Classical ballet: improvers 1
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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: 18 Sep 2025End Date: 27 Nov 2025Thu (Daytime): 17:00 - 18:30In PersonLocation: Keeley StreetDuration: 11 sessions (over -11 weeks)Course Code: DDM002Tutors: Alexander SimpkinsFull fee £219.00 Senior fee £175.00 Concession £153.00
- Start Date: 08 May 2025End Date: 10 Jul 2025This course has startedThu (Daytime): 17:00 - 18:30In PersonLocation: Keeley StreetDuration: 10 sessions (over -10 weeks)Course Code: DDM006Tutors: Alexander SimpkinsFull fee £199.00 Senior fee £159.00 Concession £139.00
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What is the course about?
Improvers 1 will help you to help extend your knowledge and understanding of the classical technique. The course is about development of skill and to improve and develop your posture, strength, co-ordination and flexibility in a relaxed and safe environment. These ballet classes are faster paced and will include more intricate combinations both at the barre and in the centre which will further challenge you and strengthen your ballet skills.
What will we cover?
Class work will be conducted in the form of a traditional ballet class incorporating the topics included within both barre work and centre practice (port de bras, adage, allegro) with an emphasis on correct posture, alignment, strength and co-ordination. Each week you will build on prior learning, enabling you to continue to master the skills fundamental to all ballet. You will broaden your ballet vocabulary verbally and in practice.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
Learn more complex steps and sequences
Strengthen your classical technique and personal expression
Enjoy a fuller range of movement practised according to your capability.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is an improvers class suitable for those with prior experience, minimum one year. You can also join these classes if you have prior ballet experience and have been regularly taking lessons somewhere else. If you have had a break for a while we recommend you take one of our beginners' classes to refresh your muscle memory before moving on to this level.
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?
Teaching will include practical exercises, discussion, observation and supportive feedback to both individuals and the group. The class will take place in a well equipped, modern sprung floor studio with music. It is essential to be ready to start on time.
As part of the course content, your tutor may record your image for initial and ongoing assessment purposes. You are entitled to decline to participate in the recording of your image.
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 safety and comfort.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Continue with Ballet improvers 1 or ask your tutor about improvers 2 and other Ballet classes.
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.