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Original poster

Ballet classes for grown-ups

55 replies

luckywinner · 02/03/2009 13:17

Please don't laugh, I don't want to release my inner Darcy Bussell, I just want to find a way to get some exercise in my life. Someone suggested ballet! I am in London and just wondered if anyone could recommend anywhere.

OP posts:
TheDevilWearsPrimark · 02/03/2009 13:18

Which part of London? My friend goes to the Laban in Deptford which is fantastic.

Original poster
luckywinner · 02/03/2009 13:24

I am in west London. I did look at Pineapple dance studios but it all looks v legwarmers and girls in a lot of lycra, not sure I could cope.

OP posts:
sykes · 02/03/2009 13:25

There are stacks of ballet classes available in London. I used to attend a fair few but it depends where you are and what level you are. Am sure will be very easy to find.

TheProvincialLady · 02/03/2009 13:25

I used to do classes at Pineapple in Covent Garden, which was great except for the luvvies hanging out everywhere.

sykes · 02/03/2009 13:29

Pineapple is fine - I used to go there. Some great ballet classes at another studio not far from there. A big place and lots of auditions take place there too, just can't remember the name but will think - it's a few years ago. Also, London Contemporary School of Dance has some great courses. There are LOADS.

Original poster
luckywinner · 02/03/2009 13:29

I am a complete beginner, apart from the village hall recitals I took part in 30 years ago .

TPL, was it ok? Were you a beginner? I know I am being a bit prejudiced but I just can't the leg warmers out my mind.

Thanks for not all falling about the floor laughing btw.

OP posts:
redflipflops · 02/03/2009 13:33

www.danceworks.net/

Danceworks in oxford st (opposite Selfridges clock). Has big selection of dance/ballet and all levels

Sparks · 02/03/2009 13:34

Have you looked at Dance Attic in Fulham? Might be more convenient for west London.

Original poster
luckywinner · 02/03/2009 13:38

Wow there are loads. I had completely forgotten about Danceworks, thanks red. And Dance Attic looks like a good one to investigate, thanks Sparks. I am more towards north west London but there is a bus that goes from here to Fulham.

Has anyone ever done an adult ballet class? I really am not sure what to expect. All I can remember from when I was young is good toes, naughty toes!

OP posts:
FioFio · 02/03/2009 13:39

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

MamacitaGordita · 02/03/2009 13:51

Oh you are so lucky- I started ballet when I went to uni in Glasgow (having done pretty much none as a child). I eventually managed to find one nearly every night of the week and became addicted! Adult ballet, esp for beginners, can be tough to find. Now I live in the country and there is no adult ballet to speak of. I am so of you being in London and having so many classes to choose from!

Try a few until you find one at your level. It's rubbish being in a class that is too advanced and you feel like a clumsy numpty. One at real beginners' level is much more confidence-boosting. I used to go to a beginners class at Scottish Ballet and it was full of ex-pros who raised the standard way to high, it was frustrating for the proper beginners. And not too big a group- the teacher needs to be able to offer you corrections and keep an eye on your safety.

Wear comfy clothes that aren't going to get in your way on the bottom (so fitted trousers or leggings) and you can just wear a baggy t shirt over a vest top- good to layer that way you can stay warm and strip off as you get hotter. Once you're addicted nothing beats a leotard for ease of movement but it took me ages to feel brave enough!! I wore a pretty conservative black one with opaque black tights.

Definately get some good quality ballet flats, lots out there but I liked split soles. The people in the shop will help you. You gotta sew on the elastic yourself!

Have fun- it's the best exercise ever. If it all seems too intimidating I am sure there will be exercise classes out there based on ballet IYSWIM. But nothing beats the real deal! Enjoy!

sykes · 02/03/2009 15:13

Hi, Fio. that's it Danceworks - I used to work in Marylebone. I did adult classes there for about two years and it was really good. All abilities from beginners to professional classes. Would recommend massively.
Am doing classes at the moment but in Surrey. Enjoy.

steamedtreaclesponge · 02/03/2009 15:29

I'm looking for some beginner adult classes in London too... really like the look of Danceworks but it is pricey! Does anyone know anything about the adult classes at the Central School of Ballet? It seems to be about the only place I can find that doesn't charge a monthly fee.

redflipflops · 02/03/2009 15:59

Yes Central School of Ballet do adult evening classes too (it'll all be on their website) in Clerkenwell (nr Farringdon tube).

Danceworks (sorry not up to date on prices but they used to have 'drop in' price) has all levels. All ages and abilities do Beginners classes (some even elderly ladies!) - so don't feel intimidated.

Just wear loose clothes (like for yoga) and soft ballet shoes. If you keep it up you can invest in more gear latter on.

Teachers will be used to complete beginners - you can follow group and pick it up at your own pace. If you did ballet as a child some of it will come back to you...

Kwini · 02/03/2009 16:04

The Arts Ed School in Chiswick (Turnham Green) used to offer excellent adult ballet classes. Definitely worth a look - very friendly and low key, but the teachers are top notch.

TheProvincialLady · 02/03/2009 16:17

Lucky - no I wasn't a beginner but the same teacher taught the beginner and intermediate classes and he was good.

The National Ballet also do classes which I have heard are really good, though I never made it to one myself.

If you have any ballet experience at all you are at an advantage over people who never did it as a child. It comes back, if slowly! Go for it. It is fantastic exercise and so much more fun/interesting/creative than going to a stinky gym.

angelene · 02/03/2009 16:21

I used to go to Ballet Rambert in Chiswick, it was fun if packed.

Enjoy!

PurlyQueen · 02/03/2009 16:31

Come and try jazz instead!
I recommend Karen Estabrook's Commercial Jazz class at Pineapple. Her Saturday class at 12.30 is aimed at absolute beginners.

There's a ballet-based warm-up in the beginning, but you don't need to know anything about ballet; and a routine afterwards.

It's a fun and relaxed class, and her routines are energetic and will certainly get you sweating.

And you won't be the oldest student in the room - there's everyone from teens to people in their fifties.

Her classes helped me shed nearly three stone in weight.

Original poster
luckywinner · 02/03/2009 19:14

I am definitely going to look into Danceworks. It is the right side of London for me. Steamedtreacle, I will let you know how I get on.

I am now v excited about it, and slightly reassured that the slightly older lady partakes in a bit of bar work too!

OP posts:
giantkatestacks · 02/03/2009 19:20

OP - my local adult education place had evening beginners ballet classes - much less pressure there and a real mix of people (from teens to 80s).

I stupidly thought that I would remember all my childhood ballet but stopped going in the end because I felt like a numpty - am going to try and find a tap class instead where I can clodhop about...mind you purlyqueens jazz class sounds good- was it really as nonintimidating as all that?

Ewe · 02/03/2009 19:42

PQ - do you still do it? Would love to do something like that but am scared I am too fat and unfit!!

Signed up to Pineapple just before getting preg and never did a class due to being pregnant.

giantkatestacks · 02/03/2009 19:46

Ewe - I'm the same - I would love to do it but just too scared. PQ - how much is it?

MayorNaze · 02/03/2009 19:48

i have done this. twas full of ladies of a certain age who played bridge during the day and did water colour classes in the mornings.

but it was excellent fun and if i had the time and the money i would be back there like a shot.

go for it

frankbestfriend · 02/03/2009 19:51

I do ballet and tap, although I have quite a bit of experience so I choose an advanced level.

At the performing arts college I go to (I am in the north), there are 3 levels- beginners, intermediate and advanced, so I am sure you will find a class where you can relax amongst others who are at the same level

Ewe · 02/03/2009 19:56

giantkatestacks - we could go and drink first be scared together!

I may go and watch an abs beginner class to see how tough it is. Would love to do ballet but think I would look like this.