Dance History
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
Undefined
Expected learning outcomes
Undefined
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Starting from the study of dance history, the course offers an overview of the art of choreography through the viewing and analysis of selected performances from the classical, modern, and contemporary repertoire. Special attention will be given to the stage legacy of Romantic ballet and the artistic journey of Diaghilev and the Ballets Russes. Meetings and performances will be organized in collaboration with the Elfo Puccini Theatre and La Scala Theatre.
Prerequisites for admission
Knowledge of the basic concepts of historical chronology and main movements of Italian and European literature and culture is recommended. Classes are in Italian language.
Teaching methods
The course aims to provide knowledge of the main themes related to the history of dance, its methods of investigation, and their application in various fields (dramaturgy, performance, production, scenography). The lessons are designed to develop analytical and critical skills and competencies. During the course, attending students will have the opportunity to attend selected performances of classical, modern, and contemporary dance staged in Milan's theatres.
Teaching Resources
Attending Students (Attending students are those listed in the attendance sheet compiled by the instructor during the classes held between October and December 2025)
Lecture notes.
Complete study of the following 2 volumes:
1. Elena Cervellati, *Storia della danza* \[History of Dance], Turin, Pearson, 2020.
2. Elena Randi, *La grande stagione del balletto russo. Fra Ottocento e Novecento: tradizione e avanguardia* \[The Golden Age of Russian Ballet. Between the 19th and 20th Century: Tradition and Avant-garde], Rome, Dino Audino, 2022.
Non-Attending Students
Complete study of the following 3 volumes:
1. Elena Cervellati, *Storia della danza* \[History of Dance], Turin, Pearson, 2020.
2. Elena Randi, *La grande stagione del balletto russo. Fra Ottocento e Novecento: tradizione e avanguardia* \[The Golden Age of Russian Ballet. Between the 19th and 20th Century: Tradition and Avant-garde], Rome, Dino Audino, 2022.
3. Alessandro Pontremoli, *La danza 2.0. Paesaggi coreografici del nuovo millennio* \[Dance 2.0. Choreographic Landscapes of the New Millennium], Rome-Bari, Laterza, 2018.
Lecture notes.
Complete study of the following 2 volumes:
1. Elena Cervellati, *Storia della danza* \[History of Dance], Turin, Pearson, 2020.
2. Elena Randi, *La grande stagione del balletto russo. Fra Ottocento e Novecento: tradizione e avanguardia* \[The Golden Age of Russian Ballet. Between the 19th and 20th Century: Tradition and Avant-garde], Rome, Dino Audino, 2022.
Non-Attending Students
Complete study of the following 3 volumes:
1. Elena Cervellati, *Storia della danza* \[History of Dance], Turin, Pearson, 2020.
2. Elena Randi, *La grande stagione del balletto russo. Fra Ottocento e Novecento: tradizione e avanguardia* \[The Golden Age of Russian Ballet. Between the 19th and 20th Century: Tradition and Avant-garde], Rome, Dino Audino, 2022.
3. Alessandro Pontremoli, *La danza 2.0. Paesaggi coreografici del nuovo millennio* \[Dance 2.0. Choreographic Landscapes of the New Millennium], Rome-Bari, Laterza, 2018.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The examination consists of a written test designed to test knowledge of the history of dance and the in-depth bibliography provided in the syllabus, with special attention to argumentative ability and terminological competence in the discipline. This syllabus is valid from the first exam call until the end of the exam calls scheduled for A.Y. 2025-2026. Incoming international or Erasmus students are encouraged to make timely contact with the course instructor. Examination arrangements for students with disabilities and/or DSA must be arranged with the lecturer in consultation with the appropriate office.
Professor(s)