Mature Learner

Looking into LONG lasting movement…

A low-impact ballet class is designed to provide the benefits of ballet training with reduced stress on the joints and muscles, making it suitable for individuals with mobility issues, joint pain, or those who prefer a gentler form of exercise. Here's what you might find in such a class:

1. Gentle Warm-Up: The class begins with a gentle warm-up focusing on mobilising the joints, increasing circulation, and gently stretching the muscles to prepare the body for movement.

2. Barre Work: Low-impact exercises are performed at the barre to improve posture, balance, and strength, with a focus on maintaining proper alignment and technique while minimizing strain on the joints.

3. Center Work: Center exercises are modified to be gentle on the body, with an emphasis on improving coordination, flexibility, and range of motion through slow, controlled movements.

4. Adapted Technique: Ballet movements and combinations are adapted to accommodate individual needs and limitations, with options for seated or standing variations and the use of props such as chairs or resistance bands for added support.

5. Mindful Movement: Participants are encouraged to focus on breath awareness and mindfulness throughout the class, fostering a deeper connection between the body and mind while promoting relaxation and stress relief.

6. Artistic Expression: While the focus is on technique and physical conditioning, there is still room for artistic expression and musicality, allowing participants to enjoy the beauty and elegance of ballet movement at their own pace and comfort level.

Overall, a mature learner ballet class offers a safe and inclusive environment for individuals of all ages and abilities to enjoy the benefits of ballet training while minimising the risk of injury and discomfort.

Absolute Beginner

Looking into Foundations…

In the adult absolute beginners ballet class “Foundations”, participants are introduced to the foundational elements of ballet technique in a supportive and welcoming atmosphere. The class typically includes:

1. Basic Ballet Positions and Movements: Students learn the five positions of the feet and arms, as well as fundamental ballet movements like pliés, tendus, and dégagés.

2. Barre Work: Gentle exercises are performed at the barre to help students develop balance, strength, and flexibility. This may include simple exercises to improve turnout and alignment.

3. Center Work: Basic exercises in the center of the studio focus on posture, coordination, and basic ballet steps, gradually building confidence and comfort in movement.

4. Introduction to Ballet Terminology: Students are introduced to basic ballet terminology to help them understand and communicate effectively in class.

5. Artistic Exploration: Emphasis is placed on musicality and expression, encouraging students to connect with the music and express themselves through movement.

6. Cool Down and Stretching: The class concludes with gentle stretching exercises to improve flexibility and prevent injury.

Our adult absolute beginners ballet class provides a supportive and encouraging environment for individuals who are new to ballet, offering the opportunity to learn the basics of this beautiful art form while developing strength, grace, and confidence.

Elementary (Beginner/Intermediate)

Looking Into Level 1…

In the beginner ballet class, participants are introduced to the fundamentals of ballet technique in a supportive and welcoming environment. The class typically includes:

1. Basic Barre Exercises: Simple exercises at the barre to help students develop strength, balance, and flexibility. This may include pliés, tendus, dégagés, and rond de jambes.

2. Center Work: Beginner-level exercises to improve posture, coordination, and basic ballet movements. This may include learning how to balance, shift weight, and move gracefully in the center of the studio.

3. Introduction to Ballet Vocabulary: Students learn basic ballet terminology and positions, such as the five positions of the feet and arms, as well as simple ballet steps like relevés and sautés.

4. Foundational Techniques: Focus on correct body alignment, turnout, and foot placement, laying the groundwork for more advanced movements in the future.

5. Artistic Exploration: Emphasis on musicality and expression, encouraging students to connect with the music and express themselves through movement.

6. Cool Down and Stretching: The class concludes with a gentle cool down session, incorporating stretches to improve flexibility and prevent injury.

Our beginner ballet class provides a supportive and encouraging environment for individuals who are new to ballet, offering the opportunity to learn the basics of this beautiful art form while developing strength, grace, and confidence.

Intermediate

Looking Into Level 2…

In the intermediate ballet class, dancers continue to refine their technique and expand their repertoire. The class typically includes:

1. Barre Work: Intermediate-level exercises focusing on building strength, flexibility, and coordination. This includes combinations of pliés, tendus, dégagés, and rond de jambes.

2. Center Work: Dancers move to the center of the studio to practice more complex combinations and sequences. This may include adagio exercises to improve balance and control, as well as allegro exercises incorporating small jumps and traveling steps.

3. Introduction to Pirouettes and Turns: Intermediate dancers begin to learn the mechanics of turns such as pirouettes, focusing on spotting, balance, and coordination.

4. Introduction to Pointe Work (for female dancers): For those ready to begin pointe work, the class may include introductory exercises to strengthen the feet and ankles, preparing dancers for dancing on pointe shoes.

5. Artistic Expression: Throughout the class, emphasis is placed on musicality, expression, and performance quality. Dancers are encouraged to interpret the music and express themselves through movement.

6. Cool Down and Stretching: The class concludes with a cool down period, focusing on stretching and flexibility exercises to prevent injury and promote muscle recovery.

Our intermediate ballet class provides a supportive environment for dancers to continue their training, refine their technique, and develop their artistry. It offers a balance of challenge and encouragement, helping dancers progress on their journey towards mastery of the ballet art form.

Advanced

Looking into Level 3…

In the advanced ballet class, dancers engage in intensive training to refine their skills and elevate their artistry. The class typically consists of:

1. Barre Work: Advanced barre exercises focus on perfecting technique, strength, and flexibility. This includes intricate combinations of pliés, tendus, dégagés, ronds de jambe, and grand battements, executed with precision and fluidity.

2. Center Work: Dancers move to the center of the studio to practice more complex combinations and sequences. This may include adagio work emphasizing control and balance, allegro work featuring fast and intricate footwork, and turns such as pirouettes, fouettés, and multiple turns.

3. Jumps and Leaps: Advanced dancers refine their jumps and leaps, incorporating allegro combinations that require power, speed, and elevation. This may include grande jetés, tours en l'air, and intricate petit allegro sequences.

4. Repertoire: Dancers learn excerpts from classical ballets immersing themselves in different styles and techniques. This may involve rehearsing variations from famous ballets or learning choreography from renowned choreographers.

5. Cool Down and Stretching: The class concludes with a cool down period, focusing on stretching and flexibility exercises to prevent injury and promote muscle recovery.

Overall, our advanced ballet class provides a challenging yet enriching environment where dancers can continue to push their boundaries, refine their technique, and deepen their passion for the art form.

Professional & Pre-Professional

Looking into Level 4…

In the adults' very advanced ballet class, participants engage in rigorous training to refine their technique and deepen their artistry. The class typically includes:

1. Advanced Barre Work: Complex combinations of barre exercises to enhance strength, flexibility, and control. This includes intricate adagio movements, challenging allegro sequences, and dynamic grand battements.

2. Center Work: Advanced center exercises focusing on intricate footwork, turns, and jumps. Dancers refine their pirouettes, fouettés, and tours en l'air, while mastering the art of dynamic musicality and expression.

3. Pointe Work (for female dancers): For those on pointe, the class includes advanced pointe exercises to further develop strength, balance, and technique, incorporating intricate pointe variations and intricate footwork.

4. Repertoire and Variations: Participants learn excerpts from classical ballets or contemporary works, delving into the artistry and storytelling aspects of dance while mastering complex choreography and partnering techniques.

5. Artistic Exploration: Emphasis is placed on artistic expression, encouraging dancers to infuse each movement with emotion, intention, and personal interpretation, fostering a deeper connection to the art form.

6. Cool Down and Stretching: The class concludes with a thorough cool down session, focusing on stretching and flexibility exercises to promote muscle recovery and prevent injury.

Our adults' very advanced ballet class provides a challenging yet rewarding environment for experienced dancers to continue their ballet journey, pushing their boundaries, and reaching new heights of technical mastery and artistic expression.

Post Professional

Looking into retirement…

In the post-professional ballet class tailored for retired dancers, the focus shifts towards maintaining physical fitness, enhancing technique, and fostering a sense of community. The class typically includes:

1. Gentle Warm-Up: A thorough warm-up session to prepare the body for movement, incorporating gentle stretches, joint mobilisation exercises, and breathing techniques to improve flexibility and circulation.

2. Technique Refinement: Intermediate to advanced-level exercises focusing on refining ballet technique, alignment, and posture. This may include barre work, center exercises, and adagio combinations tailored to the needs and abilities of retired dancers.

3. Artistic Exploration: Opportunities for retired dancers to express themselves creatively through movement, improvisation, and choreographic exploration, fostering a sense of artistic fulfillment and personal expression.

4. Community Connection: Emphasis on building a supportive and inclusive community among retired dancers, providing opportunities for social interaction, camaraderie, and shared experiences.

5. Mindfulness and Well-being: Integration of mindfulness practices, such as meditation, visualization, or relaxation techniques, to promote mental well-being, stress reduction, and overall vitality in retirement.

6. Adaptation and Modification: Adaptation of movement sequences and exercises to accommodate any physical limitations or injuries, allowing retired dancers to continue enjoying the benefits of ballet in a safe and supportive environment.

7. Celebration of Legacy: Acknowledgment and celebration of the rich legacy and contributions of retired dancers to the world of ballet, honoring their lifelong dedication and passion for the art form.

In our post-professional ballet class for retired dancers, the emphasis is on nurturing the physical, emotional, and artistic well-being of participants, providing a fulfilling and enriching experience that honors their lifelong dedication to ballet.