I confess that my approach to teaching modern dance classes does borrow heavily from my classical ballet training. And teaching an Adult Beginner Ballet class reminds me of the most basic principles of direction and physical articulation artfully defined in a ballet class.
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| 2001 studio test shot for "Dandelion Wine". Photo: Lois Greenfield |
Most repetitive actions in ballet are done in the cardinal directions that you might find on a compass and described as "en croix" (in the shape of a cross).
Actions and travelling steps are "en avant" (to the front), "a côté" (to the side), "en arrière" (to the back), the primary directions in which excercises both at the barre and in the center are built. "En diagonal" then becomes an easy progression as it will be half way between front and side or back and side.
Static positions are often described by where a foot is aiming to be placed relative to the other foot and your body facing front, "devant" (in front), "de côté" (at the side), "derrière" (in back).
In my early training, the French terms were always used in class in preparation for taking exams where visiting adjudicators from the United Kingdom would conduct our examinations. If they were to give corrections or ask for an "enchaînment" (a sequence of movements), the examiners were only allowed to describe the steps or sequences, but were not allowed to physically demonstrate the actions or phrases. As an adult working in the USA in both ballet and dance forms that seek to defy previously codifed movement, using the French terms is more of a choice than a requirement. Yet many of my personal choreographic notations still use ballet terms where it best describes the step I want to remember.
However, as a Ballet teacher, I attempt to not only demonstrate the steps which I ask students to learn and execute, but I also try to use both the French terms and an English description. I remember the first yoga class I ever took (especially since it was less than ten years ago, LOL!) and I had to rely heavily on my ability to mimic movement, as I had no idea what the Sanskrit names of the "asanas" (poses) indicated. Yet over time, I guess I would recognize the yoga terms, and it would help me anticipate the "flow" sequence being given.
My ballet background has often also assisted me in staging Paul Taylor's dances and unique aesthetic when working with dancers who come from a primarily classical ballet background. In recent years, I have had the pleasure of spending time working with highly skilled ballet dancers in Vienna at the Wiener Staatsoper and the Volksoper Wien theaters. Recently, one of these exceptional dancers sent this kind endorsement to me.
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| 2023 Dragos Musat & Olivia Poropat in "Dandelion Wine". Photo: Ashley Taylor |
" As a professional ballet
dancer with the Wiener Staatsballett for over ten years, I can say that working
with Mr. Richard Chen-See has been nothing but harmonious, motivating, and
incredibly inspiring.
I had the pleasure of working with him on the role of
the featured partner in Dandelion Wine by the renowned Paul Taylor, which was
successfully brought to the stage of the Vienna Volksoper.
During the months of rehearsals leading up to the
premiere, Richard guided us through a well-structured process of learning and
understanding Paul Taylor’s technique and style. He not only demonstrated the
movements with precision and clarity, showcasing his exceptional physical
experience, but also made it incredibly easy and enjoyable for us to absorb a
style that was entirely new to us.
His commitment continued well beyond the premiere from
far away. From New York, he followed our performances closely and sent us
detailed corrections via thoughtfully prepared video presentations. He even
returned to Vienna to watch our shows in person to further help us elevate
the level of our interpretation and performance.
It is rare to meet someone with the level of
dedication and natural gift for coaching and teaching that Richard has. I
can therefore say, that he possesses all the qualities necessary to guide
dancers and students with exceptional efficiency, care, understanding, patience
and professionalism. "
Dragos Musat (dancer
Wiener Staatsballett) 
2023 Dragos Musat & Olivia Poropat in "Dandelion Wine". Photo: Ashley Taylor
I am on the roster of Taylor Dance West in NYC, weekly "open" classes. Please come join me?
TUESDAYS 6:00 - 7:30pm Adult Beginner Ballet (or just think of it as Basics of Ballet)
SATURDAYS 2:00 - 3:30pm Advanced Taylor Modern technique
Sign up and see the full roster of class offerings https://paultaylordance.org/school/open-level/
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