Figure 1.--

Italy played a key role in the development of ballet. HBC has, however, little information on ballet instruction in modern Italy. The only information that HBC has succeeded in finding is some on La Scala. HBC still has little information about what Italian boys think of ballet and the types of costumes they wear.

Historical Role

Italy played a key role in the development of ballet. The court dances which were conducted in Renaissance Italy are generally seen as the genesis of modern ballet.

La Scala Ballet School

History

The Royal Iperial Academy of La Scala Theatre was founded in 1813. Pupils pursued an 8-year program. They exercized with music provided by a violin player. During its history, the School had first-class Directors such as Carlo Blasis (1838-1853), Enrico Cecchetti (1925-1929), Cia Fornaroli (1929-1932), Ettorina Mazzucchelli (1932-1950), Esmée Bulnes (1951-1967) and John Field (1972-1974). Since 1974 the School has been managed by Anna Maria Prina, who was herself pupil of the School and then soloist of La Scala Company.

New school

Since January 1998, the School has a new seat at via Campo Lodigiano. The move via Campo Lodigiano has great historical importance: after 185 years in the Theatre, the young followers of Terpsichore have now an entire building for their classes and rehearsals. In 1999 the School renewed and updated its programmes: after a 5-year foundation course, pupils can choose between a 3-year specialisation in classical dance or modern dance; moreover, in the same year, classes for beginners started. Since 1994, courses for Academic Dance Teachers and for Ballet Pianists are held at the Ballet School. >br>

Study programmes and methods

The purpose of La Scala Ballet School is to train future dancers to achieve the highest possible academic level. Pupils attend the middle and high school connected to the Ballet School. Today La Scala Ballet School uses the Italian teaching method, taking the best from the Russian School, the French and English one, blended with the more recent American school. The curriculum includes classes in ballet technique, pointe work, men's technique, pas de deux, repertoire, character, spanish, historical and modern dances, body conditioning, ballet history and music theory. Courses last 8 years: a 5 years foundation course is followed by three years of specialisation in classical dance or modern dance. To improve their artistic training, students have the opportunity to participate as dancers in the productions of La Scala Theatre, both ballets and operas. Moreover, students also dance in the annual production of the School, which includes classical-academic pieces and pieces of contemporary and/or modern style created especially for the School.

Candidates

Candidates must be between 11 and 17 years of age for admission to the School and between 6 and 10 years of age for classes for beginners. Examinations for the first course and the first session of admission to the courses from the second to the seventh are held in April-May. The second session of admission to the courses from the second to the seventh is held within 5th September each year. Entrance examinations for classes for beginners is held during the seconf half of September. Admission to the Ballet School is subject to the favourable and incontestable judgement of the Examining Commission, nominated by the Sovrintendente of La Scala Theatre. Final admission will take place after a month's trial period. School attendance is compulsory.

Ballet in Italy

Italy played a key role in the development of ballet. HBC has, however, little information on ballet instruction in modern Italy. HBC also has little information about what Italian boys think of ballet and the types of costumes they wear. It is likely that Italian girls as in most of Europe are the children primarily interested in ballet.