Christopher Lam's Absolute Beginner Ballet Workshops

Christopher Lam's Absolute Beginner Ballet Workshops

Chris Lam Absolute Beginner Ballet Workshops 2022
Session #1 January 5-February 23, 2022
Wednesdays, 5:45-7:15 PM
Saturdays, 9-10:30 AM 

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Cost: $180 per 8-week series (Wednesdays OR Saturdays)
Drop-ins unavailable

Christopher Lam's Absolute Beginner Ballet Workshops are organized as a progressive series in three parts. Each of one of the eight-week series concentrates on deepening your understanding of ballet technique and everyday movement patterns. Each workshop blends traditional ballet training, updated and adapted to suit the needs of the adult student, with basic somatics and a healthy dose of common sense. The goal is for you to gain functional skills while incorporating artistry and musicality into your movement. 

Each of these series is designed to gradually teach the adult learner the basics and dancers can choose to spend more time on a module before graduating to the next. This new beginning ballet workshop format aims to be a better link to other classes offered at ODC. Highly recommended for people with no previous ballet experience and dancers who would like to refresh their basic technique. Everything will be explained and questions will be welcome in a nurturing and non-competitive environment. 

Attire for the workshop is clothing that allows you to move freely. Yoga pants, jogging/track pants, and socks are all suitable. Classical ballet attire and shoes are most welcome, but not required. For registration questions please contact frontdesk@odc.dance

About the Series

  • Series A

    Series "A" focuses on anatomical alignment to promote a safer approach to the repetitive action that classical ballet requires. We will explore basic positions, posture, transference of weight and balance. We'll cover healthy functional movement patterns, building strength and flexibility in a format that gives adult students the time to explore their body's full potential in a warm and nurturing environment.

  • Series B

    Series "B" builds on the elements in Series A. You'll be ready to face new challenges, gain a deeper understanding of technique, build confidence and community. It introduces the concepts of musicality and theatricality, as well as character and folkloric ballet styles to enhance your appreciation of the rich heritage of ballet. You'll learn about micro-coordinations, the importance of rhythm and spatial awareness and incorporate the building blocks of classical technique into short dance phrases while maintaining a focus on balance and strength.

  • Series C

    Series "C" builds on the foundations of the prior two series, developing the micro-coordinations explored in series "B" into fully formed dance 'enchainements' or sequences. This will prepare you to transition to ballet classes at higher levels if that's your goal. It will reinforce the main movements dancers encounter such as linking steps, turning steps, character/folkloric inspired steps, and will aid in building crucial muscle memory for these movements to create a greater sense of confidence and ease.