Absolute Beginner Ballet Series II with Riho Dantow
Absolute Beginner Ballet Series II is a continuation of Series I and is designed for dancers who are ready to build on their initial introduction to ballet. This series maintains a supportive and accessible environment while moving at a slightly faster pace, allowing dancers to gain confidence in the vocabulary, structure, and concepts they have already learned.
Series II focuses on reinforcing foundational skills while encouraging greater independence within the class format. Dancers will work with more continuity between exercises, develop improved coordination and musical awareness, and begin to feel more at home in a ballet class setting. The goal of this series is to strengthen confidence and preparedness for a smooth transition into Beginner Ballet Series I.
Course Details:
Duration: 8 weeks
Level: Absolute Beginner
Completion of Absolute Beginner Ballet Series I or equivalent experience is recommended
Course Content:
Alignment: Reinforce basic alignment concepts with greater consistency and flow
Stretching & Strengthening: Build on foundational strength and flexibility to support longer and more connected movement sequences
Balance: Develop increased stability through slightly more challenging balance exercises
Full barre: Practice familiar barre exercises with improved continuity and a modest increase in pace
Across the floor & supporting exercises: Expand movement confidence and coordination through repeated patterns and simple progressions
Center work: Explore slightly longer and more connected center exercises to build confidence and spatial awareness
Basic terminology: Reinforce and revisit ballet vocabulary to support fluency, confidence, and readiness for the Beginner level
Please note that teachers of all series classes are encouraged to run their classes as progressive courses, regardless of the number of students dropping in.
All Series courses will be open for drop-ins during the first half of the course only. Please contact info@thefifthdance.com to commit to the remainder of the Series.
When: Wednesdays, March 4th - April 22nd
Where: Main Studio at 366 Adelaide | Unit 120
Time: 7:15PM - 8:30PM
Full Series: $160+HST
More 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.