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When & Where

Quick Facts

  • Availability Yes
  • Tutor Fenella Juanita Barker
  • Course Code W24DNED02A
  • Suitable For 19 year olds and up are permitted on this course

What you will learn

An introduction for anyone interested in acquiring and improving basic skills in classical ballet and a consolidation course for those with a basic knowledge of ballet or returning to ballet after a long break. The class will follow the traditional structure of a ballet class whilst including elements from Progressing Ballet Technique ®. This is the best place to start your journey into classical ballet with an emphasis on enjoying the movement and expression whilst also developing your technical skills. The most important thing is that you enjoy your learning. Your tutor is an RAD Registered Teacher, a Life Member and Associate of IDTA (Ballet), a Silver Swans ® Licensee and Certified to teach Progressing Ballet Technique ®.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • Explore the flow, expression and dynamics of classical ballet.
  • Demonstrate a basic understanding of safe ballet technique.
  • Move with a basic understanding of using the 5 basic ballet positions using both feet and arms.
  • Develop improved posture, alignment, flexibility, co-ordination, stamina and strength.
  • Show enjoyment of moving rhythmically to classical music.
  • Perform jumps, turns and short combinations / enchainments.

Class format and activities

Mode of delivery: You can study in the studio or live-streamed via Microsoft Teams. You will receive a video of each session so you can continue to practise at home. Your tutor will provide practical demonstration and verbal description of movements and technique. You will learn through group and individual correction and encouragement to build your enjoyment of dance and ballet. Each session will work on the execution of ballet steps and enchainments, starting at the barre and finishing with centre work and travelling sequences. You will learn to use your body in a safe way using classical ballet technique, whilst enjoying the flow and expression of moving to classical music. You will be undertaking practical exercises and patterns of movement demonstrated and guided by your tutor. You will be learning sequences through repetition of action so that you can master basic features of the technique. You will have the chance to discuss your learning with your tutor and with fellow students. In order to ensure you make the best possible progress on your course, you will have regular constructive and supportive feedback from your tutor. In addition to your dance practice, study can include the use of digital resources such as film & photography, useful websites and connection with online communities of interest via social media to enhance your learning. Dance study offers a range of benefits including being an enjoyable way to increase fitness whilst enhancing wellbeing. Dance practice at Morley can also serve to enhance skills relevant for employment by means of encouraging increased confidence, physical dexterity and concentration.

Entry requirements

This class is suitable for complete beginners as well as those wishing to consolidate their technique and style. You will need enthusiasm for dance and a basic level of fitness and mobility. You should be aware that it is a practical class and so you will need to be able to participate in the physical activities planned to the best of your ability. Your tutor is very happy to make any adjustments to exercises set to meet particular physical or learning needs.

What you need to know before you enrol

A key aim of the course is to help you develop your strength, flexibility and stamina in relation to dancing ballet. You will need to engage in activities designed to help this learning process. Therefore, you should consider your fitness level in terms of whether you will be able to complete an hour and a half’s continuous exercise. Please note: your tutor will be pleased to adapt exercises and activities to suit particular needs. Excellent attendance and punctuality will be required from all students. This course will include some completion of activities outside of class time, e.g. home practise using recap resources provided by your tutor. Photography and film recording of class activities may be used in order to aid learning. These images may also be used for publicity or marketing materials produced by Morley College, both online and in print. You will have the opportunity to either confirm or decline consent to being filmed or photographed. Please consult your doctor if you are pregnant, have any serious health conditions or a history of injury. Please inform your tutor if there is any physical activity you have be advised to avoid.

What you need

Leotard and/or close-fitting T-shirt/Vest,tights and/or leggings and/or close fitting tracksuit bottoms; ballet shoes; men and women must wear suitable dance support. A bottle of water. A notebook and pen.

What you can do next

Beginners’ and Improvers Ballet continues to run across all three terms and it is recommended to stay at this level for at least two years. Please speak to your tutor for advice about progression at the end of your course. Your tutor may also suggest complementary styles of study from Morley’s exciting provision to enhance your current practice, including dance, music and drama studies. You may also visit our website or contact admin@morleycollege.ac.uk