Ballet body conditioning
Choose a starting date
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
- Start Date: 09 May 2025End Date: 11 Jul 2025Last Spaces LeftFri (Daytime): 10:30 - 12:00In PersonLocation: Keeley StreetDuration: 10 sessions (over -10 weeks)Course Code: DDP022Tutors: Alexander SimpkinsFull fee £199.00 Senior fee £159.00 Concession £139.00
- Start Date: 19 Sep 2025End Date: 05 Dec 2025Fri (Daytime): 10:30 - 12:00In PersonLocation: Keeley StreetDuration: 12 sessions (over -12 weeks)Course Code: DDP020Tutors: Alexander SimpkinsFull fee £239.00 Senior fee £191.00 Concession £167.00
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
The class starts at the barre using both parallel and turned-out positions of the legs, with a strong emphasis on continuous flow of movement. All parts of the body are worked, both in isolation and together. The centre comprises of floor exercises and travelling movement sequences. Prior knowledge of ballet is an advantage as some ballet terminology will be referred to during the course.
What will we cover?
This course is beneficial to anyone who wants to increase their level of fitness. The course will help you improve mobility, flexibility, strength, stamina, co-ordination, musicality, artistry and quick assimilation skills in dance.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
Demonstrate greater awareness of classical posture and correct technique
Enjoy the full range of movement practised according to your body's capability
Increased fitness levels and stamina.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Ideal for those who already have good physical awareness and have studied a dance discipline at a basic level. Open to all levels however prior knowledge of ballet is an advantage as some ballet terminology will be referred to during the course.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
This is a practical class. Teaching will include practical exercises, demonstration and feedback.
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. Students to tie their hair back if it is long for their own safety and comfort.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Continue with this class or try one of our many other dance courses
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.