ABOUT MY CLASSES
Who are the class participants?
My dancers come from diverse backgrounds and have varying levels of experience:
ADULTS who started ballet as beginners
RETURNEE DANCERS who’ve danced since childhood
CURRENT/FORMER PROFESSIONAL DANCERS
DANCE TEACHERS/ CHOREOGRAPHERS
What is the age range of the students?
ALL BALLET CLASSES: Mainly for adults aged over 18, however, I do consider admitting younger students who exhibit the maturity to participate comfortably alongside older adults. No upper age limit!
SILVER SWANS BALLET: If you are over 55, you have options to join my Silver Swans classes or any other classes.
THURSDAY OPEN LEVEL POINTE CLASS: Open to all age groups, including teen-aged dancers.
PRIVATE LESSONS: Open to all age groups, including children 🙂
Which class should I choose?
As you progress through levels, you will notice the range of steps and choreography increasing, along with the intensity of the class – you will really work your brain and body.
It is important to choose the right class that suits your level for your maximum benefit and safety.
For example, moving faster than you can control or attempting steps beyond your current skill level can lead to the use of incorrect muscles and the development of poor technique habits. These habits are difficult and time-consuming to correct later. Ultimately, this could slow down your overall progress in the long run.
Everyone progresses at a different pace, depending on the number of classes they do per week, the experience they have, their fitness level and other physical conditions, etc.
Each class is designed to help dancers improve progressively and prepare for higher-level classes. However, they are also designed to be complete and enjoyable, even if a dancer stays at that level for years. While I encourage everyone to strive to be the best dancer they can be, it’s important to remember that it’s perfectly fine to enjoy dancing at your current level without striving for advanced levels (although that’s also a worthy goal!)
It is your choice to continue dancing in your current level of classes or work towards moving up to more challenging ones. Even within the same level, there is always room for growth and improvement as a dancer. Ballet is awesome in a way that there are always endless, subtle things that you can work on to continue making you a better dancer.
Most importantly, I won’t know which class suits you best until I see you in a trial class. If I recommend you to a lower-level class, please don’t be disappointed. I make this decision to ensure the maximum benefit for both you and your classmates.
If you are unsure about which class you should try first, please reach out to me for advice through the contact form.
What attire is suitable for lessons?
- Suitable dance shoes (Please be aware that Wellesley Studios does not permit the use of jazz shoes or shoes with rosin on them to preserve their flooring.)
- While you may notice that many dancers opt for ballet attire, you are welcome to wear any outfit you find comfortable and easy to move.
- Please ensure to tie your hair at the back unless you have short hair.
STARTING BALLET
I’m not flexible at all. Can I still start ballet?
Certainly!
Ballet is adaptable to your current flexibility level.
As you engage in more practice, your flexibility will improve over time, although the rate of progress varies from person to person. With proper training, everyone can enhance their flexibility to a certain extent.
Where can I get my dance attire?
While there are many websites where you can purchase dance gear online, if you are buying your first pair of ballet shoes, I recommend visiting a local store so that you can find shoes that fit correctly.
These are the 3 local dance shops in Auckland that I know:
THE DANCER’S WARDROBE – Shop 4/179 Manukau Road, Epsom
TRIALS
How many trials can I do?
You’re welcome to try as many classes as you’d like (up to 3 trials in one sign-up), but each specific class is available for a trial only once. In some cases, an additional trial may be offered at no extra charge if further assessment is deemed necessary.
When is the ideal week for a trial?
Trials are available at any point during the term.
If you’re a beginner to intermediate-level dancer, starting near the beginning of the term might be advantageous as the class progresses and becomes more advanced as the term goes on.
Can I start classes at a later date after my trial, and will my spot be reserved?
After a trial class, if you choose not to start the next week, I can reserve your spot with an advance payment for the term you plan to join, securing your place in either the current or the next term.
I have tried a class last year but didn’t join at that time. Can I sign up for a trial again?
Whether you were my past student or not, if it has been more than 6 months since your last trial, you are welcome to sign up for another trial.
Do I need ballet shoes for trial classes?
If you already own a pair of ballet flats, then yes, please bring and wear them. If not, you can take trials with socks. (Please be careful as it may be slippery) There’s no need to purchase anything new for trials.
CLASS SYSTEM
How can I start attending classes? How can I enroll?
- Please book a trial to assess if it suits your level and needs.
- To start attending classes, please submit the Registration Form, whether you prefer term enrollment or casual attendance. You’ll receive an email about payment instructions.
Can I drop in to classes?
Yes, most classes accept drop-ins, provided the class isn’t full.
Nevertheless, I would like to highlight that my beginner to intermediate-level classes are structured to aid your development through consistent weekly attendance.
Can I enroll partway through the term?
Yes, you can join any time of the year. If you are a new student and joining partway through the term, the term fees will be prorated.
Can I pay for only part of the term if I’m going away for holidays during that time?
If you are on a term enrollment and anticipate missing classes for more than 4 consecutive weeks during a term for any reason, you can request to have the fees for those missed classes deducted from the following term’s fee. This request must be made in advance, and a $10 handling fee will apply for this service.
Alternatively, you can opt for a class pass if you prefer not to pay for the entire term. (Please note that not all classes accept class passes. )
Term fees are prorated for new students who join partway through the term.
What happens if I sign up for the term and need to miss a class? Can I attend one of the others as a makeup?
Makeup classes are generally not available for missed classes to maintain consistent progression and quality for regular attendees. However, exceptions can be made under specific circumstances that benefit all participants. For example, if you are capable of keeping up with the class during a one-off makeup class and the class size is not too large, this could enhance the dynamics of the class. In such cases, you may be invited to attend a makeup class.
OTHERS
Will there be performance opportunities?
Yes, I am currently planning for performance opportunities for my students. I will make announcements accordingly.
When can I start going on pointe?
To begin pointe training, it’s crucial to have a solid foundation in ballet, typically with at least a few years of training. Usually, dancers should be at the upper beginner level or higher. However, readiness for pointe is highly individual and depends on factors like technique, strength, stability, and physical conditions, such as bone structure. Safety is our top priority, particularly for adult dancers, so I assess each dancer before starting pointe training. In the meantime, focus on building strength and attending classes consistently.
What if I have questions or need more guidance for my dancing?
Please don’t hesitate to ask questions during class. I’ll do my best to provide answers as long as time allows.
Alternatively, you can come to talk to me – I am normally available 5 to 15 minutes before and/or after each class. First come, first served.
If you need more personalised attention, you can consider booking a private lesson.
Are the classes strict?
I wouldn’t say my classes are too relaxed as I always give my dancers a little bit of challenge and encourage them to work towards it. I sometimes get pretty enthusiastic, but most of my students say I am not as intimidating as many of their ballet teachers in their childhood at all…you need to try my class to find out lol!