https://youtu.be/-b3z8Rk0zH8?si=fAqBO8JurN_iuvKi AMERICAN BALLET
https://share.google/6pzYc9SywFLNjMoQP THE KING WHO INVENTED BALLET
Part 1: Open-Ended Questions
Use these questions to practice speaking or writing. Try to use details from the video in your answers.
The "Illusion" of Ballet: The video mentions that ballet is an "artful illusion." Why do dancers want to make their performance look easy, even though it is actually very hard work? [
01:00 Commitment and Sacrifice: According to the documentary, how many years of training does it take to become a professional, and what kinds of sacrifices do young dancers have to make? [
02:37 Gender in Ballet: David Protus mentioned he was often the only boy in his classes before joining SAB. How did he feel about this, and what motivated him to continue? [
04:23 The Role of Passion: Giovani Villalobos and Caitlyn Gilland both talk about "passion." How does passion help a dancer deal with injuries or financial difficulties? [
05:46 History and Change: How has ballet changed from the time of Italian and French royalty (1600s) to the modern style developed by George Balanchine? [
06:44 Partnering: What are the most important qualities a dancer needs when working with a partner (Pas de Deux), and why is "trust" so important? [
21:33 The Future: How did Caitlyn and Giovani feel when they were finally invited to become apprentices for the New York City Ballet? [
27:38
Part 2: Vocabulary Exercise (Level B1)
A. Match the Word to the Definition
Words used in the video:
Effortless [
00:14 Prestigious [
02:08 Daunting [
04:34 Innovative [
17:56 Apprentice [
24:59 Flawless [
22:17
Definitions: * A. Someone who is learning a job or art form by working with experts.
B. Seeming to require no physical or mental exertion; very easy.
C. Perfect; without any mistakes or weaknesses.
D. Inspiring respect and admiration; having high status.
E. Featuring new methods; advanced and original.
F. Seeming difficult to deal with in anticipation; intimidating.
B. Fill in the Blanks
Use the following words: Regimen, Mastery, Subtle, Transformed, Pursue.
It takes ten years of training to achieve __________ of ballet technique. [
10:32 Even when she was injured, Caitlyn missed her daily __________ of exercise and practice. [
11:15 George Balanchine __________ the way people experience ballet by introducing fast, modern movements. [
08:14 Sometimes the most __________ movements, like how a partner places his hands, are the most difficult to do well. [
23:33 Many students move to New York City to __________ their dream of becoming a professional ballerina. [
01:35
Answer Key for Vocabulary
Part A: 1-B, 2-D, 3-F, 4-E, 5-A, 6-C
Part B:
Mastery
Regimen
Transformed
Subtle
Pursue
