Bring them along to a FREE ballet class at Downland Dance’s Open Day on Sunday 18th February. There will be 2 x 45-minute classes to select from, depending upon age.
On Monday 8th January, Downland Dance celebrated its new Didcot base at Aureus School, by brining a demonstration of professional ballet right into the School. The new Downland Dance Artistic Director, Adam Harris, delivered basic ballet technique classes to all 120 of Aureus’s year 7 students. We ran on the Nutcracker theme that ballet companies worldwide perform traditionally over Christmas.
We were supported by graduate students of the world renowned Elmhurst Ballet School. They performed excerpts from the Nutcracker, under the watchful eye of Elmhurst Graduate teacher and ex Royal Ballet Principal Dancer, Errol Pickford. Grateful thanks to Elmhurst for supporting this event.
The effort that the students made was extremely impressive. In particular the boys, some of whom had thought that ballet was only for girls!
Watch out for more from Downland Dance as we engage with other schools in the community. We bring world class professionals to South Oxfordshire to deliver our highly popular masterclasses.
Matz has enjoyed an extensive dancing career at the highest level in classical ballet. This includes several years as a Principal Dancer at the English National Ballet. He held Artistic Director roles with the Royal New Zealand Ballet and English National Ballet before becoming a freelance teacher, artistic consultant and coach
A big thank you to all those who attended our January Masterclass with Matz Skoog! We thoroughly enjoyed putting on the event at the great new Aureus school facilities.
Matz brought his expertise and put it to good use in some fun, energetic and challenging sessions! He has enjoyed an extensive dancing career at the highest level in both classical ballet and contemporary dance. This includes several years as a Principal Dancer at the English National Ballet. He held Artistic Director roles with the Royal New Zealand Ballet and English National Ballet before becoming a freelance teacher, artistic consultant and coach.
In case you missed out, check out a selection of images from the day. Remember, we will be running Masterclasses every term so if you missed out on this one make sure to keep and eye out for the next one!
Downland Dance brings you another opportunity to Dance with the Professionals.
Adam Harris, recently appointed Artistic Director of Downland Dance, is currently dancing with the Croation National Ballet in Zagreb. He and his partner, Miruna, a principal dancer with the same company, delivered a series of sold-out classes during the Summer of 2017 in Abingdon.
Matz Skoog
Building on this success, Downland Dance are delighted to announce that their January Masterclass will be led by the world-renowned Ballet Master, Matz Skoog.
Matz has enjoyed an extensive dancing career at the highest level in both classical ballet and contemporary dance, including several years as a Principal Dancer at the English National Ballet. He held Artistic Director roles with the Royal New Zealand Ballet and English National Ballet before becoming a freelance teacher, artistic consultant and coach. Click here to read Matz’s biography.
There are 2 x 90-min Ballet Masterclasses being taught by Matz Skoog on Sunday 7th January, 2018.
These classes are ideal for aspiring dancers, those considering vocational training and adults who currently dance or previously danced. Suitable for ages 11+ and those of Grade 5 standard or above. Students will benefit from expert advice and knowledge from the unique perspective of a world-class professional dancer. Students will also experience what’s it’s like to dance with a live pianist.
Both Ballet Masterclasses are being held at the new home of Downland Dance (Didcot): within the brand new, purpose-built, dance & fitness studios at The Aureus School, Candytuft Way, Harwell, Didcot, OX11 6FF.
Places are limited and advance booking is essential. Book your place now at: buytickets.at/downlanddance
Small Print:
All bookings are non-refundable.
The masterclass may be filmed or photographed for promotional purposes.
