Class Descriptions

Book Online for the Adult Classes

Contemporary Dance	Classical Ballet	Jazz
Yoga	Pilates-based Body Conditioning	Zumba

Classical Ballet

Level 1 - Chloe Horrell Thursdays 18.30 - 20.00h
Suitable for the absolute beginner and students with limited dance experience, this class will introduce the basics of Classical Ballet technique with an emphasis on enjoyment.

Level 1 Improver - Karen Pluck Tuesdays 18.30 - 20.00h
Suitable for people with a basic knowledge of Classical Ballet, designed to build on the skills learnt in Classical Ballet Level 1.

Level 2 - Karen Pluck Thursdays 18.30 - 20.00h
A more technically demanding class for those with sound knowledge of ballet, covering a more dynamic range of movement and more complex phrasing.

Contemporary Dance

Level 1 - Chloe Horrell - Wed Class 18.30 - 20.00h & Natalie Gibbs - Saturday Class 11.15 - 12.15h
A great place to start for participants with little or no previous dance experience. These lively and engaging classes are influenced by  Release-based technique to increase creativity, fitness and confidence. The classes focus on alignment, clear use of weight and musicality to encourage freedom of movement, and most importantly a sense of fun and enjoyment! Classes are accompanied by live music.

Level 2 - Hagit Yakira - Tuesdays 18-30 - 20.00h                                                    The use of weight, intention and musicality help to make this level 2 Release based Contemporary class an energetic, challenging and fun experience. Simple movement phrases are built upon to help the student develop a greater awareness of both the body and the space in which it moves. The focus is on the connection of movement through use of weight and momentum with a particular emphasis on developing a grounded and expansive quality and confident performance. The class is physical and energetic and encourages the participants to explore their individual movement vocabulary beyond technique.

Contemporary Jazz

Hagit Yakira - Wednesday classes 18.30 - 20.00h
A popular fast-paced course for those with previous dance experience. Using fluid and percussive energy, classes  are built around exciting combinations and co-ordination with an emphasis on timing, dynamics and enjoyment. The course blend s contem porary  and jazz dance,  introducing different styles of Jazz, from Lyrical and Contemporary, to Mattox-style isolations.

Pilates-based Body Conditioning

General Level - Luisa D'Ambrosio Thursdays 18.30 - 20.00h
The Pilates method of body conditioning is a unique system of exercise designed to increase physical fitness and strength through the isolation of muscle groups and the slow and gentle repetition of movements. It contains stretching and strengthening exercises that tone muscles, improve posture, provide flexibility and balance and harmonises the mind and body. The Pilates method of body conditioning is designed to increase overall fitness, it is a gentle but effective form of exercise offering a holistic approach to body conditioning. This matwork course is suitable for beginners as well as those with more experience.

Please note: These classes are not suitable for pregnant women or for people with acute injuries or long term physical conditions that cause pain. Specific, targeted work is required for such people; this approach is provided for by our Pilates Studio which is open to the public. Please contact the Laban Pilates studio on 020 8305 9482 for further details on the personalised sessions on offer for people who would prefer to work in a non-class environment. Also you can go to our pilates section under health.

Yoga

Yoga - General Level - Shamita Ray  Wednesdays 18.30 - 20.00h and Saturdays 09.30 - 11.00h
Shamita's class combines both dynamic sequences and restorative exercises. The emphasis is on breath, awareness and safe-practice. A non-competitive atmosphere is encouraged so that everyone can practice at their own level and ability.

The class begins with a series of simple exercises to prepare the whole self for the practice. A series of sun-salutations will encourage you to experience the more dynamic aspect of Yoga followed by standing, sitting asana (postures) to emphasise alignment and balance while working on the relation between strength and stretch. The class ends with relaxation and a short sitting meditation.

Zumba

General Level - Ruth Cody Tuesdays 19.00 - 20.00h
Zumba® fitness is an exhilarating, effective, easy-to-follow, Latin-inspired, calorie-burning dance fitness class. No previous dance or fitness experience is required, the main aim of the classes is to have fun and enjoy moving. Classes are high energy and help to develop rhythm, coordination, aerobic fitness and muscle tone.  Zumba classes feature exotic rhythms set to high-energy Latin and international beats. Get fit and boost your energy levels. Zumba is easy to do, effective and totally exhilarating, often building a deep-rooted community among returning students.