Drop-in classes in London

[SuperKitten]

Hello! I'm very out of date on London's drop-in class scene. Does anyone know of classes vaguely near King's Cross? I went to Central School in the previous location (various teachers but mainly Renato), Urdang and Pineapple (mainly that lovely and sharp lady with short red hair, goodness it's been ages, I'm not sure she's there any more) back in the day. Looking for something drop-in, North of the river, and with a focus on technique/conditioning right now. Oh, and definitely not live-streamed! What's good these days? I've never done Place classes, any thoughts on those? Happy New Year! 

[Jan McNulty]

Hello SuperKitten and welcome to the Forum!

[swanprincess]

Hi, SuperKitten!

Personally I would recommend Amber Doyle’s class at Pineapple (although Saturday morning class tends to be very busy, Sundays are generally calmer!). Josh Barwick also gives a nice class at Pineapple, his class is 3.30-4.30pm on Saturdays 

[Kate_N]

Nina Thilas-Mohs has pretty much taken over Renato’s classes, and she teaches at Pineapple and Central. I love her classes, but they’re probably not the best for getting back into shape.  You could try David Kierce,  but his classes are so crowded, I find it hard to really go for it in the centre.   Hannah Frost is great for getting back to clean technique with no injuries. 

[Angela Essex]

Second Hannah Frost - she is amazing and has a great sense of humour too. She’s at pineapple and central school of ballet. 

[Colman]

And a third and fourth here for Hannah, a really good option for what you’re looking for.

[LinMM]

If you want north of the River and near Kings Cross then probably classes at The Place would be good. Unfortunately it’s a long time since I’ve taken any classes there and the only person teaching ballet whose name I still recognised is Denzil Bailey teaching on Thursdays. But there are other classes I just don’t know those teachers but it does seem as if there is less ballet there than used to be. 
I do tend to prefer classes where the number of students is restricted though. Turning up to a class of 35 plus in a not huge room can be a bit soul destroying. 
I always thought there were safety restrictions on the room space size and number of students etc but perhaps that was just during Covid lol! 
The classes at City Lit ( Covent Garden/Holborn) are great as they do have a limit set which seems to be around 16 but unfortunately are not drop in but work out to about £10-12 a class depending on term length. I can recommend Alexander Simpkins there. 
I do know a very good teacher up in Finchley area if you live in North London area? 

Edited May 13, 2023 by LinMM

[swanprincess]

Isabella McGuire has classes at The Place on Sundays, and during the week at danceworks/pineapple, she’s excellent