Project by: Sophie Stomberg-Firestein (11th Grade)
Project Advisor: Peggy Peloquin
Student(s)’s Advisor(s): Peggy Peloquin

Although I have been dancing ballet since the age of 3, I recently realized how little I knew about the history and origins of ballet. This Honors Project has helped me gain a better understanding of ballet’s complex history, influence and its impact on the world today. At the beginning of the project, I read the Diary of Vaslav Nijinsky. Vaslav Nijinsky was a Russian ballet dancer and choreographer during the early 20th Century who was famous for his sensational leaps and sensitive interpretations. In 1907, Nijinsky became a soloist at the Mariinsky Theater where he danced lead roles in many classical ballets. However, in 1919, Nijinsky’s brilliant career was cut short after he suffered a nervous breakdown. In the weeks leading up to his breakdown, Nijinsky kept a diary where he expressed his last lucid thoughts on war, love, God, the universe and his own life. The diary was originally published in 1953 and provides a unique insight into Nijinsky’s inner life and emotions. Reading his diary was a very interesting experience for me because it was unlike anything I have ever read before, and although I did not learn much about the history of ballet, it provided me with a personal account of Nijinsky’s thought process and his emotions. As the trimester continued, I began researching the cultural history of ballet. Using a variety of sources, I researched the development of classical ballet from its origins in the Italian Renaissance, through its flourishing in the French courts, to its full realization as a classical art form in Russia of the 19th and 20th centuries. I also researched the history of the world’s most prestigious ballet companies and ballet schools. Overall, the experience was very insightful and I discovered a lot about the history of ballet. In the future, I plan on continuing my research and perhaps studying ballet in relation to social and political movements. 

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PROJECT PROPOSAL

Please write a description of the project you are proposing. Why do you want to take this on, and what do you hope to learn?

The idea for this project started as a curiosity about the history of ballet. Outside of school, I have been dancing ballet at the Joffrey Ballet School for over 10 years. This year, I realized that despite my passion, I actually know very little about ballet’s cultural history. For this project, I will trace the development of classical dance from its origins in the Italian Renaissance, through its flourishing in the French royal courts, to its full realization as a classical art form in Russia of the 19th and 20th centuries. I will explore the roles some of the great personalities in ballet’s history have played in its evolution. These would include Diaghilev, Pavlova, Balanchine, Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky, and others. I will discuss the specific contributions made by each and how each influenced the development of the art form.

Critical thinking, creativity, citizenship and courage are essential LREI learning values. Explain how you’ll draw on at least one of these values to complete your proposed project?

To complete my proposed project, I will draw on critical thinking by questioning information/viewpoints, examining multiple perspectives, and weighing the evidence.

What is your proposed outcome? How will you be able to demonstrate successful completion of this Project? How do you plan to share your learnings with the larger LREI community (e.g., exhibit of work, poster of learnings, performance, etc.)?

The final product of my Honors Project would be a google presentation on the cultural history of ballet. I also plan on complementing the paper with various photographs and artwork that depict different aspects of ballet and its rich history.

Please provide a general outline that indicates your work plan for the trimester? What are some of the key project benchmarks (i.e., goals that will help to ensure that you finish the project)?

For the first half of the trimester, I plan on doing extensive research on the history of ballet. I will probably use Noodle Tools to make notecards, record my research and keep track of my sources. During the 2nd half of the trimester, I plan on working on the presentation.

When do you plan on meeting?
We plan on meeting on Thursdays during X-Block.