Ballet4Lifer of the Month- December!!!

Artwork courtesy of Charlotte Fawley

We celebrate the joys of Ballet and Dance this month with hard-working, devoted, and talented dancer Claudine Mann. What a lovely way to start the festive season. Thank you, Claudine.

Claudine in Ballet4life's Saturday Int/Adv class with Beatrice. Image courtesy of Ballet4life.

BALLET4LIFER OF THE MONTH

QUERIES

When did you start dancing?  I started dancing when I was 10 after badgering my parents for classes for over a year.  They eventually gave in!

 

Claudine as a Baby Ballerina- photo courtesy of her family.

What makes dancing so special to you?   Watching a highly skilled dancer offers an experience unlike anything else.   Its not just about great technique.  The combination of music, décor/costumes and lack of speech means that feelings/emotions are conveyed in a completely different way.  When the music comes together with an experienced performer there is nothing quite like it.    

 

When did you start with Ballet4Life?  Approximately 10 years ago or thereabouts on and off.

 

What makes B4l so special for you?  Everyone who attends B4l classes clearly loves to dance.  There is no ageism or snobbery, unlike other dance studios I have attended.

 

Do you get to see dance performances regularly? If yes, any favourite companies, dancers, performances you have seen recently? 

Pre Covid I used to try and see around 3 live performances a year.  That has sadly not resumed. There are too many amazing dancers and companies to name so I tend to go by productions. The Royal Ballet’s Romeo and Juliet and Swan Lake, Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake and Romeo and Juliet, Russell Maliphant when he collaborated on Push with Sylvie Guillem…... 

 

What do your ballet classes do for you?  Obviously, they keep me fit and hopefully mentally agile, but for me they are a vital part of my wellbeing.  I feel totally free when I dance.  There’s something about the music and instinctively feeling the combinations/steps while you move that is unlike any other form of exercise. 

Do you have a favourite Ballet4Life class?  Bea’s Intermediate/advanced class

Claudine leaping at Beatrice's Saturday morning Int/Adv Ballet4Life class

Image courtesy of Claudine

Is there any dance style you wish to study but we do not offer presently?  No but if Bea were to do another class during the week I’d be there like a shot!

Claudine in Beatrice's Ballet4Life class, learning the enchainement. Image courtesy of Ballet4life.

What do/did you do for your “day job?” and/or what were you educated/trained to do as a profession?  I work for an Academies Trust in Ealing as a PA.

 

Do you have any tips for someone wishing to start dance training as an adult?

You need to enjoy your class rather than enduring it so pick the right level and class for your abilities and body.  Even if you danced previously, it’s always a good idea to start with the basics to ensure a good foundation before moving on up.  Also pick a teacher that has lots of experience in teaching adults.  I’ve taken classes with some teachers that quite clearly don’t want to teach adults (obviously none of the lovely B4Life bunch!)

Training in open class in town and posing with Principal Dancer of the Royal Ballet, Anna Rose O'Sullivan 

Images courtesy of Claudine

 

Do you have a favourite part of class/ ballet step you love?  I love travelling combinations in the centre.  Développé, relevé or grand jeté  makes me feel alive!  They don’t always come off but when I nail a double pirouette in time with the music – it’s also a great feeling.

 

In Ballet4life's Int/Adv class- leaping away!

Image courtesy of Claudine

How has Covid-19 changed the way you have dance in your life?

It’s made me appreciate my time in the studio far more and to never take it for granted!!