Please note This (Lent) term, the Ballet Club is putting on its annual show. It will take place on Thursday 25th and Friday 26th February in the Mumford Theatre, Anglia Ruskin, at 7:30pm. The dress rehearsal will be on Tuesday 23rd February from approximately 6pm onwards. Dancers who are taking part in the show (or interested in taking part) should check the Show 2010 Information for Dancers page for details about performances, rehearsals, costumes, publicity etc.
If you don't want to be in the show, or aren't able to be, then we will be running some alternative classes; details of these are below. We apologise for the inconvenience of changing your class time, but we make the show opt-out rather than opt-in because we feel that performing is a big part of learning ballet (as well as being lots of fun) and we want as many people as possible to be included.
All dancers are very welcome to attend more than one class, but if you are attending show classes, please make sure that you can make every week in the period running up to the 25th and 26th of February.
You will have to pay an entrance fee of £2.90 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.
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 your teacher or someone else 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!
The Intermediate and Advanced classes are held at Kelsey Kerridge Sports Centre, where there is a spacious, air-conditioned and mirrored dance studio. Other classes are held in College rooms; see class details for specifics.
