Focus Classes with Holistic Ballet

Venue: Online or at The Mews, London, E3 4TS

Level: general

Dates: see below

Before making your payment, please read the terms and conditions.

Class Benefits

These special-themed classes focus on a particular area of ballet technique, except for the studio Pilates class, which helps to condition your body to be able to work more efficiently in your ballet classes.

Online Classes

Even if we are working online, I can watch you intensely and point out individual and common mistakes.

The class is interactive and you can ask questions.

Additionally, you will be able to re-watch the class with the recording that will be available for three days after the class.

Or, if you cannot attend live, you can catch up in your own time.

Studio Classes

The semi-private classes, with a maximum of six students (plus Herbert my cat), further provide adjustments and modifications for the level you are at.

The atmosphere is friendly and encouraging as we are all struggling together.

Upcoming classes:

ONLINE

20th June Masterclass: Stop Pulling Up, Start Pushing Down

Many dancers believe we need to pull and lift up to dance with grace and master ballet technique. While this is partly true, that lift should be the result of pushing down into the floor.

Think of a rocket: it launches upwards because its engines create force downwards first.

In this masterclass, I’ll show you how using the floor more effectively can change your balance, strength, elevation, and overall quality of movement. These concepts may completely change how dancing feels in your body.

11th July Masterclass: Create Counterforce for Turns

Counterforce is one of the less obvious principles in ballet technique. It requires good body awareness because much of it is intrinsic and, if misunderstood, can become counterproductive.

When applied correctly, however, counterforce can transform your turns. Think of winding up a toy car before releasing it across the floor: creating the right opposing forces allows movement to feel more efficient, powerful, and controlled.

In this masterclass, we will explore how to create and use counterforce to improve stability, coordination, and turning dynamics.

These classes are included in your subscription. They are also available individually.

27th June: Turnout Drills

Join this Turnout Drills class, designed specifically for adult dancers. We'll concentrate on mobility exercises that enhance your range of motion and control, allowing you to feel more freedom and comfort during your ballet technique classes.

My approach prioritises safety and longevity by avoiding forced positions.

This class qualifies for a discount if you bought a subscription. Please email me to receive your code.

The Mews

currently, no classes are scheduled

Holistic Ballet class at The Mews

What to expect:

video footage (online)
focusing on alignment and technique
individual corrections
emphasis on the subject of the individual class
connection with like-minded people
Qs & As

The concept of 'General Level' Classes

'General level', in my opinion, means all but complete beginners should be able to participate and benefit from the class. Therefore, the combinations need to be for the most part simple in choreography, but as my teacher used to say 'Simple does not mean easy.'. What does this look like practically?

If we take an example of a battement tendu exercise, depending on which stage you are in your ballet training, you work on different aspects:

absolute beginner: remembering the combination
beginner: learning that a tendu is brushing a straight leg out and in whilst pointing the foot
advanced beginner: improving the coordination of the gesture foot whilst keeping the pelvis still
intermediate: concentrating on the gesture foot and leg, the alignment of the standing leg, pelvis, and spine
advanced: all of the above, plus core, upper body, and arm positioning, musicality
professional: small cues of all of the above but mainly feeling (rather than thinking) the integrity of the movement

Please note that Herbert the cat will be in the studio. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me.