Ballet

Classical Ballet is the oldest form of western theatrical dance dating back to the Renaissance in Italy and gaining popularity after Louis XIV of France gave the dance form prominence at his court.  Consequently, ballet terminology is still in French to this day.  The technique has developed from “turned out” legs enabling technical skill and a clean leg line.  Ballet steps are performed à-terre (on the ground) or en-l’air (in the air) and at an advanced level involve technical feats of virtuosity including dancing en-pointe.  But it is the ability to combine artistry and expressive interpretation with technical excellence that gives the classical ballet dancer elite artistic status.

Adult Ballet Beginners Level 1

Classes will introduce students to the basic barre exercises (performed holding on to a wooden barre for support) and then progress to simple centre work (performed without support).  Students will learn porte-de-bras (carriage of the arms), preparation for pirouettes (turns) and simple enchainements (combinations) of ballet steps.

Adult Ballet Beginners Level 2

Designed for students with a basic grounding of ballet technique.  Barre exercises will continue to develop postural alignment, strength and flexibility and centre work will advance students’ knowledge and their ability to perform ballet steps.

Adult Ballet Open Level

Designed for students with a good working knowledge of ballet technique.  The class will concentrate on developing strength and finessing all aspects of ballet technique while also extending dancers’ performance abilities.