When & where to practice
What it's like
A class runs in three parts, in the same order every time. Barre first, roughly thirty minutes of small, repeated exercises holding a fixed support, working from the feet upwards. Then centre, where you do similar work without the barre and discover how much the barre was doing. Then travelling sequences across the floor. The repetition is deliberate. You'll do plié in your first class and in your five-hundredth, because the exercise doesn't change, your execution does. We teach beginner through advanced, plus contemporary ballet, which keeps the technique and loosens the shape. Pointe work is available for dancers with enough ankle strength; your teacher will tell you when. Soft ballet shoes, fitted clothing. No pointe shoes until invited.
Why people practice this?
Technique transfer is the practical reason. Ballet trains turnout, alignment, control of weight and clean lines. And dancers who train it find everything else gets easier, from contemporary to heels. Outside dance, it does something to how you carry yourself. Months of standing tall against a barre changes posture in a way that gym work rarely does, particularly through the upper back and hips. Then there's the attention. A barre sequence gives you one thing to think about at a time, in order, for an hour. People who find their minds racing in other classes often find ballet unexpectedly quiet.
Is this for you?
You'll get on with ballet if you:
• Danced as a child and want the technique back
• Train other styles and keep hitting a ceiling in control
• Want structure rather than freestyle
• Like knowing exactly what you're being asked to do
Complete beginner as an adult? Start in Beginners. It's genuinely built for people who've never done it, and adults tend to progress faster than children because they understand the instruction.
Your teacher(s)
Questions people ask
Am I too old?
No. Our beginners groups run from twenties to sixties, and most people are starting from nothing.
Do I need pointe shoes?
Not for regular ballet. Pointe is a separate class you'd move into with your teacher's guidance.
Can I try first?
Yes, at the Trial Dance Weekend just before each season, €7.50 a class. For drop-in classes, the Trial Week is €19.95.
How do I book a course?
On the website, at yourtribes.nl/courses. Your spot is then secured for the full course.
New to dance?
Yes. Every style has a beginners group, and each course states its level. Email discover@yourtribes.nl if you're unsure.
Coming on my own?
Plenty of people do. No pressure to socialise, connection happens over time.
How do I book?
yourtribes.nl/schedule or through the Fit by Wix app, code NCL5XG. You'll need a pass or card first.
