Pilates Matwork run by Colours of Dance - Jane at Cambridge Dance Studios Studio 3 on Fri at 9:25 AM
Pilates is a form of exercise, body conditioning, stretching and strengthening that is compatible with all forms of dance and exercise, to increase your own body-knowledge and alignment, as well as your overall well-being. From the complete beginner with no previous exercise knowledge, to people who are already active and interested in sport and fitness, through to the older generation, Pilates will work for you.
Adult classes are available in the following techniques:
Ballet, Contemporary, Tap & Pilates
All adults are welcome to come and try or enrol in a class, no matter what experience you have previously had (or not). Most classes require a term's commitment and associated fee, but we offer a couple of pay-as-you-go classes.
Adult ballet
All CoD ballet classes are devised particularly for adults are designed to be appropriate for mixed groups of anyone from aged 18 and above. All Colours of Dance teachers are experienced in working with mixed age groups, as well as mixed abilities. However, we know from experience that students, whatever their age, are most comfortable when the ability mix in a class is not too diverse, so that there is a good mix of comfort and challenge within the group, no matter what the age mix, background, reasons for coming and personal ambition for attending the class. We seek to give a good class with opportunity to lose yourself in great settings and lovely music, balanced with good feedback that will help you keep up your technique and improve each week. In this way, we have developed supportive, fun and respectful groups of dancers who enjoy their class, their friends and the environment. We are able to offer examinations for those adults who wish to participate. All classes are group settings where there is no requirement to dance solo unless you wish to!
We offer a mixed of non-syllabus and syllabus classes, which we have categorised in a series of levels to try to make it easy for you to find the right class, as follows:
Absolute Beginners - An hour-long general ballet class suitable for absolute beginners who would like to give ballet a go! This class covers the fundamentals of ballet technique and starts to explore the artistry of classical movement.
Level 1 - An hour-long general ballet class suitable for those with 6 months to 2 years experience. Simple settings, lots of supportive feedback to help you improve and learn the vocabulary, a steady pace. A non-syllabus class following traditional pattern of barre, centre practice and allegro.
Level 2 - Level 2 classes will last between an hour and an hour and a half, and are suitable for those who have taken ballet classes for approximately 2-5 years. You will have a good broad knowledge of vocabulary and are looking to improve your technique (as ever!) as well as challenge yourself whilst thoroughly enjoying the feeling. Non-syllabus classes will cover barre, centre, allegro and syllabus classes will be defined by the development of the syllabus and or exam timings. Student classes at this equivalent level to which adults are also welcome would include Grades 5-8.
Level 3 - Level 3 classes are suitable for those who have studied ballet for 5 years or more. Syllabus and non-syllabus classes following a traditional pattern as described at level 1 & 2, plus pointe work (and preparation for pointework, as necessary). These classes will have pace and lots of multi-level feedback from your teacher! Student classes at this equivalent level, to which adults are also welcome, would include Intermediate Foundation, Intermediate, Advanced Foundation.
Tap: These classes are loosely based around the ISTD method & framework by way of knowing what steps one should know at each level before progressing in a safe and suitable way. There are no set exercises or routines as classes are adapted by the teachers to suit the group.
Contemporary: A fun and interesting class based on various contemporary techniques such as Cunningham, Release & Limon. This is a time for anyone to come and explore new ways of moving and thinking. A great class for anyone who wants to be a part of something relaxed, fun and a bit of a challenge!
Pilates: These are group mat-work Pilates classes and designed to offer general strengthening, toning and centring no matter what your previous experience or goals. All our our teachers work individually within the group to adapt and respond to each person's needs or constraints. All our teachers are available for private Pilates sessions and/or consultations.
Flamenco: Cambridge Spanish Dance School runs Flamenco class on Sundays, please contact cambridgespanishdanceschool@yahoo.com for more information.
Classes are shown as either being 'free/general' which means non-syllabus or with a level (ie beginners or intermediate). For some classes, a syllabus is followed and it is possible to take exams at that level.
Injuries & pre-existing or new conditions: Please keep your teacher informed of all injuries or pre-existing conditions. Ballet is an incredibly therapeutic form of exercise for many conditions and injuries, but adaptions may be needed and sensible. Your teacher will be able to advise, support and adapt most exercises within a class for you should you need it, but they can only do this if they know what they are dealing with! As we age, niggles arise and or biology and centre of balance can change, so we need to be body aware, and re-asses ourselves as dancers as we progress.
Commitment and Payment: The majority of adult classes require a termly commitment and class fees are due at the start of each term. A 'Pay As You Go' payment option is available for a couple of our adult classes and these will say "PAYG" in the title of the class. If you would like to opt for pay as you go in these classes, please contact the office.
For further information about styles, please see the info pages relating to the styles, even if they are linked to the children's classes, as these will give you the information you need to know.
Pilates
Pilates is a mindful exercise system designed to strengthen the body in a balanced way, with an emphasis on proper alignment, flexibility and control. It re-educates the mind and body to improve posture and promote efficient, graceful movement. Although perhaps most famous for developing core strength, Pilates aims to evenly strengthen the whole body. Joseph Pilates developed the exercises in the early to mid twentieth century, taking inspiration from various disciplines, including yoga, gymnastics and martial arts.
Suitable for all levels of physical fitness, Pilates is used by sports people, including Andy Murray and Tiger Woods, to keep on the top of their game, by film stars, such as Cameron Diaz, to keep in shape, and by older adults, such as Joan Bakewell and Pam Ayres to support healthy ageing. Those who try Pilates quickly become devotees, and find that their Pilates sessions are a highlight of the week - as they leave each class feeling lighter, stronger and more relaxed.
Thursday's classes at the Colours of Dance Studios are led by Body Control Pilates instructor Ines Byrne qualified to Matwork Master Teacher Level (advanced);
Friday's classes at the Colours of Dance Studios are led by Level 3 Pilates instructor Jane Mansley.
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