Beginners - For those with no, or a little bit of experience. Never done ballet before? Or maybe you gave up when you were five? This class is for you.

Improvers - For those with a reasonable amount of experience (grades 2 - 4ish). Anyone who was in Beginners last academic year should now go to Improvers.

Pre-Intermediate - For those with a reasonable amount of experience (grades 5 - 6ish) but still needing to work on their technique. Those who were in Improvers last year should try Pre-Intermediate this year.

Intermediate - For those with more experience (Grade 7 and over). The class is taken faster than Pre-Intermediate and focuses on extending your skills with some more challenging moves and combinations as well as strengthening technique.

Advanced - Taken at a fast pace for those with lots of previous experience. There is a strong emphasis on learning how to perform, with our teacher Sayan passing on insights from his years as a Principal in a Russian ballet company. Please note: Sayan teaches Russian-style ballet, which may feel very different to what you have done previously, but don't be put off. The ballet club is proud to have dancers from all over the world, and this is reflected in having classes in different styles, so please come along and have a shot at something new!

Dancers are very welcome to attend more than one class. Half hour pointe work sessions are also available, following the Pre-Intermediate, Intermediate and Advanced classes.

Times and Prices

Beginners - Saturday 3 - 4:15 in the Jane Harrison Room, Newnham College

Improvers - Saturday 4:15 - 5:30 in the Jane Harrison Room, Newnham College

Pre-Intermediate - Thursday 5 - 6:30 in the Small Hall, St Columba's Church, Downing Street

Intermediate - Saturday 4 - 5:30 (6 for pointe) in Kelsey Kerridge

Advanced - Thursday 8 - 9:30 (10 for pointe) in Kelsey Kerridge

You will have to pay an entrance fee of £2.80 to get into Kelsey Kerridge Sports Centre for classes held in the Studio there.

Your first class of the year is free; classes cost £3 each thereafter (£5 for non-members) - either pay cash upfront, or buy a termcard valid for four classes at £12 (to save scrabbling for change).

Membership of the Ballet Club costs £10 per year.

***Note on Dress***

There is no dress code for ballet classes - you can wear whatever is comfortable and enables you to move freely. Clothing does not have to be tight, but bear in mind that it is helpful for your teacher to be able to see the lines of your body, so don't bundle yourself up like an eskimo!

Those starting ballet for the first time: please don't rush out and spend money on ballet gear before you are sure that you like it! Tracksuit bottoms or leggings or shorts (with or without tights under them) with a T-shirt or vest top is quite all right while you are a beginner. For footwear, try socks or bare feet, light plimsolls or jazz shoes if you have them.

All dancers: if you decide you would like to buy new ballet kit during the year, the club recommends a few particular styles. This is not a required uniform, but when it comes to show time a basic outfit of plain black leotard, pink tights and pink shoes will form the basis for many costumes, so it is economical (if you are planning an outlay on kit anyway) to buy something that will do for the show. A plain black leotard may be like this basic version or like this one with slighty sturdier straps (which may be better for those who need a bit more support up top!) In both cases note the straight, narrow straps. For those of you who have not bought ballet kit before, please note that leotard sizing tends to run rather small so you should pick a larger size than you normally do on the high street (e.g. if you are normally an XS in Gap, you may well be a M in leotards). Ask someone with more experience if you are unsure! Pink tights should be something like this budget pair. Shoes should be pink with elastic, like this canvas pair (satin and leather are also acceptable). If you have any questions about what does or does not match the recommended kit, please ask one of the committee!