Adult classes are available in the following techniques:
Ballet, Ballet Barre, Contemporary, Tap, Pilates, Bellydance & Flamenco
All adults are welcome to come and try or enrol in a class, no matter what experience you have previously had (or not). Evening classes may usually be attended on a week by week basis, but day-time classes usually require a term's commitment and associated fee.
Adult ballet
All CoD ballet classes are devised particularly for adults are designed to be appropriate for mixed groups of anyone from aged 18 and above. All Colours of Dance teachers are experienced in working with mixed age groups, as well as mixed abilities. However, we know from experience that students, whatever their age, are most comfortable when the ability mix in a class is not too diverse, so that there is a good mix of comfort and challenge within the group, no matter what the age mix, background, reasons for coming and personal ambition for attending the class. We seek to give a good class with opportunity to lose yourself in great settings and lovely music, balanced with good feedback that will help you keep up your technique and improve each week. In this way, we have developed supportive, fun and respectful groups of dancers who enjoy their class, their friends and the environment. We are able to offer examinations for those adults who wish to participate. All classes are group settings where there is no requirement to dance solo unless you wish to!
We offer a mixed of non-syllabus and syllabus classes, which we have categorised in a series of levels to try to make it easy for you to find the right class, as follows:
Foundation Level - An Introduction to Ballet - a 10 week course designed for those who are absolute beginners or who have been attending classes for less than 6 months, or who for another reason (a medical condition perhaps) may wish to take things nice and slowly. Non-syllabus, on Monday evenings. Barre - a short weekly class, great as an introduction to ballet, as a warm up before Pilates, or for those returning to ballet after a long break or for those looking to have an extra focus on posture and placing and other technical fundamentals. Non-Syllabus
Level 1 - Generally an hour-long general ballet class suitable for those with 6 months to 2 years’ experience. Currently held on Monday evenings. Simple settings, lots of supportive feedback to help you improve and learn the vocabulary, a steady pace. A non-syllabus class following traditional pattern of barre, centre practice and allegro. Possibly Wednesday mornings when there is demand.
Level 2 - Weekly classes varied during the week, comprising a mixture of non-syllabus and syllabus classes, weekday mornings and Monday evenings. Level 2 classes will last between an hour and an hour and a half, and are suitable for those who have taken ballet classes for approximately 2-5 years. You will have a good broad knowledge of vocabulary and are looking to improve your technique (as ever!) as well as challenge yourself whilst thoroughly enjoying the feeling. Non-syllabus classes will cover barre, centre, allegro and syllabus classes will be defined by the development of the syllabus and or exam timings. Student classes at this equivalent level to which adults are also welcome would include Grades 5-8. Monday & Friday mornings for 'Discovering Repertoire' syllabus adult classes, Wednesday mornings & evenings for non syllabus adult classes, Saturday afternoons for student classes at this level. Monday evenings when there is demand.
Level 3 - Weekly or twice weekly classes suitable for those who have studied ballet for 5 years or more. Syllabus and non-syllabus classes following a traditional pattern as described at level 1 & 2, plus pointe work (and preparation for pointework, as necessary). These classes will have pace and lots of multi-level feedback from your teacher! Student classes at this equivalent level to which adults are also welcome would include Intermediate Foundation and Intermediate (Thursday and Saturdays). Non-syllabus class, Tuesday evenings.
Tap: These classes are loosely based around the ISTD method & framework by way of knowing what steps one should know at each level before progressing in a safe and suitable way. There are no set exercises or routines as classes are adapted by the teachers to suit the group.
Contemporary: A fun and interesting class based on various contemporary techniques such as Cunningham, Release & Limon. This is a time for anyone to come and explore new ways of moving and thinking. A great class for anyone who wants to be a part of something relaxed, fun and a bit of a challenge!
Pilates: Led by Sally Parker, a highly qualified and experienced Pilates teacher. These are group mat-work Pilates classes and designed to offer general strengthening, toning and centring no matter what your previous experience or goals. All our our teachers work individually within the group to adapt and respond to each person's needs or constraints. The Breast Cancer Rehabilitation class is specifically designed for those women who are recovering from surgery and are looking for a sympathetic exercise programme to help them in their recovery.All our teachers are available for private Pilates sessions and/or consultations.
Belly Dance: Bellydancing originates in the folk dances of the Middle East, which works with your body's natural range of movements and allows you to express your individuality. This beginner's course will introduce you to the fundamentals of bellydance technique and posture. The characteristic movements of bellydance are very natural and work with the body, making it a dance suitable for everyone regardless of age or fitness level.
Flamenco: A variety of Flamenco groups run classes from the Colours of Dance studios. Wednesday evening's monthly classes are led by a group of flamenco dance students who bring in a professional teacher from Spain, Felipe de Algeciras once a month for a workshop. Classes are challenging but a lot of fun and are all accompanied by live guitarists! Thursday evening classes are led by professional teacher & dancer Thurid Gspaan.
Classes are shown as either being 'free/general' which means non-syllabus or with a level (ie beginners or intermediate). For some classes, a syllabus is followed and it is possible to take exams at that level.
Injuries & pre-existing or new conditions: Please keep your teacher informed of all injuries or pre-existing conditions. Ballet is an incredibly therapeutic form of exercise for many conditions and injuries, but adaptions may be needed and sensible. Your teacher will be able to advise, support and adapt most exercises within a class for you should you need it, but they can only do this if they know what they are dealing with! As we age, niggles arise and or biology and centre of balance can change, so we need to be body aware, and re-asses ourselves as dancers as we progress.
Commitment and Payment: Non-syllabus classes are generally a choice for adults of pay weekly or termly commitment (which includes a discount), whereas syllabus classes are generally only payable termly (given the nature of the development & commitment from both teacher and pupils). Please see the class timetable for details of days, times and teachers, as well as payment options.
For further information about styles, please see the info pages relating to the styles, even if they are linked to the children's classes, as these will give you the information you need to know.
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