Tagged class

Ballet for the boys: Adult classes complete Ben’s fitness regime

Adult Ballet Class for men and women at SK Dance Studio Wigan

21 year old Ben Gambles from Wigan was a pretty fit guy. He ate well, trained at the gym three times a week and was a keen runner to boot. So when his friend Katherine suggested they join an adult ballet class together, he wasn’t quite sure what to make of it.

Ben thought his existing workout regime meant all his fitness bases were already covered

“With my gym regime and long runs, I felt pretty sure I was covering all the fitness bases already” said Ben.  “I’d never even considered a dance class before. I was worried I’d be no good and to be honest, I’d always thought ballet classes were mainly for girls.”  But despite his apprehension, Ben decided to give it a shot.  “I’ve always been one to try new things and I didn’t want to appear narrow-minded, so I just thought – why not?”

Ben and Katherine went along to the adult ballet class at SK Dance Studio in Appley Bridge, Wigan, taught by the dance school’s principal Susan Kielb.

“I was really nervous about my first class, but I needn’t have been” said Ben.  “Everyone was really welcoming and friendly. Although there were people with different levels of experience in the group, Susan made time to break the steps down. This really helped me to understand the technical aspects of the exercises and what I was aiming to achieve.”

After a couple of classes, Ben was hooked and keen to learn.

Ben found ballet uses lots of muscles he'd previously neglected

Adult Ballet Class for men and women at SK Dance Studio Wigan“Although professional dancers make ballet look easy, it’s actually one of the most physically and mentally demanding things I’ve ever done. But that also makes it one of the most rewarding” continued Ben.

“Ballet class offers a really thorough all-over workout and uses muscles that my usual fitness regime hardly touches. It’s helped me to build incredible core strength, has made me more flexible than ever before and has massively improved my stamina. All these things have positively impacted both my gym work and my runs. I generally feel healthier and more energised.”

As well as the physical benefits, Ben’s also noticed the positive effect of ballet classes on his mental wellbeing.

“Conquering new steps gives a real sense of achievement, but it’s not just about the technical aspect of the class” said Ben.  “Ballet is about bringing everything together to create something special – the steps; the way your body moves; your breathing; the music; how you feel; and your sense of timing. It’s great for the body, the mind and the soul.”

Ballet demands real power and strength - it's as demanding as any serious sport

Asked if he’d recommend ballet classes to his mates at the gym, Ben has no hesitation. “Absolutely yes – in fact I already have” said Ben.

“Don’t let the untrue stereotypical view of male dancers affect your decision to join a class. The power and strength required for ballet makes it more mentally and physically demanding than a lot of serious sports – it’s tough. Ballet needs more men and boys to get involved and since I joined SK Dance Studio’s adult class about a year ago, a couple of other guys have joined too. It’s been great to see.”

Ben has progressed into SK Dance Studio’s advanced adult ballet class and is now tackling much harder steps and enchainment.  “Susan is a fantastic ballet teacher. She encourages you to push yourself, because she knows what you’re capable of achieving and wants you to be the best dancer you can be. I think Susan enjoys the class as much as we all do.”

As well as the support of his teacher, Ben also values the camaraderie and team spirit within the group.  “If someone’s struggling, we’ll work together to go over things, or give each other big clap when we’ve conquered a step. It’s a really fun class – we laugh a lot.”

“I can’t recommend adult ballet classes at SK Dance Studio highly enough” he continued.  “If you’re thinking about it, then just go for it. You never know until you try and it might just be your talent.”

Why not try an adult ballet class for yourself? Come along to SK Dance Studio and give it a go!

If you’d like to try an adult ballet class at SK Dance Studio, then come along to either our class designed for beginners and improvers, or our separate class for more advanced adult ballet dancers. Click here for more information about our adult ballet classes and class times.

Try our Strictly Come Dancing inspired exercise class FitSteps

Fitsteps classes at SK Dance Studio Wigan

We’re delighted to announce that SK Dance Studio teacher Cara Birchall has qualified as a FitSteps® instructor, so come along and try out this fabulous Strictly Come Dancing inspired exercise class on Thursdays at 8.40pm

Developed by Strictly Come Dancing’s Natalie Lowe, Ian Waite and Mark Foster, FitSteps® brings Latin and Ballroom to the exercise class! It’s a dance fitness programme that’s so much fun, you won’t even realise you’re working out!

“Since qualifying as an instructor, I’ve really got the FitSteps® bug” said Cara, who’s also a fully qualified teacher of ballet, tap, modern and jazz at SK Dance Studio. “FitSteps® is an amazing workout that will really get you moving, burning calories, toning up and most of all, having a really great time. The hour session goes so quickly because it really is enjoyable, yet you’ll feel like you’ve worked hard”.

The FitSteps® programme was developed around popular Latin and Ballroom dances that any fan of Strictly Come Dancing will recognise from the show, including Jive, Cha Cha, Samba, Tango, Waltz and Quickstep. During the class, you’ll learn dance sequences that are broken down into bite-sized sections so you can pick them up really easily. And because you can choose the effort level you’re comfortable with, FitSteps® is suitable for people of all ages and levels of fitness.

Come along to a FitSteps® class at The Vale, Appley Bridge, Wigan – Just £3. No dancing partner required!

Cara’s FitSteps® class takes place at the The Vale, Appley Bridge, Wigan every Thursday at 8.40pm. FitSteps® sessions cost £3 each, payable on the night. Wear trainers and comfy clothes (like your gym kit) and don’t forget to bring a bottle of water!

SK Ballet Babies now on a Friday or Saturday morning

Ballet Babies at SK Dance Studio Wigan

In November 2013 we launched a brand new dancing class to the SK Dance Studio time-table specifically aimed at 2 and 3 year old children. This special baby ballet class has been so popular that we’ve added an extra class to the timetable.

You can now choose either our 10.30am Friday morning class, or our 9am Saturday morning class.

This thirty minute class is designed especially to excite and engage little ones aged two and three years old and offers a truly magical introduction to ballet. SK Dance Studio Principal Susan Kielb explains: “We’ve had some really great feedback about our new SK Ballet Babies class which is especially structured to engage young children in age-appropriate ballet-based activities including dance, music, imagination and of course, lots and lots of fun” said Susan. “We found that many parents really wanted to bring their children, but couldn’t make the weekday class time, so we decided to add an extra class, this time on a Saturday”.

“The content and approach for the new Saturday SK Ballet Babies class is the same as that in the week. It’s a great way to get toddlers interested in a really rewarding and captivating activity that will keep on growing with them as they get older” said Susan.

Ballet is the ideal way to help your toddler child to develop a sense of musicality, build confidence, co-ordination and body awareness, as well as providing a great opportunity to make new friends and burn off some energy. At SK Dance Studio, we believe it’s never too early to introduce your child to dance.

How much do SK Ballet Babies classes cost?

SK Dance Studio’s baby ballet classes cost just £20 for a six week block and take place in our dance studio at The Vale, Appley Bridge, Wigan. You can start at any time during the course (we’ll simply adjust the price to reflect the remaining number of classes left in the block when you start).

“SK Ballet Babies classes are thirty minutes long, which we think is just about the right length for little ones. It’s not too short that our little dancers’ enjoyment ends just as they’re warming up, yet it’s not so long that children get too tired or lose interest” added Susan.

Contact us now to reserve your child’s place

To reserve a place for your child on either our Saturday or Friday SK Ballet Babies class, or if you’ve got any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to contact us by phone, email or via our Facebook page.

Like all our dance classes, Ballet Babies is taught by a fully qualified dance teacher (registered with Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing I.S.T.D. and the Allied Dancing Association A.D.A.).

Hope to see you soon!