munchkin16 Posted September 16, 2017 Share Posted September 16, 2017 I'm thinking of signing up for the Ballet Retreat in London in November but can't make my mind up. Is it worth the money? I've asked about the levels and they said it can accommodate beginner through to advanced but I'm looking for some feedback from someone who's been. What kind of level/hours of classes would get the most out of this? Do you need to be flexible or really in shape? Quick at picking up steps? I've never done anything like this so I'm looking for some personal experiences if anyone can help, especially as I'm not the most confident dancing in new environments! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jan McNulty Posted September 16, 2017 Share Posted September 16, 2017 There are comments about the Ballet Retreat held recently in Leeds here: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicola H Posted September 16, 2017 Share Posted September 16, 2017 Jan has pointed out the thread that discusses the August Leeds TBR , the London ones are the same core team i.e. Hannah, David, and probably Gavin ( as i don;t know whether they will drag Andrew or other Northern Ballet people who contribute to the faculty in leeds down to London or whether they use London based accompanists and other dancer as teachers) There are people who attend TBR at all levels from those who have only been taking 1 or 2 hours a week of classes for less than a year to people who are dancing at advanced levels and taking class everyday ... if you look at the class descriptions of David's classes at Central you'll see he is just an interested in beignners as he is in work with the higest levels of professionals https://www.centralschoolofballet.co.uk/classdescriptions.php I'd count the 'company class' as a good all round class thatsoemone who is used to an 'improvers' type class would cope with perfectly adequately , although there is a no standardisation in what constitutes what for adult class descriptions and different peopel and different teachers progress classes differently ( and that can be a functio nof class size as a class of 8 -12 students is different to a class of 20 -30 to teach and correct , and that bigger class is unlikely to throw up the odd 'bargain semi -private / private class' when hardly anyone shows up ... do you need to be flexible ? not necessarily it's about working with what you have - yes there are peopel on TBR who have beautful line, near pro levels of extension etc ... but there is no competition . do you need to be in shape ? well in enough shape to manage class , it;s not a competition , yes everyone is there becasue they want to challenge themselves but it;s personal challenge and it's all about having fun quick at picking up steps ? if you can cope when you have a cover teacher in your usual class or when your usual teacher has a bit of a rewrite of class you'll cope at TBR. the answer is : Do It and join the crazy TBR 'family' ... unfortunately i won;t be able to attend the London TBR in November, but I think some other contributors to balletcoforum who have commented on the other threads might be and they'll be the crowd of regular's from David;s Classes at Central who are a great bunch of guys and girls ... i'm down for Leeds in January ... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
munchkin16 Posted September 17, 2017 Author Share Posted September 17, 2017 Thanks for your replies, I did take a look at the other thread but MPH your answers to my questions were really helpful. I've been doing ballet for 6 years now so I'm sure I could do the steps it's just knowing whether I'd get a lot out of it or feel like I was trying to keep up. My November at work is super busy so I'll be only able to make 1 class a week leading up to it so I just wanted to check I wouldn't be risking injury or being out of my depth. My class is a pretty open adult one at the moment so I'm sure it'll be a great different challenge! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
munchkin16 Posted November 21, 2017 Author Share Posted November 21, 2017 Thanks to all the great recommendations I signed up for this but now as it’s next week I was just wondering if anyone who has been has any suggestions on what to bring? They suggest a yoga mat or towel for warm up, is this useful? Any other advice would be welcome, or if anyone going wants to say hi! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicola H Posted November 21, 2017 Share Posted November 21, 2017 1 hour ago, munchkin16 said: Thanks to all the great recommendations I signed up for this but now as it’s next week I was just wondering if anyone who has been has any suggestions on what to bring? They suggest a yoga mat or towel for warm up, is this useful? Any other advice would be welcome, or if anyone going wants to say hi! have you had the email from Hannah with the suggestions of what to bring / expectations and etiquette stuff ? i think that covers most of it ... -yes a towel or yoga mat may well be useful esp if you can;t do laying on hard / cold floors -a water bottle with a flip /' twist / drink through lid is also useful ( as only water allowed in the studio spaces ) warm up boots / slipper socks are useful for keeping feet warm keeping the soles of the ballet shoes clean and saves on faffign with footwear even if it is only soft shoes/ flats - sense of humour and sense of adventure and remember in the immortal words of DPK ' everyone loves a correction from Gavin ' ! - the team are absolutely fab as i said before sadly due to real life getting in the way I'm not at this one ( but I am coming to Leeds in January) - but such is the life of someone who works in a logistics related role for a retailer it's 'black friday / cyber monday / christmas shopping ' time ... all hands to the pump and that.. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sophie_rebecca Posted November 23, 2017 Share Posted November 23, 2017 With 6 years experience you'll be fine, David is really good at teaching a wide range or skills on the day anyway, normally I'd say you'd be very lucky as TBR books up months in advance but I did see Hannah posting that 2 spaces came free last week & they may not have gone yet. Nicola has covered everything, these are immensely enjoyable events meticulously organised with a wonderful group of people in world class facilities. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LinMM Posted November 23, 2017 Share Posted November 23, 2017 I had intended on doing this but unfortunately the dates of our performances got changed so will now be in rehearsals for our show this Sunday .....also in wonderful studios ...lucky old us ..at the Rambert!! Will get to one of these eventually I hope! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now