Holly Golightly Posted August 21, 2013 Report Share Posted August 21, 2013 Dear Board members, I am looking for some opinions/advice about absolute beginner classes in NYC - Manhattan, ideally. I have seen a few listed at the different studios at different schools/ studios, but I'd like to hear from some of you about your first-hand experience - places and teachers you would recommend (or not), and why. A friend of mine was looking into trying out ballet (male, late 30s, decent background in gymnastics and yoga, but hasn't trained in a while), and since I've never taken classes those levels I was not really sure which ones to recommend. Thoughts? Thank you in advance ! Quote Link to comment
Redbookish Posted August 22, 2013 Report Share Posted August 22, 2013 When I visit NYC I usually go to Steps, and I try to fit in the beginner class taught by Kathy Sullivan. Ms Sullivan gives a lovely flowing class which is at a true Beginners level (I do it to get back to basics). However, it's a drop in class, so if you've never done any ballet, you might look for a more structured course of classes, rather than drop in classes. A studio which runs this will ask you to sign up for a series of classes and you'll be taken through a structured curriculum, designed to introduce you to the basics of ballet in a progressive fashion. Or some studios offer a basic ballet weekend, or week, for example. From memory Joffrey runs a progressive syllabus. And I think Ballet East may do so. And Seps sometimes runs dance workshops, including those for absolute beginners. The draw back is you generally have a fixed starting date, and need to pay for a term's worth of classes upfront. But I'd really recommend that option if you can find a studio you enjoy attending. I love the buzz of Steps, but it could be completely daunting for a beginner! On the other hand, you can peep in on amazing classes and dancers. Good luck, and do report back on your adventures. Quote Link to comment
Redbookish Posted August 22, 2013 Report Share Posted August 22, 2013 Adding| Here's a link to the Steps intro to ballet, taught by Ms Sullivan. http://www.stepsnyc.com/classes/workshops/ultimate-introductory-adult-dance-workshops Quote Link to comment
Willimus Posted August 24, 2013 Report Share Posted August 24, 2013 I would like to endorse Ms. Sullivan as well. She is a marvelous teacher. Quote Link to comment
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.