Timetable & Class Info

Click on a class title or image to see more information

Regular classes run during our school terms, which may differ slightly from the standard school terms in New Zealand. (Please check our TERM DATES.)
Optional extra classes or workshops may be also scheduled during our school holidays.

Photo: Laura Saldou Masik

Adult Ballet Beginner 
Tuesday 10:00 AM – 11:10 AM in Point Chevalier

This class covers fundamental barre and center work, simple adagio, and port de bras, all set to beautiful music. It also includes basic jumps like sautés and assemblés. This class is designed for dancers with some previous experience, ideally at least 6 months. However, if you are completely new to ballet, I can offer a 10-minute private mini-lesson before the class to cover the essentials you need to know to follow along.

The class’s level is roughly equivalent to RAD/Cecchetti grades 2-4. Typically, dancers remain at this level for a few years, solidifying their foundation before advancing to the upper beginner level.

$250 per 10-class term / $32 drop-in / $10 trial

RAD Silver Swans Ballet
Tuesday 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM in Point Chevalier

Specifically designed for the over-55s, Silver Swans®︎ will help improve your mobility, posture, balance, coordination, and energy levels. If you are looking for a new way to keep fit and active, my ballet classes will put a spring in your step. Whether you’ve never danced before or want to get back into the swing of it, everyone is welcome. The class consists of a warm-up, barre, and centre exercises, which will make you feel you have become a real dancer. For more information about RAD (Royal Academy of Dance) Silver Swans, please check out https://www.royalacademyofdance.org/dance-with-us/silverswans/

$220 per 10-class term / $10 trial

RAD Silver Swans Ballet Repertoire
Tuesday 12:35 AM – 1:00 PM in Point Chevalier

This is an optional class for Silver Swans dancers who would like to extend their training further by learning a piece of dance. You may learn something completely original choreographed for this class or learn a piece from classical repertoire, of which the choreography is reworked to be within your skill level. As you will work on a dance over 1 or 2 terms, you will have the opportunity to practice and refine your work and will feel that you are making good progress each week. If you are looking for something fun, challenging, and rewarding, this class is for you.

$95 per 10-class term / $5 trial

Dance First Adult Ballet 
Wednesday 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM in Pakuranga Heights

The class level is set for dancers who have some previous ballet/dance experience and is equivalent to RAD grade 4-6/ Cecchetti grade 4-5. Starting with basic barre exercises, you’ll enjoy port de bras/adage with beautiful music in centre and start learning single pirouettes, posé turns, and some jumps including temps levés and batteries such as entrechat quatre. This class has a great sense of team and enjoys rehearsing and performing a group dance every year.

*This class is currently full. If you wish to sign up for the waiting list, please get in touch with Dance First.

Dance First Adult Pointe
Wednesday 12:15 PM – 1:00 PM in Pakuranga Heights

You’ll get your feet, lower legs, and core strength through this class! The class offers multiple layers so that dancers may choose from varying levels of difficulty. Dancers who have never had pointe training before will be recommended to follow our pre-pointe conditioning program for three months or more prior to joining this class. 

For inquiries and bookings, please get in touch with Dance First. 

Adult Ballet Pre-Intermediate
Wednesday 6:10 PM – 7:25 PM in CBD

Designed for pre-intermediate level dancers, the class breaks down various essential ballet techniques and explores artistic expression. Each month, the class focuses on a specific step or technique, such as brisé, grand jeté, posé turn, pirouette, and turnout. This detailed exploration aims to refine your understanding and execution of these fundamental moves, empowering you to feel more confident and expressive in other open classes.

The class level is similar to the upper beginner/intermediate ballet + repertoire class held on Saturdays at 10:20 am. However, it dedicates additional time to focus on pre-intermediate level steps, allowing for a more thorough exploration of technique. This specific approach distinguishes it from the broader range covered in the Saturday class. The level is equivalent to RAD Grade 6 to Intermediate Foundation / Cecchetti Grade 5 to 6.

$250 per 10-class term / $32 drop-in / $10 trial

Adult Ballet Beginner
Wednesday 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM in CBD

This class focuses on essential ballet movements, including simple barre and center work, while helping dancers build flexibility, mobility, and strength. Recognizing the importance of a strong foundation for long-term progress, the class incorporates floor barre exercises to teach proper muscle use and alignment, build good muscle memory and core strength, and minimize the development of bad habits. Each session concludes with a series of stretches that you can continue doing at home.

This class is intended for dancers who have completed my absolute beginner ballet course or an equivalent program. While a few months of prior experience is recommended, newcomers to ballet are still welcome to try the class. You may find it a bit challenging in the first few months, but most people gain confidence over time.

$250 per 10-class term / $10 trial

Swans Ballet
Thursday 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM in Point Chevalier
Tutor: Tyler Johnston

My Tuesday Swans ballet class is at full capacity, and due to popular demand, we’re launching another Swans class beginning on Thursday, June 20th!

Tailored specifically for older dancers (aged over 55), this class aims to enhance mobility, posture, balance, coordination, and overall energy levels. Whether you’ve danced before or not, everyone is warmly invited. The class includes warm-up routines, elegant barre exercises, and fun center exercises. If you enjoy dancing to music, this class will help you maintain fitness and happiness.

$220 per 10-class term / $28 casual / $10 trial

Open Level Pointe
Thursday 6:00 PM – 7:15 PM in CBD

This class starts at 6pm, but for those who are unable to arrive on time are still allowed to join the class until 6:15pm. During this time, the warm-up portion of the class will be optional. 

The class follows a regular ballet class structure, including barre, centre, and a short dance at the end, with the added component of pointe work. If you prefer to stay at the barre for the centre exercises, you’re welcome to do so. Additionally, multiple exercise options will be provided for the centre work.

To accommodate different needs, you have the choice to switch to flat shoes during the centre exercises or for the short dance. If you’re not ready for pointe shoes yet, you are also welcome to do the class in demi-pointe shoes. They can help strengthen your feet and make the transition to pointe shoes smoother when you’re ready.

Prerequisite: You should have a minimum of a few years of ballet training and be at the upper beginner level or higher.

Please bring a thera-band and a towel to be used for warm-up.

$200 per 10-class term / $240 per 10-class pass (valid for 6 months) / $26 drop-in / $10 trial

Adult Ballet Intermediate / Advanced
Friday 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM in Point Chevalier

This class is designed for dancers and dance teachers who are motivated to maintain, refine, and enhance their skills and artistry through a variety of exercises. Participants will work on advanced steps, including multiple turns and a range of allegro movements such as brisés, grand jetés, and cabrioles. While set at an intermediate level, the class offers additional challenging options for those eager to explore advanced-level work.

We’re excited to invite guest teachers once or twice a month, bringing fresh perspectives and inspiration to ensure a dynamic and enriching experience for our dancers!

$250 per 10-class pass (valid for 6 months) / $28 drop-in / $10 trial

Adult Pointe Intermediate
Friday 11:40 AM – 12:10 PM in Point Chevalier

This class is designed to help you dance freely on pointe. You will not just focus on pointe work technique but will work on developing expressive and artistic qualities in the upper body at the same time. The class starts with barre exercises to work on the basics and build a strong foundation and moves on to centre exercises to explore pointe work further. A short classical variation may be also added for more challenges.

$140 per 10-class pass (valid for 6 months) / $16 drop-in / $5 trial

Adult Ballet Beginner
Saturday 9:00 AM – 10:10 AM in Western Springs

This class is designed for dancers with some previous dance experience, ideally around 1 year or more. It includes fundamental barre and center work, simple adage, and port de bras with beautiful music, and basic jumps like sautés and assemblés. Each term, dancers have the opportunity to combine the steps they’ve learned into a short dance.

The class’s level is roughly equivalent to RAD/Cecchetti grades 2-4 and is not suitable for absolute beginners. Typically, dancers remain at this level for a few years, solidifying their foundation before advancing to the upper beginner level. The class is slightly harder than the Wednesday beginner class. Additionally, this class is progressing toward the upper beginner level, with the aim of reaching that milestone sometime next year or the year after.

$250 per 10-class term / $10 trial

Adult Ballet Pre-Intermediate/Intermediate + Repertoire 
Saturday 10:20 AM – 11:50 AM in Western Springs

This class consists of 70 minutes of a pre-intermediate to intermediate-level ballet class (equivalent to RAD grade 6 to Intermediate) and 20 minutes of a repertoire at the end, in which dancers will learn a classical variation over a 10-week term. The choreography is modified to suit the level of the dancers so that is challenging and rewarding. It also offers multiple levels of difficulty that you may choose from. You’ll have the opportunity to practice and refine your work so you feel that you are making good progress each week.

MODEL VARIATION FOR TERM 4 -2024:

$270 per 10-class term / $32 drop-in / $10 trial

Private Lesson with Mari – For enrolled students only

My private lessons are currently available only to enrolled students to better support their progress. Whether you’d like to focus on specific exercises learned in class, technique improvement, pointe work, stretching, conditioning, or preparing for a performance piece or RAD exam, I can tailor each lesson to suit your specific goals and needs.

$140/hr (+ studio hire cost)

Private Lesson with Yuka – Open to anyone

Yuka began her career as a flight attendant a year ago, which currently prevents her from teaching group lessons. Nevertheless, she continues to share her passion for dance through private instruction. Trained in the Russian ballet method since the age of 3, she has a rich background in ballet, including running her own ballet school. I have attended her classes several times before, and I‘ve always appreciated the friendly atmosphere that she created and her practical advice gained through Russian ballet training.

If you’d like to polish your technique, you’ll be in excellent hands. She can also offer lessons for absolute beginner dancers who would like to learn ballet basics before jumping into group lessons.

To book a lesson or inquire about fees and details, please contact Yuka via email at yuka.akl.ballet@gmail.com