Educator Resources: The Sleeping Beauty Student Matinee

Thank you for bringing your students to The Sleeping Beauty student matinee on May 19!

Utilize the resources below to prepare your students to see the performance! Let us know if you have any questions at education@pittsburghballet.org.

Instructional Resources and Materials

Guide to the ballet: Educator Resource Guide, which includes general information on the ballet.
The Sleeping Beauty story: A slide show presentation of the ballet story illustrated with PBT photos. This is a quick and easy way to preview the ballet for your class.
Content area connections: See below for ideas to connect the ballet to your curriculum (adaptable as needed to meet the needs of your students).
- Music activity ideas
  - Compare and contrast Tchaikovsky’s “Garland Waltz” with two newer versions (page 12 of the Educator Guide) (all grades)
  - Take a deep dive into music vocabulary with this Listening Guide for four iconic tunes from the ballet (music and high school students)
- Choreography activities
  - Try out the five basic positions of ballet (all grades)
  - Explore ballet mime (all grades)
- Arts and humanities activity ideas
  - Explore the Wedding Pas de Deux (Act 3)
    - Instructional aid (presentation)
    - Pas de Deux activity
    - Pas de Deux lesson plan (grades 3 – 5 but adaptable to different levels)
  - Writing prompts (adaptable)
  - Carabosse’s Costume (all grades)
Do’s and Don’ts of Theater Etiquette: prepare your students for a trip to a theater with these know-before-you-go tips.
Take-home flyer: Informational flyer for families to print and send home with students!

Recorded Educational Videos

Dance the Story (PreK and elementary)
- PBT teaching artist reads The Sleeping Beauty story, followed by a ballet class and Sleeping Beauty -themed movement activity.
  - 0:00 – 8:16 – story reading
  - 8:16 – 13:07 – quick and easy ballet class
  - 13:07 – 15:58 – learn the Bluebird dance
Behind the Curtain with Janet Groom Campbell (Middle / High School)
- Learn about making a tutu for The Sleeping Beauty with former PBT Costumier Janet Groom Campbell. This video looks at three tutus; Aurora’s Wedding Pas de Deux tutu from Act 3 of The Sleeping Beauty is covered from 15:40 – 23:03.

Just for Fun!