BALLET

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.

1. 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]

2. 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]

3. 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]

4. 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]

5. 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]

6. 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]

7. The Future: How did Caitlyn and Giovani feel when they were finally invited to become apprentices for the New York City Ballet? [27:38]

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Part 2: Vocabulary Exercise (Level B1)

A. Match the Word to the Definition

Words used in the video:

1. Effortless [00:14]

2. Prestigious [02:08]

3. Daunting [04:34]

4. Innovative [17:56]

5. Apprentice [24:59]

6. 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.

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B. Fill in the Blanks

Use the following words: Regimen, Mastery, Subtle, Transformed, Pursue.

1. It takes ten years of training to achieve __________ of ballet technique. [10:32]

2. Even when she was injured, Caitlyn missed her daily __________ of exercise and practice. [11:15]

3. George Balanchine __________ the way people experience ballet by introducing fast, modern movements. [08:14]

4. Sometimes the most __________ movements, like how a partner places his hands, are the most difficult to do well. [23:33]

5. Many students move to New York City to __________ their dream of becoming a professional ballerina. [01:35]

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Answer Key for Vocabulary

Part A: 1-B, 2-D, 3-F, 4-E, 5-A, 6-C

Part B:

1. Mastery

2. Regimen

3. Transformed

4. Subtle

5. Pursue