The work you do at the ballet barre is the foundation for all the other work you do as a dancer. Improve your strength, balance and coordination. Not suitable for beginners.
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In this practical ‘barre only’ class we will follow a standard progression from slower more basic movements to those with more speed and dynamic. Barre work not only builds your skills in ballet, but adds to your proficiency in any other kinds of dance that you do.
What will we cover?
Barre work will include; plié, tendue, degagé, grand battement, adage. A standard progression from slower more basic movements to those with more speed and dynamic.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Perform with improved technique
Demonstrate greater strength and balance
Show improved co-ordination and body alignment.
Use your improved knowledge in other disciplines.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This class is suitable for those with some experience in classical ballet. Complete beginners should join Absolute Beginners Ballet or Classical Ballet: beginners alternatively discuss their level with the drama, dance and speech department.
In order to get the most from the course you will be able to: • Follow spoken instructions. • Use numbers to recognise rhythms within dance. • Work within groups and pairs safely.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
This class is tutor led and the standard French vocabulary will be used. (You don't need to be able to speak French). Students will work as a group and sometimes individually. No work is required outside of the class.
HEALTH CHECK You may or may not be asked to participate in rigorous activity from time to time. Please consider whether you could do this, if you are in any doubt consult a medical practitioner.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Please wear clothing that does not restrict your movement and allows you to adapt to changes in your body temperature. Tights. Leotard or clothing that does not restrict movement will allow your tutor to see your work more clearly. Ballet shoes either canvas or leather with elastics. Jock straps should be worn by men. Students to tie their hair back if it is long for their own saftey and comfort. No jewellery to be worn during class. If you require further information regarding dance wear please contact the drama, dance and speech department.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Ballet at the barre, Floor barre or Classical Ballet: improvers
Alex began teaching classical ballet in 2012 and has been at City Lit since 2017. His life in dance goes back much further, to 1980, when he took his very first steps in ballet, becoming instantly addicted. Having completed his dance training, he embarked on a 16 year stage career with various companies in the UK, Austria, Spain and Germany, performing in classical ballets, contemporary works and in musicals. He holds teaching qualifications from the Royal Academy of Dance and an MA in Dance Pedagogy from the Palucca University of Dresden. In Germany he taught classes at vocational and company level. Since returning to London, he has enjoyed connecting with dancers of all ages and abilities. Alongside City Lit, he teaches at London Studio Centre, Royal Academy of Dance, Gielgud Academy and Pineapple Dance Studios. He loves passing on his knowlege of dance, acquired from many wonderful teachers, to anyone who is curious to learn about the art form. In addition to teaching ballet, he writes about it. From 2018-2020 Alex contributed to the publication Dancing Times. Currently he writes dance articles and and reviews for bachtrack.com.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
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https://www.citylit.ac.uk/ballet-at-the-barre136806Ballet at the barrehttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/b/a/ballet-at-the-barre-ddp010-1024.jpg149149GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Performing arts/Courses/Performing arts/Dance/Courses/Performing arts/Dance/Ballet22851314133013311228513141330<p>The work you do at the ballet barre is the foundation for all the other work you do as a dancer. Improve your strength, balance and coordination. Not suitable for beginners.</p> <div data-content-type="html" data-appearance="default" data-element="main">With this practical ‘barre only’ class we will follow a standard progression from slower more basic movements to those with more speed and dynamic. Barre work not only builds your skills in ballet, but adds to your proficiency in any other kinds of dance that you do.</div>84.92714565Ballet at the barre149149https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/b/a/ballet-at-the-barre-ddp010-1024_36.jpgInStockDaytimeTueKeeley StreetAvailable courses11 weeks or longerWeekday2026-01-13T00:00:00+00:00Some experienceJan 2026Performing artsDDP012149149Ballet at the barre119104149Alexander Simpkinsballet-at-the-barre/ddp012-2526<p>The work you do at the ballet barre is the foundation for all the other work you do as a dancer. Improve your strength, balance and coordination. Not suitable for beginners.</p>0000-Available|2026-01-13 00:00:00<p>In this practical ‘barre only’ class we will follow a standard progression from slower more basic movements to those with more speed and dynamic. Barre work not only builds your skills in ballet, but adds to your proficiency in any other kinds of dance that you do.</p><p>The work you do at the ballet barre is the foundation for all the other work you do as a dancer. Improve your strength, balance and coordination. Not suitable for beginners.</p>Barre work will include; plié, tendue, degagé, grand battement, adage. A standard progression from slower more basic movements to those with more speed and dynamic.<ul><li>Perform with improved technique</li><li>Demonstrate greater strength and balance</li><li>Show improved co-ordination and body alignment.</li><li>Use your improved knowledge in other disciplines.</li></ul><p>This class is suitable for those with some experience in classical ballet. Complete beginners should join Absolute Beginners Ballet or Classical Ballet: beginners alternatively discuss their level with the drama, dance and speech department.<br/><br/>In order to get the most from the course you will be able to:<br/>• Follow spoken instructions.<br/>• Use numbers to recognise rhythms within dance.<br/>• Work within groups and pairs safely.</p>This class is tutor led and the standard French vocabulary will be used. (You don't need to be able to speak French). Students will work as a group and sometimes individually. No work is required outside of the class.<br/><br/>HEALTH CHECK<br/>You may or may not be asked to participate in rigorous activity from time to time. Please consider whether you could do this, if you are in any doubt consult a medical practitioner.Please wear clothing that does not restrict your movement and allows you to adapt to changes in your body temperature. Tights. Leotard or clothing that does not restrict movement will allow your tutor to see your work more clearly. Ballet shoes either canvas or leather with elastics. Jock straps should be worn by men. Students to tie their hair back if it is long for their own saftey and comfort. No jewellery to be worn during class.<br/>If you require further information regarding dance wear please contact the drama, dance and speech department.<p>Ballet at the barre, Floor barre or Classical Ballet: improvers</p>DanceBalletvirtual2964149Ballet at the barre159159https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/b/a/ballet-at-the-barre-ddp010-1024_37.jpgInStockDaytimeTueKeeley StreetAvailable courses11 weeks or longerWeekday2026-04-21T00:00:00+00:00Some experienceApr 2026Performing artsDDP014159159Ballet at the barre127111159Alexander Simpkinsballet-at-the-barre/ddp014-2526<p>The work you do at the ballet barre is the foundation for all the other work you do as a dancer. Improve your strength, balance and coordination. Not suitable for beginners.</p>0000-Available|2026-04-21 00:00:00<p>In this practical ‘barre only’ class we will follow a standard progression from slower more basic movements to those with more speed and dynamic. Barre work not only builds your skills in ballet, but adds to your proficiency in any other kinds of dance that you do.</p><p>The work you do at the ballet barre is the foundation for all the other work you do as a dancer. Improve your strength, balance and coordination. Not suitable for beginners.</p>Barre work will include; plié, tendue, degagé, grand battement, adage. A standard progression from slower more basic movements to those with more speed and dynamic.<ul><li>Perform with improved technique</li><li>Demonstrate greater strength and balance</li><li>Show improved co-ordination and body alignment.</li><li>Use your improved knowledge in other disciplines.</li></ul><p>This class is suitable for those with some experience in classical ballet. Complete beginners should join Absolute Beginners Ballet or Classical Ballet: beginners alternatively discuss their level with the drama, dance and speech department.<br/><br/>In order to get the most from the course you will be able to:<br/>• Follow spoken instructions.<br/>• Use numbers to recognise rhythms within dance.<br/>• Work within groups and pairs safely.</p>This class is tutor led and the standard French vocabulary will be used. (You don't need to be able to speak French). Students will work as a group and sometimes individually. No work is required outside of the class.<br/><br/>HEALTH CHECK<br/>You may or may not be asked to participate in rigorous activity from time to time. Please consider whether you could do this, if you are in any doubt consult a medical practitioner.Please wear clothing that does not restrict your movement and allows you to adapt to changes in your body temperature. Tights. Leotard or clothing that does not restrict movement will allow your tutor to see your work more clearly. Ballet shoes either canvas or leather with elastics. Jock straps should be worn by men. Students to tie their hair back if it is long for their own saftey and comfort. No jewellery to be worn during class.<br/>If you require further information regarding dance wear please contact the drama, dance and speech department.<p>Ballet at the barre, Floor barre or Classical Ballet: improvers</p>DanceBalletvirtual119,127149,159104,111DDP012,DDP014NONETue13/01/26 - 24/03/2617:00 - 18:0017:0018:0011 sessions (over 11 weeks)1111 weeks or longerDaytimeWeekdayKSKeeley StreetAlexander SimpkinsSome experienceAvailable courses2026-01-13T00:00:00+00:00,2026-04-21T00:00:00+00:00Jan 2026,Apr 2026Performing arts149149,159Ballet at the barreballet-at-the-barre/ddp012-2526,ballet-at-the-barre/ddp014-2526<p>The work you do at the ballet barre is the foundation for all the other work you do as a dancer. Improve your strength, balance and coordination. Not suitable for beginners.</p>0000-Available|2026-01-13 00:00:00<p>In this practical ‘barre only’ class we will follow a standard progression from slower more basic movements to those with more speed and dynamic. Barre work not only builds your skills in ballet, but adds to your proficiency in any other kinds of dance that you do.</p><p>The work you do at the ballet barre is the foundation for all the other work you do as a dancer. Improve your strength, balance and coordination. Not suitable for beginners.</p>Barre work will include; plié, tendue, degagé, grand battement, adage. A standard progression from slower more basic movements to those with more speed and dynamic.<ul><li>Perform with improved technique</li><li>Demonstrate greater strength and balance</li><li>Show improved co-ordination and body alignment.</li><li>Use your improved knowledge in other disciplines.</li></ul><p>This class is suitable for those with some experience in classical ballet. Complete beginners should join Absolute Beginners Ballet or Classical Ballet: beginners alternatively discuss their level with the drama, dance and speech department.<br/><br/>In order to get the most from the course you will be able to:<br/>• Follow spoken instructions.<br/>• Use numbers to recognise rhythms within dance.<br/>• Work within groups and pairs safely.</p>This class is tutor led and the standard French vocabulary will be used. (You don't need to be able to speak French). Students will work as a group and sometimes individually. No work is required outside of the class.<br/><br/>HEALTH CHECK<br/>You may or may not be asked to participate in rigorous activity from time to time. Please consider whether you could do this, if you are in any doubt consult a medical practitioner.Please wear clothing that does not restrict your movement and allows you to adapt to changes in your body temperature. Tights. Leotard or clothing that does not restrict movement will allow your tutor to see your work more clearly. Ballet shoes either canvas or leather with elastics. Jock straps should be worn by men. Students to tie their hair back if it is long for their own saftey and comfort. No jewellery to be worn during class.<br/>If you require further information regarding dance wear please contact the drama, dance and speech department.<p>Ballet at the barre, Floor barre or Classical Ballet: improvers</p>DanceBalletconfigurable
