Ballet Floor-Barre
What is it?
Serena's Ballet Floor-Barre consists of exercises based on Ballet steps performed lying and sitting on the floor. It's an ideal way to prepare and maintain the body for Ballet - strengthening, lengthening & toning, whilst increasing flexibility. It is a great complement to Ballet training.
Who's it for?
It is suitable for all levels from beginners to professional dancers and is a great way of returning to exercise after an injury or time off.
What will I gain from it?
You'll be improving your Ballet technique, enabling you to work on isolated parts of the body without tensing, as you might when standing, resulting in a safe and very effective workout. It is especially beneficial for Beginners.
What should I wear?
Something comfortable! Leggins and a top are fine though nothing too baggy especially not round the knees. Wear socks so that you can remove so as to be in bare feet.
Where can I do a class?
Mondays in Stoke Newington:
Time: 6.30-7.30pm
Place: Newington Dance Space, Unit 4/231 Church St, London, N16 9HP
click here for directions
Dates: 9 January - 26 March 2012
(11 wk course; no class 13 Feb)
Cost: £70 save £18!
New! Mondays in Covent Garden: 6 week course now enrolling!
Time: 1.00-2.00pm
Place: Jubilee Hall, 30 The Piazza, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 8BE
Click here for directions
Dates: 20 February - 26 March 2012
Cost: £55
Wednesdays & Fridays in West Hampstead*:
Time: 10.30-11.15am
Place: Kingsgate Community Centre, 107 Kingsgate Rd, London NW6 2JH
click here for directions
Dates: 11 January - 28 March 2012
(no classes 15 or 17 Feb)
Cost: £35 for a 6-class discount carnet (get 1 class free) or £7 per class
*Only £4.50 each when taken as part of a Ballet course at KCC!
New! Thursdays in Westbourne Park†: 6 week Intensive course now enrolling!
Time: 10.30-11.15am
Place: Paddington Arts, 32 Woodfield Road, London W9 2BE
click here for a map
(†only available as part of the Intensive Level 1 Ballet course; click here for details)
Dates: 23 February - 29 March 2012
Cost: £87save £15!
Ballet Floor Barre is a great class to rediscover (or discover for the first time) all the muscles you need for ballet. You can really focus on working different parts of the body and building core strength without having to worry about standing up or balancing. Serena's exercises cater for all different levels and give you a surprisingly thorough workout which is great at preparing you for a regular ballet class.
Lindsey, 33, Highbury
I have also found the Ballet Floor-barre really worthwhile for strength and flexibility.
Michaela, 50, Westbourne Park
Click here to read how Marian has rid herself of her sciatica trouble through Serena's Ballet Floor-barre
Photos by Adam Tiernan Thomas