate to the ¾ timing e.g. sways, triplets etc.
OR
B
Stand erect with feet in parallel position.
4 bars
4 bars
8 bars
Pianist will begin playing Students listen for the ‘1st beat of the bar’ for timing.
Students will join in clapping (count 1 is strong, counts 2 & 3 are soft, 2 students clap then next 2)
Students will then move freely to the music (all move together)
Notes:
When moving freely students should show the rhythm of a 3/4.