FAQs

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  1. Do I need any previous experience of doing ballet for the drop-in classes on offer?
  2. Do I need to be fit to start with?
  3. What should I wear?
  4. What happens in the ballet classes?
  5. Do the drop-in ballet classes follow a curriculum?
  6. Do I need to bring anything else?
  7. Do I need to sign up for a whole term?
  8. The idea of doing a ballet class is a bit intimidating ; can I visit a drop-in class first to see if I want to try on ? Can I also watch one session on a Complete Beginner Course before enrolling since I have never done ballet and it is a big commitment.
  9. Can I just turn up and pay for a class?
  10. I am coming directly from work are there changing facilities and is there some place safe for me to store my belongings during the class?
  11. What happens if I lose my class carnet?
  12. What tube station is the closest? Do any busses stop near by?
  13. Is there parking near by?
  14. Do you ever have Pointe work in your classes?
  15. Is there an age requirement for people wishing to try a class?
  16. If I complete the beginner ballet course and wish to progress what classes can I attend?
  17. Is there a limit as to how many terms I can do the Complete Beginner Course?
  18. If I have to miss a session on the course, will you refund that cost?
  19. Does the Complete Beginner Course fill up fast? How is my place secured?
  20. If I have to cancel my place is there a cancellation fee?
  21. Are questions allowed during classes if I do not understand something?
  22. Do you organise outings to see performances?
  23. Can I come along with a friend and try a class?
  24. Is there set choreography to learn each week in the ballet drop-in classes? Do you prepare for performances or shows in which your clients perform?
  25. Where are the classes located and are they close to public transport?
  26. What is Zumba Gold? Can anyone try it?
  27. What is the contemporary class like and can anyone try it?
  28. I paid online using PayPal. Should I bring a receipt of this transaction?
  29. Do you have special offers ever?
  30. When is your next series from the Dynamic Dance Days planned?
  31. How can I get on the mailings list for the Newsletters?

Click + below question to view answers

1. Do I need any previous experience of doing ballet for the drop-in classes on offer?

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Yes, the drop-in classes are designed for adults with some previous experience. We make sure the atmosphere is friendly and welcoming. Clients in the drop-in classes do have a wide range of experience but the classes are suitable for people with just a little experience, or a long gap since they last danced. We have three levels already for the drop-in classes so we hope you find one that suits your needs. There is a complete beginner’s course and a follow-on course which you might find more comfortable if you have absolutely no experience or a small amount of experience with ballet even as a child.

2. Do I need to be fit to start with?

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No, people of any fitness, age, or shape are welcome; but you MUST indicate if you have an injury or physical problem such as back trouble or a weak knee. Taking ballet class is a good way to start getting fit if you don’t do any other exercise, and a great addition to other ways of getting fit if you do. Ballet is especially good for flexibility, posture and balance.

3. What should I wear?

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You don’t need to buy special ballet clothing: leggings and a t-shirt are fine. Wear any comfortable sports clothes which allow you to move without restriction. Choose things which are not too baggy though, because it’s important for your instructor to be able to see the placement of your arms and legs. In winter you may wish to start with something warm on top which you can take off as you warm up during class. You will need to wear either socks or soft ballet shoes, but the shoes are not essential, and you can ask Ballet4Life staff for advice before buying them. For gentleman, a dance belt or an athletic supporter is required. Women with long hair should try to tie it back off the face so it does not distract you whilst moving. Lastly dangling ear-rings and heavy necklaces are not advised.

4. What happens in the ballet classes?

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Ballet class always starts with work at the barre, in a series of exercises that build in content and effort required. There is a repetition of these exercises and the teachers will assist you with learning and executing the steps. The sequence and type of exercises is the same in any ballet class in the world, although all teachers will of course vary the details!

The barre usually takes about 40 minutes. It’s followed by a series of exercises away from the barre in the centre of the studio. Depending upon the class level you will practice your sustained slow movements, pirouettes, jumps, as well as travelling across the studio with larger movements and longer sequences. Again, there is a sequence of types of exercise, which build upon each other. Class usually ends with a few moments of cooling down and feeling a sense of one’s centre.

5. Do the drop-in ballet classes follow a curriculum?

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Yes, they follow our own curriculum developed by the staff at Ballet4Life. However, they do not follow a syllabus that is gearing clients towards an examination process. Our curriculum is constantly developing and changing based on the needs of our clients and themes and methods that each teacher brings to Balelt4Life. An authentic, thorough and safe class is a guarantee yet there are always new sequences and tasks to work on and to develop.

6. Do I need to bring anything else?

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A bottle of water is a good idea, and water is not sold at all dance studios. You don’t need any other equipment. It’s a good idea to arrive at the class five minutes early to start to warm up and stretch.

7. Do I need to sign up for a whole term?

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No, clients are welcome to drop- in when they are able to do so, although, just as with any form of activity, sustained practice is important and beneficial. We have 4 different class carnets to choose from , plus a drop-in fee. The class carnets are available online or on the day from the teacher and are valid for 6 months from the date of purchase.

8. The idea of doing a ballet class is a bit intimidating ; can I visit a drop-in class first to see if I want to try on ? Can I also watch one session on a Complete Beginner Course before enrolling since I have never done ballet and it is a big commitment.

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Yes, new clients are always welcome to come and watch a drop-in class before attending a class. We only ask that you arrange this beforehand so as to minimise overcrowding or disruption to the current attendees.

Yes, we also welcome people to arrange to watch one class on a Beginner Course by prior arrangement and we have Taster sessions throughout the year so you may try any class or course that you are interested in.

9. Can I just turn up and pay for a class?

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Yes, you are most welcome to come along and to pay the £ 10 Taster fee directly to any Ballet4Life staff member.
You may also buy this safely and securely on our website with PayPal. We also accept cheques made out Donna Schoenherr. Please, if you are new we might ask to see your bank guarantee card as well. Cash, of course, is always welcome as well. We do kindly ask that you complete our registration form either online or when you first attend. Your information is never shared with other parties.

10. I am coming directly from work are there changing facilities and is there some place safe for me to store my belongings during the class?

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Yes, all the facilities where the classes are held have toilets, and changing areas. Your belongings are safe stored right in the studio in which the class is held.

11. What happens if I lose my class carnet?

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We keep track of how many classes you have attended on our registers so we can usually figure out how many you have remaining.

12. What tube station is the closest? Do any busses stop near by?

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For a list of the nearest tube station and bus information please see the answer to Question 25

13. Is there parking near by?

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Yes, there is limited metered parking near all class locations. Also near CTA there is parking at the large Sainsbury's next door.

14. Do you ever have Pointe work in your classes?

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Yes, we now have short Beginner Pointe classes immediately following our two evening drop- in classes on Wednesday and Thursdays. We are also considering adding one to the Saturday drop-in class. Please let us know if you are at all interested in this.

15. Is there an age requirement for people wishing to try a class?

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Ballet4life welcomes clients age 16 years and up! There is NO upper age limit and we do in fact have two clients now who are 86 years of age.

16. If I complete the beginner ballet course and wish to progress what classes can I attend?

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After my team makes sure that you are secure with the information taught on the complete beginner course, and are physically able, we encourage clients ready to progress to join the Follow-on course. After that course, we re-access and help to stream you into the Improvers drop- in classes.

17. Is there a limit as to how many terms I can do the Complete Beginner Course?

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No, you may attend more than once. On average clients tend to take the course more than once before they feel ready to progress. Some clients even stay on the beginner or the follow -on course and use it for their weekly class since they may have scheduling conflicts or other difficulties that they are working with.

18. If I have to miss a session on the course, will you refund that cost?

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No, I am afraid that we are not able to do so. We can however offer you one make up lesson on the following term if you wish.

19. Does the Complete Beginner Course fill up fast? How is my place secured?

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Yes, this is a very popular course and does fill up each term quite quickly. Once your payment and completed enrolment form is received, you will receive a confirmation of your place on the course by email.
If you do not have e-mail access this can be posted to you or sent by text message.

20. If I have to cancel my place is there a cancellation fee?

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Yes I regret that we do have to have a cancellation fee in place.

21. Are questions allowed during classes if I do not understand something?

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Yes, of course! As with any learning experience if you are unclear about something your teacher has explained or demonstrated you may feel free to ask a question. Please just be sensitive to the timing and be respectful of others. Often you teacher will ask the class if anyone has any questions. You are also always welcome to stay after class for a few minutes as well and ask your teacher then.

22. Do you organise outings to see performances?

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Yes, we aim for two outings per year. if you have any suggestions , we are happy to follow a lead and see if there is interest for a group booking. Often people form new friendships on the courses and in the classes and arrange to go see dance performances together.

23. Can I come along with a friend and try a class?

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Yes, please do. There is special offer on whereby if you bring a friend, one free class can be had!

24. Is there set choreography to learn each week in the ballet drop-in classes? Do you prepare for performances or shows in which your clients perform?
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No, due to the nature of the drop-in classes the teachers are not building on exact long sequences of choreography. They may be working on some short enchainment's each week that they add to and develop but keeping in mind that there may be a newcomer who has to be caught up and made to feel welcome. There may be special projects going on from time to time but your class time will not be infringed and you will be given ample opportunity to either participate or decline. Summer 2013 is our next projected time for a community showing of some dance.

25. Where are the classes located and are they close to public transport?

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Yes, Arts Ed is 3 minutes walk from Turnham Green Tube Station, and also the 94, and 272 bus stop 2 minutes away.
Rambert is close to both the Turnham Green Tube and the Stamford Brook tube stations and many busses run regularly along Chiswick High Road.
Chiswick Theatre Arts is near the Chiswick Park Tube Station and around the corner form a bus stop of many busses that run along the High Road.
Small World Centre in Brixton is 7 minutes from the Brixton Tube Station.

Arts Ed School,
14 Bath Road, London W4 1LY
[map] 

Chiswick Theatre Arts
2 Belmont Road
London W4 5BQ
(Next to Sainsbury’s)
Ring bell to gain entry to lobby
[Map]

Rambert Dance Company Facility
94 Chiswick High Road
London W4 1SH
[ Map ]

SWC
Unit 11,
Eurolink Centre
49 Effra Road
London SW2 1BZ
[Map]

26. What is Zumba Gold? Can anyone try it?

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Zumba Gold is a dance based fitness class, packed full of fun! Unlike a regular Zumba class, Zumba Gold is aimed at participants who would prefer the pace to be a little slower; they may have been away from exercise for a long period (perhaps due to pregnancy or ill health), be a more mature Zumba go-er or even be a complete Zumba beginner! Zumba Gold keeps the Latin rhythms of Zumba such as salsa, merengue, cumbia, reggaeton, and the energetic, motivating music, but participants can chose to modify the steps to either slow them down, keep them simpler or to lower the impact (i.e. to replace jumps with knee bends or marches for those with sore knees!). Zumba is all about having fun, my motto is ‘If in doubt, make it up’ – if you find the steps too difficult, do your own thing instead. There are no wrong moves in Zumba, only unexpected solos!

We welcome our 50+clients to this class since it is designed to be a bit more gentle on the body and is geared for this age bracket, but all are welcome

27. What is the contemporary class like and can anyone try it?

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Rejane Garcia's contemporary class is based on the Release Technique with Merce Cunningham technique influences. It involves a strong emphasis on body and spatial awareness. It is a dynamic class where use of breath is connected to the movement. Rejane values and works with the relationship between body and gravity thus resulting in a better understanding of connection with the floor. In the beginners class, the focus is on the discipline of body; the muscles, the spine and strength, and core stability. Rejane uses a combination of joyful movements where students will feel more toned and stronger by the end. Clients will do both exercises standing and on the floor and can work in bare feet or with shoes or socks. A vast medley of interesting and inspiring music is used. ballet and contemporary technique work well together and a new sense of one's body will be found.
Yes, anyone over 16 can try it!
We hope to be adding an Improvers level soon as well!

28 I paid online using PayPal. Should I bring a receipt of this transaction?

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Although not required, it is very helpful to do so especially when class is full and very busy at the start. it helps the teacher save time and to get the class started promptly.

29. Do you have special offers ever?

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Yes! The best way to keep in touch with those offers is to friend us on facebook, follow us on twitter, or sign up for our newsletter

30. When is your next series from the Dynamic Dance Days planned?

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We are working on one for May with a guest artist from the famous and wonderful Jose Limon company in New York City! More details to follow in the next months.

31. How can I get on the mailings list for the Newsletters?

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Use this link to subscribe to newsletter

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