Introduction to Ballet with Christina Mittelmaier (6 weeks)

by Pineapple Dance Studios

This Intro to Ballet Course is an introduction to classical ballet for absolute beginners. The course will cover ballet class structure, positions of the feet and arms, barre work and centre practice, classical alignment, and musicality. Students will learn full body coordination, work on core strength, body alignment and rhythmic timing in a supportive and inclusive space. All are welcome and no previous dance experience is needed.

Each class will include basic exercises at the barre and centre. Students will become comfortable with terminology and technical elements.

YOU'LL LEARN

  • The five positions of the feet and arm positions
  • Elements of classical ballet such as body alignment, port de bras, adagio and allegro
  • Technical exercises
  • Musicality
  • Rhythm
  • …and build confidence, while learning in a fun and supportive environment

WHAT TO BRING

  • Footwear: Ballet slippers or socks.
  • Comfortable clothing:  For our dance classes, we encourage everyone to wear what they feel the most comfortable to move in. You can visit our Pineapple store opposite the studios and ask for advice from our staff, or can check out our online store where we have all the dance essentials you might need for your class. We have changing rooms and showers on location.
  • Water bottle: It's important to stay hydrated during your classes, so make sure you bring your water bottle. We have multiple water points in the building where you can have a refill. 

SCHEDULE

This Ballet course for beginners is 6 weeks long, with 1 class per week on Sundays (6 classes all together). Each class is 60 minutes long and held by Christina Mittelmaier  at Pineapple Dance Studios. 

Course start date: 25th May 2025

Timings: Sundays 2.15 - 3.15pm (60 minutes)

1st Class: Sunday 25th May

2nd Class: Sunday 1st June

3rd Class: Sunday 8th June

4th Class: Sunday 15th June

5th Class: Sunday 22nd June

6th Class: Sunday 29th June

Price: £89

ABOUT CHRISTINA MITTELMAIER

Christina Mittelmaier is a London-based ballet teacher and coach. She studied dance in Greece and the US. She has over thirty years of experience in teaching ballet and has taught everyone from beginners to professional dancers, well known actors, such as Ben Daniels and professional athletes of Rhythmic Sportive Gymnastics.

She danced in a variety of classical and contemporary productions touring Europe and was a soloist with the Company of Ballet Austin performing in such well-known classics as Don Quixote, Swan Lake, Nutcracker, etc. As a teenager, Christina was a champion in Rhythmic Sportive Gymnastics and was twice named “Athlete of the Year”.

She was a choreographer and coach for the Cypriot team of Rhythmic Sportive Gymnastics which she went to many international games including the Olympic Games of Barcelona in 1992. She taught at Ballet Austin Academy in the Youth and Pre-professional Division and taught company class. She taught at Morley College, was head of ballet at D&B School of Performing Arts, guest teacher at Birkbeck College, has been teaching at London Contemporary Dance School and offers open and private classes and coaching in ballet, Progressing Ballet Technique and body conditioning in London. Christina is a certified Progressing Ballet Technique teacher.

Christina’s varied experience as a dancer, teacher and coach plays a major part in her teaching making her classes dynamic and inspiring.