Luke Abnett brings you his science-based physiotherapist-led strengthening and coordination classes online to supplement your vocational ballet technique classes, all with his unique brand of fun and encouragement!
Every Saturday afternoon until Autumn half term are classes designed to strengthen and optimise various skills within ballet. With ever-tightening arts budgets around the world, maximising your time in training by minimising injury risk and making the most out of every technique class has never been more important. These classes help to do just that.
THE PHYSIO
Luke is a physiotherapist specialising in ballet medicine who used to be the sole physiotherapist at the Royal Ballet School in Covent Garden (whilst also being a house parent to the graduating year) and offers insights into the elite training world in amongst exercises specifically designed for vocational students. Class sizes are limited to ensure individual corrections throughout for those joining live.
THE CLASSES
1. Precise Pirouettes
A tricky skill to master for many, dependable pirouettes rely on core strength, coordination, clean sequencing of movements, and high-level balance. This course addresses all of these to increase your confidence in your turns. 1-2pm.
2. Mini-Trampoline Allegro
Back again for a fourth re-boot after being a lock-down hit, use your own mini-trampoline to refine allegro coordination and sequencing, learn how to safely use the trampoline for the many useful rehabilitation and preparatory aspects of the apparatus, including jumping practice without the added impact. 2-3pm.
3. Total Turnout
Turnout is a hallmark of classical ballet and is one of its most challenging features to develop and sustain. Improve your understanding of the mechanics of turnout, how to maximise your range safely and how to hold your turnout through the various turnout ranges of different balletic positions. 3-4pm.
4. Flexible Extensions
Also back by popular demand, this class was twice repeated during lockdown with participants returning again and again. Improve the height of your extensions by learning how best to support the leg in increasing angles and learn the secret of where to work hardest to gain further height. 4-5pm.
5. Ballet Facility Conditioning
The classic class is back! The Conditioning Class was run daily for all 20 weeks of UK schools lockdown and covers everything from core to balance to fitness to flexibility, all with a strength focus. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with teachers often being impressed by the strength their students have GAINED over lockdown. This one is your secret weapon to boost everything you do in ballet class. 5-6pm.
6. Balanced Core
The most fundamental biomechanics course that is the basis for everything you will do in ballet. Core strength in a ballet-optimised way, engaging the ideal muscles to support the various angles of the spine in ballet to make the rest easy, all combined with balance work to form the perfect fix for someone who's growing quickly and losing stability. 6-7pm.
All classes are available in two ways - live via zoom, or on-demand by accessing a private (unsearchable, unshareable) youtube link recorded in the live class for class participants only. Classes are aimed at vocational ballet students aged 11-17. All new patients are required to have a brief online assessment prior to the first class.
THE PASSES
Each class pass covers one class over the six (6) week run until half term and costs £54. Discounted Half Term passes are available for multiple classes (Half Term Full Pass for all 6 classes over 6 weeks, and Half Term 1/2 Pass for 3 classes of your choice). All new patients are required to have a brief online assessment prior to the first class, and need to purchase a £15 New Assessment ticket in addition, and email to arrange an appointment.
FAQ
What should I wear to the class?
Comfortable ballet attire will be best - the more I can see the more I can correct and help you! Leotard, perhaps with shorts or baggies if desired.
What equipment do I need?
Mostly just yourself, a mat, and zoom and wifi access. A mini-trampoline (not full size) is required for the Mini-Trampoline Allegro class. Other commonly used equipment includes theraband, yoga/pilates blocks, light hand weights, soft pilates ball, a cushion.
I've missed the start but I'm still interested to join - is this possible?
Yes! As all classes are recorded for class participants, you can catch up on the replay and join us live when you've done so.
I have to miss a class because of a clash - what can I do? Also: I really want to do the class but I can't make that time -what can I do?
Due to the fact we record each class for the signed-up participants of each class, if you sign up but can't make the time you will still have access to the replay. You will hear and see the corrections I give to the dancers in the live room, which will help you to apply these cues to your own performance. (You can also email me a short clip of you doing an exercise you're really not sure of and I can offer some advice!)
I can't access the youtube replay - what can I do?
Please check that you are logged into youtube using the email address you registered for the course. You will need to have a youtube account with that email address. This is so youtube recognises you to give you permission to view, and is an important privacy setting for us.
I want to do multiple classes - are there any other passes available?
The discounted passes cover 3 or 6 classes each half term. If you wished for example to do 4 classes, you could purchase the Half Term 1/2 Pass for 3 classes and then purchase an additional one class pass.
Photo Drew Tommons
Ballet Physio Autumn Term (A)
Sep 12, 1:00 PM – Oct 17, 7:00 PM
Ballet Physio Autumn Term (A)
Sep 12, 1:00 PM – Oct 17, 7:00 PM
Ballet Physio Autumn Term (A)
Sep 12, 1:00 PM – Oct 17, 7:00 PM
ONLINE CONSULTATIONS
Post-lockdown, some face-to-face appointments are again available, however many conditions can be well-managed via online appointments. Also, the majority of those seeking technique enhancement work find that online sessions are effective and also much more convenient. Fees for online appointments are lower as well (see below), and they are also useful for those who are not readily accessible to central London. Please click the button to the right to pre-purchase your consultation and then arrange an appointment time by emailing luke@balletphysio.com.
1 hour Initial Consultation £75
(For all new patients or new injuries)
1 hour Follow-Up Consultation £75
1/2 hour Follow-Up Consultation£50
Personalised Conditioning Programme £233
(Includes 1 hour initial and 4 x 1/2 hour follow-ups. For general strengthening and conditioning programme to improve the physical basis for strong and clean technique.)
Facility Optimisation Plan £316
(Includes 1 hour initial and 4 x 1 hour follow-ups. For focused biomechanics and exercise-based strengthening of a specific technique challenge, eg extensions, turnout, pirouettes etc)
