“I did ballet when I was 5” – this is something we are all used to hearing. We have a tendency to speak as though this majestic form of art was invariably tied to the transience of childhood and juvenescence. In truth, ballet is for everyone.
As physically demanding as it may be, it is one of the best activities for improving mobility, staying lean and building confidence, all the while being the epitome of grace and strength combined. Are you a fully-fledged adult who has always dreamt of becoming a ballerina but doesn’t know where to start, or one who simply wishes to press restart on their ballet journey? If so, get on your toes this summer at one of these studios, scattered all around the bustle of Hong Kong at your disposal.
Studio 789
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Having just recently been rebranded as Studio 789, this ballet school is located at the heart of Happy Valley. Newly built in 2021, it flaunts beautifully facilitated and ventilated studios where you can be sure to showcase your elegance in comfort. Beginner adult classes are taught by RAD qualified teachers, and amply cover both barre and centre work.
1/F, 69 Blue Pool Rd, Happy Valley; studio789hk
The Grand Ballet of Hong Kong
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Conveniently situated right between Wanchai and Causeway Bay, The Grand Ballet caters for students of all ages. Teaching is based on the Russian Vaganova Method which emphasises precision and technique. Adult classes range from introductory and intermediate, to variation classes for more advanced dancers where they can learn to execute classical repertoires to perfection.
10/F Kai Kwong Commercial Building, 332-334 Lockhart Road, Wanchai; thegrandballet.com
Fouetté Ballet School
As the first ballet school in Hong Kong to exclusively use the Vaganova system upon its establishment in 2012, Fouetté Ballet School provides top quality training and emphasises the importance of fully engaging with the body in every movement. Adult classes of all levels are on offer, and are hosted in small groups to allow for individual corrections.
Unit 1010, 10/F, Fortress Tower, 250 King’s Road, North Point; fouetteballetschool.hk
SJ International School of Ballet (Kowloon Tong)
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While SJ International School of Ballet has various campuses open across Hong Kong, its main school is just a two-minute walk from Kowloon Tong. It was founded by Ms. Jin Yao – former principal dancer at the National Ballet of China and Hong Kong Ballet. Adult classes are catered towards novices and prioritise the teaching of basics in simple yet effective ways.
1 Suffolk Road, Kowloon Tong; sjballet.school
Twinkle Dance Academy
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Founded in 2007, Twinkle Dance Company is an English-speaking ballet school with branches in Causeway Bay, Central and Kowloon Tong. 3 levels of ballet training are offered to adult dancers, from complete beginners to those with over 5 years of ballet experience. Barre Sculpt classes are another option if you would prefer a 1-hour full body ballet pilates workout instead.
403, 801, Lansing House, 41-47 Queen’s Road Central, Central; twinkledance.com
Edge ‘n Pointe Dance Centre (Sai Ying Pun)
Edge ‘n Pointe Dance Centre has nurtured dancers of all ages and backgrounds, with aims to kindle and cultivate love and appreciation for the performing arts. At its Sai Ying Pun studio, beginner, intermediate and advanced level classes are open to adults, as well as the open class to which everyone regardless of ability is welcome to join.
15/F Hua Fu Commercial Building, 111 Queen’s Road West, Sheung Wan, Sai Ying Pun; edgenpointe.com
Hong Kong Ballet Summer Ballet Workshops
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Hong Kong Ballet is inviting intermediate and advanced dancers to their “Adult Repertoire Workshop” at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, only this August! The 3-day ballet intensive will provide an opportunity for you to train like a pro with expert guidance from experienced dancers and artists at Hong Kong Ballet, hone your technique and explore classical repertoires.
Hong Kong Cultural Centre, L5, Auditoria Building, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui; hkballet.com
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Lead Image: @marianelanunezofficial via Instagram