Adult Beginner Ballet Classes
If you are an Absolute Beginner with no prior experience, we suggest checking out our Introduction to Ballet Masterclass first or our Absolute Beginners Ballet Class.
Beginner Ballet Technique Class
Thursdays, 8 - 9.15pm (WAC Arts, 213 Haverstock Hill, (Dance Studio 1), Belsize Park, NW3 4QP)
Next term dates: Thursdays, 9 January - 27 March 2025 (Buy the 12-week course or book a drop-in class HERE)
Adults in our Beginners Technique Class at WAC Arts
Our Beginner Ballet Technique class is designed to break down the essentials of ballet, focusing on proper execution, alignment, and body mechanics. In many drop-in classes, there’s limited time to explore the finer details of technique, leaving beginners unsure of how to engage the right muscles or move efficiently. We take a different approach: patient, detailed instruction, just like the training given to children or pre-professional dancers.
This class provides a safe and supportive environment where we guide you through the fundamentals of the ballet barre and key centre movements. The goal is to develop a strong technical foundation and introduce healthy movement patterns to minimise the risk of injury. We utilise innovative and progressive exercises to build strength and flexibility, helping you improve both quickly and sustainably. We encourage students to ask questions, seek feedback, and receive hands-on corrections to ensure you feel confident in your progress. Whether you’re working on perfecting a tendu or understanding turnout, our focus is on clean execution, precision, and muscle engagement.
Beginner Ballet Variation Class
Sundays, 6.30 -8pm (The Place, 16 Flaxman Terrace, (Studio 4), Kings Cross, London, WC1H 9AT)
Next term dates: Sundays, 5 January - 23 March 2025 (Buy the 12-week course or book a drop-in class HERE)
Beginner students, Group Performance in Variations class
Our Beginner Ballet Variation class combines the fundamentals of ballet with a focus on expression, musicality, and performance. Many adult dance classes concentrate solely on technique, but we believe that artistry and individual expression are essential from the start. In this class, we dive into how dance can tell stories and how you can use movement to convey emotions and narratives through your body.
In addition to the barre and centre exercises, you’ll learn one iconic ballet variation (routine) every four weeks. These variations are inspired by classical productions such as Swan Lake or The Nutcracker, allowing you to experience the joy of linking steps into longer sequences. Learning choreography in this way is a fantastic way for beginners to develop memory, rhythm, and flow, giving you the feeling of dancing from day one! On Week 4 students have the opportunity to perform in small groups (optional).
This class is perfect for beginner dancers who have some familiarity with ballet basics and are ready to explore choreography. This class complements our Beginner Technique class. While the technique class emphasises muscle engagement and movement fundamentals, the variation class focuses more on musicality, dance quality, and stage presence. Both classes work together to provide a well-rounded learning experience for new dancers.
FAQs
-
Both classes are 90 minutes long and begin with approximately 45 minutes of barre work. In the second half, the Beginner Technique class focuses on centre work, while the Beginner Variation class dives into set choreography, practicing a routine over four weeks. This structure provides greater continuity within the variation class.
If your primary goal is to build strength, control, coordination, and balance, the Technique class is perfect for learning and refining ballet fundamentals (barre and centre work). If you’re more excited to develop musicality, artistry, and explore the storylines and characters of classical ballets, the Variation class will suit you better.
-
You can definitely attend both classes, as they complement each other well! Participating in both the Beginner Technique and Beginner Variation classes allows you to focus on refining your foundational skills while also exploring choreography and expressing your artistic side. Many students find that attending both enhances their overall ballet experience and helps them progress more quickly. If you plan to attend both, check out the Packages on our Booking page, as this will work out more economical.
-
Yes! Absolute beginners can and do start their ballet journey at LBC with these classes. You are welcome to attend without any prior experience. However, please note that in beginner ballet classes, some students may have been practicing at this level for a while and will become more experienced over time. If you prefer a session where everyone has no prior experience, we recommend starting HERE.
But don’t be discouraged! Our beginner classes are structured to accommodate a range of abilities within the beginner level, and having more experienced students in the class can be helpful for support and inspiration. So if one of these classes intrigues you, definitely come and try it out!
-
Simply wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely and without restriction. Soft ballet shoes are recommended (you can buy these from Capezio or Bloch in Covent Garden). But if you don’t have ballet shoes for your first lesson, socks will be sufficient.
-
Our Beginner Technique and Variation classes operate on a termly basis, typically consisting of 12-week terms. On average, about half of the students in our classes are enrolled for the full term, while the other half of the spaces are reserved for drop-in students. Therefore, you can certainly drop in without committing to a full term if you’d like to try out the class. If your schedule is unpredictable and you can only attend on an ad hoc basis, you are welcome to drop in to classes as well. Book your class HERE.
-
Unfortunately we do not accept walk-ins or cash payment on the day. Our classes are very popular and typically sell out. To ensure your spot in class, we recommend booking in advance via our website booking page.
-
This is an important question. Progress in ballet can vary significantly from person to person, depending on factors like your previous experience, how often you attend classes, your personal goals and private practice between lessons. Generally, if you attend classes consistently, you may start to notice improvements in your strength, flexibility, and technique within a few months. Many students see noticeable progress within a term (around 12 weeks).
Importantly, progress can happen within the same level. You don't need to jump to intermediate to demonstrate your growth. Instead, you can opt for harder options and modifications within the Beginner class, allowing you to challenge yourself and build confidence at your own pace. Advancing to higher level classes or mastering more complex movements can take longer, often requiring months or even years of dedicated practice. For children, it can take up to 10 years! We encourage adults to push themselves without rushing the process - ballet is an art of patience and lots of practice!
Focusing on YOUR personal growth and enjoyment of the art form is just as important as any milestones. We encourage you to celebrate small victories along the way! When you are ready, you can consider trying out the next level by attending one of our Improvers Masterclasses.