Men's ballet

Course Dates: 16/01/25 - 27/03/25
Time: 17:00 - 18:00
Location: Keeley Street
Tutors: 
Martin Wimpress
Perfect if you've never taken a ballet class before, or if you did ballet as a child and want to return. This men’s ballet course provides slow and fun training in how to use your body correctly, with a focus on correct placement, stance and posture.
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Full fee £129.00 Senior fee £103.00
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Men's ballet
  • Course Code: DDP031
  • Dates: 16/01/25 - 27/03/25
  • Time: 17:00 - 18:00
  • Taught: Thu, Daytime
  • Duration: 11 sessions (over 11 weeks)
  • Location: Keeley Street
  • Tutor: Martin Wimpress

Course Code: DDP031

Choose a start date  

Thu, day, 16 Jan - 27 Mar '25

Duration: 11 sessions (over 11 weeks)

Any questions? drama@citylit.ac.uk
or call 020 4582 0413

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?

This is a practical dance class. You will learn the basic technique of classical Ballet which includes; correct posture, specific placement of the body and fundamental exercises within short routines. You will also gain greater strength and flexibility. The class will follow a traditional structure of barre and centre practice.

What will we cover?

The topics follow a traditional teaching structure of barre, centre practice, adage and allegro work. Barre work helps to improve posture, alignment and flexibility. Centre work will work on co-ordination, improving stamina and at the same time understanding the basic technique and style.
These elements will be taught using a range of Ballet exercises and combinations and will lead to increased awareness and ability with regard to co-ordination, balance, rhythm, dynamics and musicality. We will use this learning to practise a range of short dance enchainment’s (combinations). You will become familiar with the standard French vocabulary used in Ballet.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

Perform a range of basic and compound steps.
Develop improved co-ordination and body alignment.
Use and appreciate the music and its function.
Recognise an increase in confidence and well being.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This is a beginners' class or for those with some experience. This class is suitable for actors, dancers, performers, athletes, and is open to all ages.
A beginners' dance class isn’t just for newcomers. In any beginner’s dance class there will be students from all types of backgrounds. We all have different learning techniques and paces. If your first class seems overwhelming and you can’t get it the first time, don’t worry: dance is heavily reliant on repetition so it will happen. We want you to learn and to have fun so just give it your best and keep coming back!
In order to get the most from the course you will be able to:
• Follow spoken instructions in English
• 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. Teaching will include practical class work, discussion, observation and supportive feedback for individual and group awareness. The standard French vocabulary will be introduced and used.
No work is required outside of 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.

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. No jewellery to be worn during class, for safety. Clothing and shoes can be purchased from specialist dance shops in and around Covent Garden or online.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Continue with Men's ballet, try a different ballet class or explore one of our many other dance courses.

Martin Wimpress

Martin has enjoyed a varied career as a performer, director and choreographer. A long-standing career as a dance and movement teacher Martin trained at Laine Theatre Arts and is currently co-ordinator for Dance & Movement at the City Lit where he also teaches Men’s Ballet and Movement for Actors on the Level 2 and Level 3 accredited courses. Previous credits include; Choreographer for the first ever UK stage show of ‘Lazytown Live!’. Associate Choreographer ‘Singa-longa-Abba’ Trafalgar Studios and ‘Dancing In The Streets’ starring Martha Reeves The London Palladium & national tour. Assistant to Steven Berkoff including West End and European tours of ‘Messiah’ The Old Vic and ‘On The Waterfront’ at Hackney Empire. Assistant Director on ‘Zipp!’ (a musical revue show which achieves 100 musicals in 90 minutes!!) starring Gyles Brandreth Duchess Theatre London. Choreographer of the national tour of ‘Barnum’ starring Peter Duncan. UK tours and numerous pantos to name but a few. “The thing I most enjoy about teaching - the realisation that you are a part of their improvement”

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.