Classical Ballet

Introduction

Since September 2014 ESDV Footloose has offered courses in classical ballet. Classical ballet is taught in 3 levels, Ballet 1 for all beginners or dancers with just a little experience or who have danced in modern jazz, contemporary, or another dance style. Ballet 2 is an intermediate level for dancers with more than 3 years of experience or who have been out of the swing of things and want to pick ballet again. Ballet 3 is an advanced course and is for all dancers who have been dancing all their lives and want to continue during their student time. The teacher decides which course suits you best based on your technical abilities and your learning curve.

The dance style

Classical ballet is one of the oldest dance styles that we know in our Western culture. It developed at the Italian courts during the Renaissance but developed to be a true art form at the French court. The first ballet academy was founded in France, but classical ballet spread very quickly to other parts of the world. This resulted in many different styles and schools throughout the world, for example, the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD, England), Cecchetti (Italy), Bournonvile (Danmark), Vaganova (Russia), and later Balanchine (USA). The classes at Footloose are based on the Russian technique in which a good strong technique is combined with musicality and expression. At Footloose everybody is welcome regardless of their former dance background or style, the teacher combines mostly Vaganova with some specifics from other styles, such as quick allegro from Balanchine.

Classical ballet is not only an excellent way to strengthen your body and improve your posture, but it is also a lovely way to (learn to) express yourself in movement. It combines muscle control with artistic freedom and is a nice way to relax and workout after a long day of lectures. The classes in this course are built up of a warm-up at the barre, technical and dance exercises in the center and on the diagonal. We start with slow and easy exercises and build towards turns, jumps, and choreography.

During the first semester of the year, if there are enough enthusiastic dancers, there is the possibility to take part in an informal (not mandatory) ballet exam. During the second semester, we will work towards the annual Footloose Showcase, in which every ballet course has its own choreography. Check out the videos below!

Course progress

Since Classical ballet is a very technical style the placement of the dancers in a dance course is determined by the teacher. Every season she will make a well-weighted decision, this might mean that dancers will move a level down if the overall level of dancers in the higher course is too high.

Teacher – Veronica d’Angelo

Timeschedule

The complete overview of the schedule of all classes can be found here.

Videos