Why ballet?
Ballet is a classical dance form that incorporates strength, flexibility and precision along with artistic character work and group story telling, often with a fantastical or folkoric bent.
It is known for a physical attitude of grace expressed through a powerful, open posture and expansive gestures.
It is not restricted to the competitive world of pro ballet companies, nor to little ones with aspirations of sporting a pink tutu. Anyone can explore ballet.
Some benefits include:
- Nuanced strength training using bodyweight, akin to mat Pilates
- Training of active flexibility, mobility and range of motion
- Strengthening the feet for grounding and stability
- Expansion of breath and posture
- Physical coordination - agility, balance and precision
- Enhanced proprioception
- Maintaining form within individual limits
- Sense of gravity and flow (free movement)
- Artistic development across dance, drama and musicality skills - supports other dance styles, flow arts, contact improv, etc.
The rise of barre fitness classes points to the influence of ballet on body conditioning, and there is more to be explored here for the casual dance enthusiast.
About this approach
These classes use foundational ballet technique as a scaffold for adults to build dance skills at a beginner level, while also allowing more experienced movers to extend themselves.
Dancing is barefoot, in socks, or in soft ballet or jazz shoes. Dancing en pointe is not part of this class (pointe work being an advanced skill that is trained toward over years, rather than weeks). Leotards and tights not required.
Exercises are informed by the R.A.D. graded ballet curriculum commonly taught as a foundation to young people. I have adapted this for grown humans to play in at a casual level. Music accompaniment is non-traditional - think Aphex Twin and Bluetech.
The approach is trauma-sensitive and low stress, as well as queer friendly and gender inclusive (all welcome; we will all be doing the same thing together).
Teacher and venue
Hey - I’m Niki. I’m a professionally registered creative arts therapist with specialisation in dance movement therapy. I am also a dance performer who has taken stages at Woodford Folk, Port Fairy Folk, WA Circus Fest and Rainbow Serpent (+ heaps more). I am 36.
The venue is private studio about 5 mins drive from Monbulk town centre. There is a cosy indoor space with mirrors, as well as outdoor possibilities if weather permits. You will need a car to get here; there is ample parking onsite.