Author: Simply Ballet

Month-to-month-PLUS

Author Simply BalletPosted on Categories Simply Ballet News
Ballet shoes and headline Month to Month Plus

Month-to-Month PLUS

We’re always trying to help you get more ballet into your life – so we’ve introduced Month-to-Month PLUS (M2M+)

Designed to give you more flexibility with your booking options, or for those times when you just need an extra class.  M2M+ allows you to book extra individual classes on top of your existing Month-to-Month booking, without changing your regular enrolment.

For example, if you’re normally enrolled for a ballet class, and decide one week you would like to stay for PBT – you can book the extra class through your customer portal as a one-off and attend.  Or, you could add an extra ballet class on those weeks you’re free – whatever suits!

At the end of the month you’ll be invoiced for any extra classes you booked.

How does it work?

  • You have direct debit authorisation setup on your account
  • You have at least 1 x ongoing weekly class on month-to-month enrolment
  • Book any extra classes you like through your customer portal that month
  • At the end of the month, you’ll receive another invoice for all extra classes you have booked, this invoice is due 14 days later. If you take no extra classes, there’s no extra invoices.

M2M+ doesn’t affect any make-up classes you have available, and you’ll still save more by booking multiple classes upfront with a bigger discount.  Extra class bookings are also subject to spaces being available.

You can start right now – just log on to your customer portal and set-up direct debit (if you haven’t already) and get dancing.

If you have any questions or need help setting up your direct debit just contact us

Terms and Conditions Month-to-Month-PLUS (M2M+)

  • These terms and conditions are in addition to your already accepted Terms and Conditions of Enrolment.
  • M2M+ classes can only be booked by customers with a valid direct debit authorisation, and no overdue invoices on their account.
  • Students must have a minimum of one (1) current, ongoing month-to-month enrolment in a class to access M2M+
  • M2M+ bookings are subject to class availability. Students with a permanent Month-to-Month booking or students on Class Pack will be given priority over M2M+ bookings.
  • Any booking not satisfying the M2M+ booking criteria will be cancelled.
  • Classes will be invoiced at the total rate of hours booked for that day/week starting from a base of 0 hours. For example, if you have 1 x 75minute class as your regular enrolment, and book an extra 75 minute class that week, you will be charged the fee schedule rate for 75 minutes for that extra class, not a total of 2.5 hours for that week.

FAQ's

You can log on to your portal and select My Account > Payment Details and set-up your direct debit with a bank account or credit card.  Alternatively, contact us and we’ll send you a direct link to do the setup.

There’s no need! Just book whatever classes you want to attend through your customer portal, and your class pack will keep track of your attendance.

Not a problem, just contact us 14 days before your next billing cycle to make any changes.

You’ll receive a make-up class for any missed classes, just like a regular enrolment.  There’s no credit or refunds for missed lessons, just the same as a regular enrolment.

Absolutely! M2M+ is designed for those times when you’ve got no make-ups left, but you want to come for an extra class.  Make-ups can be booked as usual through your customer portal.

Extra classes will be charged as per the fee schedule for how many minutes/hours you book that day.  For example, one extra 75 minute class will be billed at the rate for 75 minutes per week, or a 30 min class at the rate for 30 mins per week.

For example, if you have 1 x 75 minute class as your regular enrolment, and book an extra 75 minute class that week, you will be charged the fee schedule rate for 75 minutes for that extra class, not a total of 2.5 hours for that week.

Permanent Month-to-Month bookings and students on Class Packs will be given priority over M2M+ bookings.  You’ll need to contact us to see if there are any absences or unexpected spots become available.  Your booking wont be confirmed until you hear back from us.

You can mark yourself as absent through your customer portal and receive a make-up class, but if you need to unenroll you need to contact Simply Ballet 14 days before your next billing cycle.

Your Customer Portal

Your customer portal is the go-to place to find most administration things you need at Simply Ballet.  It’s your own personal log-in where you can update your details, see your invoices, notify us of an absence, or book a make-up class.

You can access your customer portal here

The first time you log-in you will need to set a password

How to book an Open Division Class or M2M+ booking

If you have purchased a class card and wish to book in for a class, or are doing a M2M+ booking you can do so through your Customer Portal

  1. Log in to your portal
  2. Click on Classes > Add Enrollments
  3. Select the student you wish to enroll using the top right hand corner drop down menu, and click ‘OK’
  4. Find the date or class you wish to attend and click Add
  5. Select the date/time you wish to take your class and follow the prompts to checkout
Watch the video below for step-by-step instructions

What else can I do in my customer portal?

  • Update your personal details and emergency contact
  • Update your customer and students details
  • Update your direct debit details
  • View past and future invoices
  • Enrol in classes
  • Book a make-up class
  • Notify us of your absence
  • Change you notification settings

and more!

Have questions? Just contact us and we’re happy to help.

Simply Ballet History – Adeline Genee

Author Simply BalletPosted on Categories ContentTags ,

The dance world’s first Dame – Dame Adeline Genée was not only a success onstage, but also a champion of dance training. As the first President of the Royal Academy of Dance, she left a legacy that has lasted over 100 years.

Simply Ballet History

Dance's First Dame - Adeline Genée

The dance world’s first Dame – Dame Adeline Genée was not only a success onstage, but also a champion of dance training. As the first President of the Royal Academy of Dance, she left a legacy that has lasted over 100 years.

Born in Denmark in 1878, her initial training and performing came from her uncle who had a small touring dance company. After professional success onstage in the Royal Danish Ballet, she danced in Germany, London, and North America.

In 1913, Genée visited Australia, dancing in Sydney and Melbourne in her most famous role of Swanila in Coppelia. In 1916 she returned to tour with JC William’s company at a time when ballet was just gaining traction in the new Land Down Under.

As Genée’s stage career was winding down, her next project was just beginning. After lamenting the state of dance training, a group of influential and knowledgeable former ballerinas came together to form a association designed to lift the quality of ballet teaching. Genée, along with Phyllis Bedells, Lucia Cormani, Edouard Espinosa, Tamara Karsavina formed the Association of Operatic Dancing in 1920, of which Genée was named President. The organisation, which later became the Royal Academy of Dance currently trains dancers and teachers in over 85 countries around the world. Having worked to standardise, codify, and develop training methods, she was named a Dame of the British Empire in 1950. Her retirement from the RAD in 1954 passed the baton to another influential English Ballerina – Margot Fonteyn.

Adeline Genée died in 1970, having made the ballet world a better place – for which we are all grateful.

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Simply Ballet History – The Father of Australian Ballet Edward Borovansky

Author Simply BalletPosted on Categories ContentTags ,

Sometimes known as the ‘father of Australian Ballet’ It’s often said he started the first Australian ballet company – but that’s not quite true… That was Helen Kirosova.

Edouard, or Edward Borovansky had an enormous influence on the development of ballet in Australia.

Simply Ballet History

The Father of Australian Ballet - Edouard Borovansky

Edouard Borovansky (1902-1959)

Sometimes known as the ‘father of Australian Ballet’ It’s often said he started the first Australian ballet company – but that’s not quite true… That was Helen Kirosova. Edouard, or Edward Borovansky had an enormous influence on the development of ballet in Australia.

Edouward Borovansky and his wife Xenia first came to Australia from Czechoslovakia in 1929 with Anna Pavlova’s touring company. It was a false start though, as they returned to Europe where Edouard eventually joined the Ballets Russe de Monte Carlo. They returned to Australia in 1938 with the Covent Garden Russian Ballet, and the couple decided to stay as war loomed in Europe.

Starting a small school in Melbourne with Eunice Weston and his wife Xenia teaching – within a year they had enough students to start a small ballet company. The company’s local success eventually attracted financial backing from touring company J C Williams whose support meant the now named Borovansky Australian Ballet Company could present established repertoire, and new choreography by Borovansky himself.

As the company grew, it attracted more Australian dancers. Local stars such as Martin Rubenstein (eventually an RAD Examiner), Kathleen Gorman (later a renowned teacher), Garth Welch, Marilyn Jones (stars of the later formed Australian Ballet Company) were all part of the company.

In 1948 the company folded due to lack of funds – but Borovansky was not deterred. Reestablishing in 1951, a glorious period followed including an appearance from Margot Fonteyn and Michael Somes in 1957, and a string of uniquely Australian choreographic works from Borovansky himself.

Sadly, in 1959 Borovansky died and the Borovansky Ballet passed into the hands of Dame Peggy vaan Praugh for 3 years until JC Williamson disbanded the company in 1961 – not without good reason though. A grant from the Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust, designed to lead to the establishment of the Australian Ballet Company was received, and as they say – the rest is history!

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Ballet for Seniors

Author Simply BalletPosted on Categories Simply Ballet News

We all know we should exercise – but finding exercise as an older person that fills you with joy is a tough ask at times. That’s where ballet for seniors can help.

Benefits of Ballet Based Exercise for Older Learners

Seniors doing ballet class

As we age, exercise can feel more difficult to fit into our lives.  We think our bodies don’t work quite as well as they used to, the twinges seem more twingier, and those muscles seem a little bit stiffer than they used to…

We all know we should exercise – but finding exercise as an older person that fills you with joy is a tough ask at times.

That’s where ballet can help.

Recent research from The Queensland University of Technology researched ballet classes for seniors and found that participants in ballet classes “experienced higher energy levels, greater flexibility, improved posture, and an enhanced sense of achievement.”

But the advantages aren’t just physical “They also felt happier and enjoyed a sense of community and friendship… ballet participation may contribute to positive outcomes across various health and wellbeing categories and promotes a general feeling of wellbeing.”

Ballet classes can inspire us with the beautiful movement and music and help maintain cognitive function.  A study published in Psychology Today found “The holding of the pattern, taking in that information and then getting yourself going with the music, and even remembering what’s the first step” (p. 4) required particular concentration.

Plus there is a social side to learning to dance. A study titled Dancing while Aging found seniors learning ballet “improved their physical and mental wellness, helping them have a more positive experience of age-related changes. Results showed that most women regard ballet as a very social activity”

So, what are you waiting for?  It’s time to start dancing.

Simply Ballet’s Silver Swans classes are designed especially for older learners.  Although targeted at those aged over 55, there is no upper or lower age limit to be a Silver Swan

Ballet classes can help you;

  • Build friendships and connections
  • Improve your health and well being
  • Keep you active
  • Express your creativity
  • Move to beautiful music
  • Get you out of the house
Silver Swans Logo

Silver Swans classes run Tuesday morning 10:15-11:30am and we would love you to join us. 

Simply book a trial class online here or contact us with your preferred date and your details.

It’s never too late to start improving your wellbeing.  Join us for a class now.

Book A Trial Class

Meet the Royal Academy of Dance Silver Swans

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Simply Ballet is an RAD registered school located in Magill, South Australia.

Trial Class Information (PS-GD)

Author Simply BalletPosted on Categories Hidden

Thank you for booking a trial class at Simply Ballet

You should have received a confirmation email for your booking.  (If you can’t find it – please check your spam folder).  This will have your studio location, class date, time and level.

Here’s everything you need to know before coming to your trial class

Ballet students in blue leotards standing in a pose smiling

Finding the Studio

Please check your booking to confirm your studio location. Simply Ballet runs classes at two locations. Our main studio and most classes are held at King George Hall, 4A Koongarra Court, Magill 5072. Our other location is the Magill Senior Citizens Hall, 76 St Bernards Rd, Magill SA 5072

There is free parking available onsite at both locations, please aim to get to the studio around 10 mins before the start of your class.

You might want to take a moment to take your child to the toilet before class begins.  You can also help them put on their dance shoes (if you have some). When it’s time for class to start, your teacher will come and collect your child from the waiting room.  They should take their bag into the dance studio with them. 

If your child is nervous or has trouble settling, you may come in to the studio with them to begin.  Most children are soon absorbed in the excitement of dancing with their new friends, and you can return to the dressing room to wait.

While your child is in class we can answer any questions you may have, and we can chat through things like Sports Vouchers, Uniform and class options.  After class, your child will be returned to the dress room to greet you and tell you all about the fun they had!  You’re welcome to pick up a colouring sheet to take home with you too.

What should my child wear?

If your child already has dancewear, whatever coloured leotard and tights/socks you already have is fine.  

If your child doesn’t have any dancewear – wear clothes that will allow their arms and legs to move freely and doesn’t cover their feet such as; 

  • Shorts, Leggings, or footless tights
  • Fitted T-shirt or singlet
  • Cotton socks (not synthetic, as they are generally too slippery)

Ballet Shoes are available to purchase at the studio, but cotton socks are perfectly fine for your trial class. 

Hair

Hair should be be secured in a way that it will not move during class, especially during bending or turning movements.  This applies for both male and female students.  A ponytail is usually not sufficient for this so you may want to consider a bun, a braid with the end pinned up, or another style. 

If you don’t know how to do a ballet bun, that’s ok – wrap a ponytail around its own elastic a few times and secure with some bobby pins or another elastic.

What if my child cries, runs around, or is nervous?

Rest assured, our teachers are trained and experienced in dealing with this.  In most instances the teacher will be able to re-engage your child quickly with an exciting activity.  We ask that you avoid trying to intervene as it can disrupt other students.  If we are not able to settle your child, we will bring them out to you or an assistant will sit quietly with them at the side of the room.  Sometimes it can take a week or two for some students to feel comfortable – this is normal for ages 6 and under.

Is there anything else I need to bring?

If your child’s class is 45 minutes or longer, we suggest they have a small water bottle.  In hot weather students are required to have their own drink bottle as per our hot weather policy.  In 30 minute classes a drink bottle is generally not needed.

Coughs, Colds, and COVID

We ask that you or your child do not attend if you are unwell for any reason.  Just get in contact to reschedule your trial class.

Simply Ballet is a COVID-safe environment and at times has students in class who may be vulnerable to illness. 

Barres are cleaned between each class and hand sanitizer is available in all areas.  Please make use of hand sanitizer and wipes as needed.  Students are encouraged to wash their hands before and after class and may wear a mask in class if they want.

We enjoyed the trial class – what do I do now?

That’s great news!  Welcome to the family.

Just let us know that you would like to go ahead with classes and we can complete your enrolment from our end, or you can complete the online enrolment form.  We’ll send you details on how to claim your Sports Voucher for up to $100 towards your fees (if eligible).  You can then attend the next available class.

We look forward to having you along to experience Simply Ballet for yourself and if you have any questions in the meantime just contact us. 

We look forward to meeting you at the studio soon to start your ballet adventure!

Kind regards,

The Simply Ballet Team

Click Here to Meet Our Faculty

Trial Class Information (OD)

Author Simply BalletPosted on Categories Hidden

Thank you for booking a trial class at Simply Ballet

You should have received a confirmation email for your booking.  (If you can’t find it – please check your spam folder).  This will have your studio location, class date, time and level.

Here’s everything you need to know before coming to your trial class

Adult Ballet students in class at barre

Finding the Studio

Please check your booking to confirm your studio location. Simply Ballet runs classes at two locations.

Our main studio and most classes are held at King George Hall, 4A Koongarra Court, Magill 5072.
Our second studio is at the Magill Community Centre (formerly, Magill Senior Citizens Hall), 76 St Bernards Rd, Magill SA 5072

There is free parking available onsite at both locations. The closet bus stops for King George Hall are Stop 23 – Moules Rd and Stop 24 – Glen Stuart Rd. The closest bus stops for Magill Senior Citizens Hall are Stop 21A St Bernards Rd – West side and Stop 21A St Bernards Rd – East side.

Aim to get to the studio around 10 mins before the start of your class if possible. Bathrooms are available near the front entrance – you might want to take make use of them before class begins. 

In the waiting room, you can put your shoes on and get ready for your class. When it’s time for class to start, your teacher will come and collect you or your child from the waiting room.  Please take your bag & belongings into the dance studio.

Welcome to King George Hall

Welcome to Magill Community Centre

When it’s time for class, come into the studio.  Bring your bag into the dance studio with you, and don’t forget to silence your phone.

After class, your teacher can answer any quick questions, and we will get in contact in the following few days to see how your trial class went and answer any more questions you may have.  After class, please exit the hall via the side door.

What Do I Wear?

There is no official dress code in the Open Division at Simply Ballet – so, wear whatever you feel comfortable in.  If you already have dancewear, whatever combination and colour of leotard, skirt, tights/socks etc. you already have is fine.   Other people prefer gym or yoga wear.

If you don’t have any activewear – wear clothes that will allow your body, arms, and legs to move freely and doesn’t cover your feet such as shorts, leggings, or footless tights.  A Fitted T-shirt or singlet is fine, and cotton socks for your feet (not synthetic, as they are generally too slippery)

Ballet Shoes are available to purchase at the studio, but cotton socks are perfectly fine for your trial class. 

Hair

Hair should be be secured in a way that it will not move during class, especially during bending or turning movements.  This applies for both male and female students.  A ponytail is usually not sufficient for this so you may want to consider a bun, a braid with the end pinned up, or another style.  For medium length hair you can’t get into a ponytail, a headband is a great solution. 

If you don’t know how to do a ballet bun, that’s ok – wrap a ponytail around its own elastic a few times and secure with some bobby pins or another elastic.

Is there anything else I need to bring?

If your class is 1 hour or longer we suggest having a water bottle.  You may also like to bring a hand towel if you’re worried about sweat.  In hot weather students are required to have their own drink bottle as per our hot weather policy.  Filtered water is available onsite for refills.

Coughs, Colds and COVID

We ask that you do not attend class if you are unwell for any reason.  Just get in contact to reschedule your trial class.

Simply Ballet is a COVID-safe environment and at times has students in class who may be vulnerable to illness. 

Barres are cleaned between each class and hand sanitizer is available in all areas.  Please make use of hand sanitizer and wipes as needed.  Students are encouraged to wash their hands before and after class.  You are welcome to wear a mask in class if you want.

I enjoyed my trial class and want to continue – what do I do now?

That’s great news!  Welcome to the family. 

Once you’ve decided on your preferred booking option, you can complete the online enrolment form or let us know by email, text or phone and we can complete your enrolment for you.  You can then attend the next available class and keep being inspired as you learn.

If we’ve forgotten anything, or you have any other questions please check the full trial class pack in your email.  

We look forward to having you along to experience Simply Ballet for yourself and if you have any questions in the meantime just contact us. 

We look forward to meeting you at the studio soon to start your ballet adventure!

Kind regards,
The Simply Ballet Team

Click Here to Meet Our Faculty

Simply Ballet History – The First Swanhilda

Author Simply BalletPosted on Categories ContentTags ,

Coppélia (sometimes subtitled The Girl with the Enamel Eyes) is a comic ballet from 1870 originally choreographed by Arthur Saint-Léon to the music of Léo Delibes. The love story follows a couple (Franz and Swanhilda) and a magical toymaker (Dr. Coppélius) trying to bring a doll to life (Coppélia). It eventually became the most performed ballet at the Opera.

Simply Ballet History

The First Swanhilda

Coppélia (sometimes subtitled The Girl with the Enamel Eyes) is a comic ballet from 1870 originally choreographed by Arthur Saint-Léon to the music of Léo Delibes.  The love story follows a couple (Franz and Swanhilda) and a magical toymaker (Dr. Coppélius) trying to bring a doll to life (Coppélia).  It eventually became the most performed ballet at the Opera. 

Coppélia premiered on 25 May 1870 at the Paris Opera, with the 16-year-old Giuseppina Bozzacchi in the principal role of Swanhilda and ballerina Eugénie Fiocre playing the part of Frantz en travesti. Modern-day productions are traditionally derived from the revivals staged by Marius Petipa and Enrico Cechetti for the Imperial Ballet of St. Petersburg in the late 19th century.

Australia first encountered Coppélia in 1913 when Adeline Genée, former President of the Royal Academy of Dance, brought the ballet on tour with the Imperial Russian Ballet.  In 1946, the Borovansky Ballet (precursor to the current Australian Ballet) staged a version, and in 1958 Sir Robert Helpmann returned to Australia with the Royal Ballet and danced the role of Dr. Coppélius.

Shortly after the founding of the Australian Ballet Company in 1962, then director Dame Peggy Van Praagh created the iconic version the is still in the company’s repertoire today.  The full ballet is currently available to view on ABC iView.

Pictured: 16-year-old Giuseppina Bozzacchi, and Dame Peggy Van Praagh as Swanhilda

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Simply Ballet History – Vaslav Nijinski

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Vaslav Nijinski was the male star dancer of Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes in the early 20th Century. After graduating from the Imperial Ballet school, he was accepted straight into the second company rank at the Imperial Ballet in 1907, but left to join Diaghilev’s revolutionary new Ballets Russes in 1909.

Simply Ballet History

Vaslav Nijinski

Vaslav Nijinski was the male star dancer of Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes in the early 20th Century (More on the Ballets Russes in another post!)

After graduating from the Imperial Ballet school, he was accepted straight into the second company rank at the Imperial Ballet in 1907, but left to join Diaghilev’s revolutionary new Ballets Russes in 1909.

Pictured here in his costume from “The Blue god” (depicting the Hindu god Krishna), Michel Fokine’s choreography was supposed to display the virtuoso dancing of Vaslav Nijinsky, however mainly consisted of a series of poses inspired by Hindu sculpture.

Vaslav Nijinski poses as the blue god
Nijinski Costume the blue god National Galley Australia

The ballet premiered in 1912, and continued in the company’s repertoire until it was danced during Colonel De Basil’s Original Ballet Russe tour of Australia (1939-1940).  In a bizarre twist of fate, a cane basket full of costumes was left behind at a theatre.  In the early 1990’s, the National Gallery of Australia purchased the basket unknowingly in a clearance auction, only to discover a treasure trove of authentic early 20th Century Ballets Russes costumes.  The pieces have been lovingly restored and are now on display at the National Galley in Canberra, including Nijinski’s ‘Blue god’ costume.

Vasalav Nijinski himself had a sad end to his dancing career.  After trying his hand at choreography (not super successfully…) his virtuosity was not enough to repair a falling out with Sergei Diaghilev.  He was let go from the company and endeavoured to start his own troupe, however the start of World War 1 forced him to settle in Switzerland.  His mental health deteriorated, being diagnosed with schizophrenia in 1919 he was admitted to a mental asylum and never danced in public again.

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Simply Educate

Author Simply BalletPosted on Categories Simply BalletTags , ,

Simply Ballet Dictionary. French Terms for Ballet Class.
When you first start learning ballet it can be a bit confusing because all the steps are named in French.

Check out our online ballet dictionary below to get your head around some of the terms.

Simply Educational

Simply Ballet Dictionary

When you first start learning ballet it can be a bit confusing because all the steps are named in French.

Why? Well for that answer head over to our Ballet History posts here for more info…

In the meantime, check out our online ballet dictionary below to get your head around some of the terms.

A

Assemblé

To gather or bring together

A jump in which the dancer pushed off from one foot, gathering both together in the air before landing on two feet

B

Balancé – To Rock or Sway

A lilting step, generally done on a waltz rhythm. Can be done de côté (sideways) en avant (forwards) or en arrière (backwards)

Batterie – The act of beating

An action where a dancer embellished a jump by beating or crossing the thighs against one another in a series of rapid movements. Most jumps can be berformed in a simple form, or beaten.

C

Chasseé – A  chased step

A linking step performed through a demi-plié. Can be used in a variety of ways depending on choreography

Changement – to change

A jump from 5th where the dancer changes their feet mid-air to land with the opposite foot in front to where they started.

D

De côté – Travelling sideways

Used to describe the direction of any travelling step that moves sideways, either in the air or on the ground. Most dance steps can be taken travelling forward, backwards, or side ways (de côté)

Derrière – Behind

The term used to describe the placement of the working leg behind the body, or behind the other leg in a extended or closed position such as 5th

Devant – In front of

The term used to describe the placement of the working leg infront of the body, either extended or in a closed position such as 5th

E

Échappé – To Escape

An action where the dancer begins with the feet in 5th position and quickly moves the legs to an open position. Generally performed to 2nd or 4th, it can be a relevé or a jump

En avant – Travelling Forwards

Used to describe the direction of any travelling step that moves forwards, either in the air or on the ground. Most dance steps can be taken travelling sideways, backwards, or forwards (en avant)

En arrière – Travelling Backwards

Used to describe the direction of any travelling step that moves backwards, either in the air or on the ground. Most dance steps can be taken travelling forward, sideways, or backwards – en arriėre

Épaulement – Use of the shoulders

Derived from the verb épauler, the dancer turns the spine to bring one shoulder forward or back

F

Fondu – To Melt

A smoothly coordinated movement, bending and stretching both legs which is helpful for developing strength and control. Positions or steps can also be taken en fondus

G

Glissade – Gliding or Sliding

A connecting step often used before a jump. Can be performed in all directions and different characteristics depending on the choreography.

J

Jeté – To throw

A jump from one leg which lands on the other. Can be taken in many different forms from Jeté ordinaire (ordinary) to Grand Jeté (big throw).

P

Plié – To bend

A bending of the knees. Can be done as a demi (half) plié or grand (big or full) plié

Penchéé – To slant or tilt

A movement where the leg is held in the air and the body tilts away from the lifted leg.  It is usually performed in arabesque, however can be done in any position.

Ports de Bras – Carriage of the arms

The training and movement of the arms within ballet is generally refered to as Ports de Bras. This could be an individual exercise, or choreographed arm movements with a dance or movement.

R

Relevé – To push up

An action of the legs where the dancers begins in demi-plié or en fondu, and with a strong, quick stretch of the legs, arrives on demi-pointe or en pointe.

Retiré – Withdrawn

A position where the working knee is bent with the toe places near the supporting knee.  It can be performed in a large number of variations, and is also often a transition into other movements.

Rond de Jambe – Circling of the leg

An action where the working leg performs a circular shape, either on the floor or in the air. Performed ‘outwards’ (en dehor), or ‘inwards’ (en dedans) in relation to the standing leg.

T

Tendu – To Stretch

An outstretched position or action of the leg.

Tour en l’air – Turn in the air

A changement where the dancer turns in the air once, twice, or sometimes three times before landing!

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Sports Vouchers

Author Simply BalletPosted on Categories Simply Ballet News

Sports Vouchers – Get up to $200 off your fees and uniform.

Sports Vouchers - Get up to 2x $100 off your child's fees

Simply Ballet is a registered organisation with the SA Government Sports Voucher Program.

The Sports Vouchers Program is a Government of South Australia initiative administered by the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing. The program provides an opportunity for children from Reception to Year 9 to receive up to 2x $100 vouchers for a discount off their dance fees and uniforms.

For 2026 this means eligible children will have a year of birth from 2011 to 2021.

The Sports Vouchers program does come with some pre-requisites and requirements. We’ve done our best to detail everything in the policy below. If you are unsure, please contact Simply Ballet or the Sports Voucher Program.

SA Govt Sports Vouchers - How to Claim
Download the Full Policy and Application Form Here