By the end of the 8-week course, you will have gained confidence in your ballet abilities and be prepared to continue your ballet journey in more advanced classes. The course also aims to provide additional information and insights into the art form of ballet, both inside and outside the studio
Course Details:
Duration: 8 weeks
Level: Absolute beginner
Course Content:
Alignment: Learn the proper body alignment and posture required for ballet.
Stretching: Engage in stretching exercises to improve flexibility and prepare the body for ballet movements.
Strengthening: Build strength in the muscles used in ballet through targeted exercises.
Balance: Develop balance and stability through specific ballet exercises.
Floor work & supporting exercises: Practice ballet movements and exercises on the floor to improve technique and body awareness.
Full barre: Learn the fundamental ballet exercises performed at the barre to develop technique and strength.
Center work: Progress to the center of the studio to practice ballet movements without the support of the barre.
Movement: Explore different ballet movements and combinations to develop coordination and musicality.
Basic terminology: Familiarize yourself with the essential ballet terminology used in class.
When: Wednesdays, Sept 4th - Oct 23rd with Riho OR Sundays, Sep 8th-Nov 3rd with Sam
Where: Main Studio at 366 Adelaide | Unit 120
Time: Wednesday, 7:15PM - 8:30PM⎜Sundays, 11:00AM - 12:15PM
Full Series: $148+HST
About Riho
Born in Kyoto, Japan, Riho discovered her love for ballet at the age of three. Throughout her training at a ballet school in Kyoto, she flourished and had the privilege of performing as the main character in iconic ballets like Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, and more.
In 2015, she achieved a significant milestone by winning the prestigious Uiro Prize at the National Ballet Competition held in Nagoya, Japan. Seeking further growth, she embarked on an enriching experience in New York City, training alongside renowned ballet dancers and teachers from 2016 to 2017.
After relocating to Toronto in 2018, she continued to shine on stage, captivating audiences as the lead in the Nutcracker and other notable productions with the esteemed Toronto International Ballet Theatre. She also delighted audiences with guest appearances on various ballet school stages.
In 2023, she realized her dream of founding her own ballet school, the Ogata Ballet School. Through this endeavor, she passionately shares her love for ballet and aims to inspire young children and adults, passing on the essence of this timeless art form.
About Sam
Originally from Winnipeg Manitoba, Sam Grist is a Toronto based contemporary dancer, teacher, and fitness instructor. She has been a dancer and collaborator for Toronto based absurdist dance-theatre company Rock Bottom Movement since 2012, winning the 2020 Dora Mavor Moore Awards for both Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble and Outstanding Production for the company's work, hollow mountain. In addition to her work with Rock Bottom, Sam has collaborated and performed with choreographers including Hanna Kiel, David Earle, Susie Burpee, Shannon Litzenberger, Julia Aplin, Jennifer Nichols, Anisa Tejpar, and Clare Preuss.
When she is not performing, Sam is a passionate teacher for students of all ages. She has shared her love and knowledge of dance, movement, and fitness through workshops and master classes across Canada. Sam has been a guest teacher with Rock Bottom Movement, VIEW Dance Convention, Toronto Metropolitan University, Cawthra Park Secondary School, Etobicoke School of the Arts, Unionville High School, and Kalos Collectives. In 2020, the pandemic inspired Sam to pursue her Mat Pilates teacher training through the Mindful Movement Centre, under the tutelage of Leslie Parker. Sam earned her BFA in Performance Dance from the Toronto Metropolitan University in 2013 and is also a certified Extension Method™ teacher. Sam loves blending dance and fitness to create a fun and challenging workout experience, and is thrilled to be a part of the Fifth family!