About the Class
Monday 13th September – Sunday 13th December
Age: 14+
19:05-20:35 - 90min
£16.50 (Conc. £14.50) - Single Class
Teacher: Benoît Egloff
Born in the Italian Renaissance, Ballet took many turns across Europe (with some great leaps in France and Russia) before landing on the world's largest stages in its modern, athletic form. Ballet is characterised by its technical precision, elegance and captivating artistry. At Dance Base, our Ballet classes range from classical to modern, beginners to professional—but they are always inclusive. There is a space at the barre for everyone at Dance Base.
This is an enjoyable, stimulating Intermediate class for those who have grounding as well as those willing to familiarise themselves with Ballet technique and terminology. We’ll delve into everything a Ballet class has on offer with its traditional development, in various ways and speeds. We’ll explore different dynamics to take increasingly challenging combinations while adding musicality and artistry to ballet technique. With strong attention to detail, we’ll aim to bring together a sense of freedom and volume of movement.
Please wear ballet slippers or socks, and comfortable, fitted clothing so that your teacher can observe your alignment. Don't forget a bottle of water!
Meet the Teachers
Benoit Egloff
He began his performing career at 19 for Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montreal Canada and also danced for Ballet Basel in Switzerland. During this period he toured China, Australia, the United States, France, Germany, Hungary and Canada. As a performer, his credits include such pieces as: Giselle, Coppelia, The Nutcracker, and works or creations by Balanchine (Apollo, Theme and Variations...), as well as works from such esteemed choreographers as Nacho Duato, Jiri Killian, Catherine Habasque, William Forsythe, Lucinda Childs, Richard Wherlock, Jose Limon, Merce Cunningham, Ashley Page, Septime Webre, Robert North, Douglas Becker, Kevin O’Day to name just a few.
During his time with Ballet Basel, Benoit developed a taste for choreography and seized opportunities to choreograph for the company.
After suffering an injury that cut his stage career short, and after a gruelling recovery, Benoit pivoted his focus and established himself in the UK as a freelance dance artist. Here he specialized in performing, teaching, choreographing and restaging works for companies and institutions such as the C.A.T (Centre for Advanced Training) national scheme, Matthew Bourne's New Adventures, The Royal Ballet School's Associates and Partnership and Access, The Scottish School of Contemporary Dance.
Benoit completed his French teaching qualification in classical ballet, the Diplôme d'Etat de Professeur de Danse in 2001. In 2013, he moved to Scotland, with responsibility for Classical training across the country. In 2016 he also gained his TQFE delivered by the University of Aberdeen.
Recently, Benoit was appointed by Scottish Ballet to lead the ballet class designed for MS sufferers as part of the Health Department.
Also, Ballet Rambert chose Benoit to teach their company class on the Edinburgh tour of 'Peaky Blinders'. He also just delivered the company class to Matthew Bourne's New Adventures for the Swan Lake tour in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen, and for The Red Shoes in Glasgow.
How to prepare
Wear comfortable clothing, nothing too baggy, as your teacher needs to be able to see your posture, and wear soft ballet shoes. You are not required to have dance uniform of leotard and tights, but you are welcome to wear them, if you wish.
Don’t forget your bottle of water.
As we move into the colder months of our changeable Scottish weather, please wear layers to the class to keep sufficiently warm during, as we are still continuing to ensure ventilation in our studios.