Dancing for the first time? Reawakening your passion for ballet? Looking for restorative movement? We are here to help you enjoy ballet.
Enrolling with MyBallet is your chance to learn, express, connect with your body and feel great. Discover the class or workshop that’s right for you.
- Mixed Groups: Suitable for all abilities with a focus on dancers working to the level they are comfortable with. You might be a beginner. You might have some dance history but want a refresher. Perhaps you want a gentle class or perhaps you just love the people you are dancing with. Everyone is welcome.
- Experienced: Suitable for those who have some grounding in ballet technique and want to continue developing their dancing ability and see their skills flourish. In these classes we build on technique, develop your enchainment (dance sequences) and encourage self-expression.
- Restorative movement: Supportive, partly-seated classes suitable for those who have physical restrictions. Perhaps you have had surgery, illness, low energy levels or simply feel less able than before. Our restorative classes help you regain confidence in yourself and we facilitate increased movement by building strength, balance, posture, flexibility and shared determination. Classes feature warm up, promenade, barre and seated elements.
- Beginner workshops: There is a first time for all and it’s never too late to start. Discover the joy of ballet through special sessions arranged for individuals or small groups. We cover the basics and help you build confidence in core ballet moves.
What to wear
MyBallet classes are all about ease and comfort. Generally we wear leggings or tights with a skirt plus a stretchy T-shirt top or leotard. Black or any soft shades of colour is fine but please try and avoid branded clothing which can be distracting. Tutus are strictly optional!
For shoes you can purchase ballet shoes quite inexpensively from Move Dance or Bloch or wear plimsolls or sticky socks to start with if you have them.
Please bring a water bottle to your class and extra layers of warm clothing.
Technique and Repertoire Workshops
Every year we run a number of one-day or half-day workshops that help dancers in the MyBallet community to develop their skills and dig deeper into different aspects of dance. Previous events have included workshops on technique, repertories and choreography and we have been incredibly pleased to welcome external experts such as dancers from The Royal Ballet Company. Look out for details on future workshops and check out some past workshops, to be added soon. If you are interested in attending, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Restorative Movement Classes
Our restorative movement classes were initially developed though a collaboration in 2010 between Carla and Age UK which focused on helping elderly people regain some movement and confidence. Carla has since evolved this work into a distinct part of the MyBallet offer. If you want to discuss whether these classes are right for you please contact us.
Classes combine classical ballet and technique with our unique holistic approach. Look forward to warm-up, barre work, centre practice with beautiful enchainment (“a short series of steps comprising a phrase which can be repeated or varied”), repertoire dances and movements, and of course a cool-down. All set to inspirational music.
Don’t worry if you lack confidence, feel low or shy of groups: our classes are designed to support your positive development with our teaches skilled in facilitating both personal and creative processes.
All our classes support the feel-good factor, but we have also created partly seated classes for those of us who need to become stronger, with some support. The barre work is essential here to support balance, stamina, flexibility and strength. We have a great time and a lot of fun to fabulous music!
Our locations
We actively welcome new dancers at locations in Bridport, Winsham, Brighton, Seaton, Axminster and online!
Locations
Bridport
The Bull Hotel Ballroom, 34 East Street, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 3LF
Brighton
Restorative class: The Hop 50+, Palmeira Square, Brighton and Hove, Hove BN3 2FL
Mixed class: Kemp Town Crypt Community Centre & Café (underneath St George’s Church), St George’s Rd, Kemptown, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN2 1ED
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Seaton
United Reform Church, Cross Street, Seaton, Devon, EX12 2LH
Winsham
Jubilee Hall, Church Street, Winsham, Chard, Somerset TA20 4HU
If you are not currently part of the MyBallet community and want to attend any of our classes or workshops, please get in touch