INTRO TO BALLET BARRE WORKSHOP

Saturdays 1:30-2:30pm starting August 3rd!

Maybe you always thought people who took ballet barre classes were training to become ballet dancers. Turns out some are, but a lot are likely there for other reasons. Barre work builds strength, teaches your body how to balance, weight shift and to move through space gracefully with precision and control.

In this workshop you will learn the fundamentals of the ballet barre, its fascinating 700+ year history and its significance to all dance styles. Pick up a little French (ie learn terminology) and get the most out of every ballet barre class you take going forward – regardless of what you’re wanting to achieve. Each class will introduce new barre exercises, so that by class 4, you’ll be able to complete an entire classical ballet barre sequence! And yes, you can learn to do this in 4 workshop sessions because these are semi-private classes.

If you are not already in love with ballet, let us change your mind. Come learn something incredible.

WEEK 1

Dancer and instructor introductions, go over class expectations
Brief history of ballet and its significance to all dance styles
Find proper ballet alignment and turnout
Introduce feet positions: first, second, fourth, and fifth
Relating to your barre, proper barre etiquette, learn preparation
Introduce barre sequence facing the barre and dive into the proper technique for:
1. Pliés
2. Elevés and Relevés
3. Tendus
4. Dégagés
Practice a plié/elevé/relevé combination in centre (if time allows)

WEEK 2

Review proper alignment and turnout
Review feet positions
Introduce arm positions: bras, first, fifth, and second
Review Week 1’s barre exercises
Introduce one hand on the barre for:
1. Pliés
2. Tendus
Introduce barre exercises facing the barre:
1. Rond de jambes
2. Fondus (with coupé and passé)
3. Petit battement
Practice a tendu combination in the centre (if time allows)

WEEK 3

Review of alignment, turnout, feet positions, and arm positions
Review all of Week 2’s barre exercises (sans pliés and tendus facing the barre)
Introduce one hand on the barre for:
1. Rond de jambes
2. Fondus (with coupé and passé)
Introduce barre exercises with one hand on the barre:
1. Developpes (45 degrees)
2. Grand battements (45 degrees – focus on proper alignment and leading with the dégagé)
Practice basic adage in the centre (if time allows)

WEEK 4

Review alignment, feet positions, and arm positions
Dive right into the complete ballet barre sequence – one hand on the barre (besides elevé, relevés, and dégagés)
Review any centre combinations if time allows

Syllabus by Jena Brooks. Workshop taught by Grace Carter.

Details:
DAY: Saturdays
TIME: 1:30-2:30pm
ATTIRE: Leggings/joggers (no shorts), t-shirt/tank, barefoot or socks
COST: $190

Workshop is limited to 10 participants. Enroll now to reserve your spot! No refunds for missed dates. Class cards/Membership do not apply.