Author: Simply Ballet

Simply Ballet History – Vaslav Nijinski

Author Simply BalletPosted on 7 October 20224 April 2025Categories Simply BalletTags , , ,

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.

Looking for Classical Ballet Classes? Click Here

Simply Educate

Author Simply BalletPosted on 3 October 202221 June 2024Categories 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!

Looking for Classical Ballet Classes? Click Here

Sports Vouchers

Author Simply BalletPosted on 18 January 20224 April 2025Categories Simply Ballet News

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

Sports Vouchers - From 2025, 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 2025 this means eligible children will have a year of birth from 2010 to 2020.

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

RAD Assessments Guide

Author Simply BalletPosted on 7 April 202129 March 2025Categories Simply Ballet News

We’re about to embark on one the best times of year – it’s time to start thinking about RAD Assessments!

Why is this one of the best parts of the year? Because we believe strongly in our Simply Ballet value to “Celebrate Achievement” and assessments help us to do this in a fun and rewarding way.

Celebrate your achievements
Celebrate your achievements
REGISTER NOW

We’re about to embark on one the best times of year – it’s time to start thinking about ballet exams!

Why is this one of the best parts of the year? Well, because we believe strongly in our Simply Ballet value to “Celebrate Achievement” and assessments help us to do this in a fun and rewarding way.

Assessments should be an exciting, satisfying, and rewarding experience for all students.  Our aim is to help students reach goals and enjoy the process of getting there.  Assessments also help build self-confidence, motivation, and offer internationally recognised qualifications in dance.

Assessments are not compulsory, but we do encourage you to consider them.  

RAD Examinations and Class Awards offer worldwide recognised qualifications that develop specific skills and outcomes, which can also be used as stepping stones to achieving SACE certificates, and accessing tertiary or Higher Education. 

Assessments are available in a number of formats designed to be adaptable to individual students’ goals.

What's the difference between assessements?

Demonstration Class (Dance To Your Own Tune)

Students participate in a class in front of an RAD Examiner, as well as invited friends and family.  Students and audience enjoy a sense of occasion as they share their skills and imagination.  All participants receive a certificate from the Examiner and a progress report from their class teacher.

Class Award (PPID, PID, Grades 1- 8 and Discovering Repertoire)

Students prepare a selection of class exercises and a dance to be presented to the Examiner with the help of their class teacher.  Class Awards are an excellent way for students to gain an insight into their progress, receiving a certificate, report and medal bringing a well-earned sense of achievement to their studies. 

Examination (PID, Grades 1 – 8 and Discovering Repertoire)

Students prepare all class exercises and up to two dances to be presented to the Examiner without a teacher being present.   Students undertaking receive a mark out of 100, certificate, and medal as well as an internationally recognised qualification, but more importantly – a sense of achievement and accomplishment.

REGISTER NOW

Dates and Rehearsals

Assessments will be held between August 11th and September 7th An exact date will not be known until after all Adelaide entries are scheduled.  All levels (except DTYOT) will require at least 1 dress rehearsal, to be scheduled on a Friday evening, Saturday or Sunday depending on student availability.  Examination, and some Class Award students will require at least 2 x extra rehearsals to learn their assessment dance to be scheduled in the July school holidays, Fridays, or Sundays depending on student and studio availability.

When submitting your registration, you will need to let us know of any dates you know of that you will be unavailable during the Examination session.  Students who are unable to be examined on the scheduled day (eg. sudden illness) may apply for a 50% refund of their RAD Entry fee.

Rehearsal Schedule

Costs and Requirements

Your ‘Total Entry Costs’ include your RAD Entry Fee, as well as rehearsal and other costs paid to Simply Ballet.  This cover items associated with taking an assessment such as music attendant fees, Skirt hire (where applicable), Prop hire, extra rehearsals/classes (excluding private lessons and RAD Winter workshop), photos on assessment day, and staff attendance on the day for running assessments, supervision, and hair etc. 

Once you have registered, you will be issued with an invoice that itemises your RAD Entry Fee and costs paid to Simply Ballet.  Payment for entries is due no later than Saturday June 14th.

Total costs do not cover normal uniform leotards, tights, or shoes.

Any fees paid to the RAD are only 50% refundable under certain conditions. Please see the RAD’s refund policy for more details https://www.royalacademyofdance.org/en-au/dance-exams/before-your-exam/#exam-fees

Costs paid to Simply Ballet may be refundable depending on your circumstances, but we cannot offer of a change of mind refund in this instance once entries are submitted.

Assessment Options by Level

Level Assessment Type Requirements Total Entry Cost
Dance To Your Own Tune
Demonstration Class
Regular class attendance
$71
Pre-Primary in Dance
Class Award
Regular class attendance and 1 x Dress rehearsal
$125
Primary in Dance
Class Award
Regular class attendance and 1 x Dress rehearsal
$144
Grade 1
Class Award
Regular class attendance and 1 x Dress rehearsal
$177
Grade 1
Examination
Regular class attendance 2 classes per week and min 2 x July school holiday rehearsals and 1 x Dress rehearsal
$236
Grade 2
Class Award
Regular class attendance and 1 x Dress rehearsal
$190
Grade 2
Examination
Regular class attendance 2 classes per week and min 2 x July school holiday rehearsals and 1 x Dress rehearsal
$237
Grade 3
Class Award
Regular class attendance and 1 x Dress rehearsal
$198
Grade 3
Examination
Regular class attendance 2 classes per week and min 2 x July school holiday rehearsals and 1 x Dress rehearsal
$252
Grade 4
Class Award
Regular class attendance and 1 x Dress Rehearsal
$222
Grade 4
Examination
Regular class attendance 2 classes per week and min 2 x July school holiday rehearsals and 1 x Dress rehearsal
$271
Adult Classical Level 1
Class Award
Regular class attendance and min 2 x 30min extra rehearsals and 1 x Dress Rehearsal
$181
Adult Classical Level 2
Class Award
Regular class attendance and min 2 x 30min extra dance rehearsals and 1 x Dress Rehearsal
$159
Adult Classical Level 2
Examination
Regular class attendance 2 classes per week and min 2 x 30min extra dance rehearsals and 1 x Dress Rehearsal
$194
Adult Classical Level 3 (RAD Intermediate)
Examination
Regular class attendance 2 classes per week and 1 x Dress Rehearsal
$286

Uniform

Uniform for assessments is the same as general class uniform.  Items are available for purchase through Simply Ballet or can be ordered directly from dancewear stores or manufactures.  2nd hand uniform items and shoes are also available at the studio.  If you will have trouble purchasing uniform or need further details on what is required, please let us know.

Uniform Details

How to Register

All entries and full payment must be received by Simply Ballet no later than 6pm Saturday June 14th 2025. 

Entries will then be submitted to the RAD by Simply Ballet.  Unfortunately, no late entries or payments can be accepted under any circumstances.

To be entered for an RAD Exam or assessment you will need to fill out a registration form online.

For more details, contact us or speak with your teacher.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW

Assessment FAQ's

When will assessments be held?

Assessments will be held on a day during the assessment period. It is usually a weekday, and we will not know an exact date until at least July when it is issued by the RAD once all entries have been processed.  It is possible you will need to take some time off work/school.  You will generally need to be available for around 2 hours to prepare for, and complete your assessment. When submitting your registration, you will need to let us know of any dates you know of that you will be unavailable.

Where will assessments be held?

Assessments will be held at Simply Ballet’s studios

Are there extra classes or rehearsals?

All levels (except DTYOT) will require at least 1 dress rehearsal, to be scheduled on a Friday evening, Saturday afternoon, or Sunday depending on student and studio availability.  This will take place 1-2 weeks before the assessment date.

Some Grades will require at least 2 x extra rehearsals to learn their assessment dance or Assessment groupings.  Extra rehearsals will be scheduled depending on staff, studio, and student availability and in consultation with students.  Extra rehearsals for Examination students will be offered through the RAD at their Winter school July 7-9th at an extra cost payable directly to the RAD, or at Simply Ballet Studios July 16-19th (included in your Total Costs).

Dress rehearsals are already included in the assessment costs you pay to Simply Ballet.

Do I need a Uniform?

Yes.  Our regular uniform will be required for all students. This is generally what most students wear to class already. 

Extra items such as Character skirts, chiffon skirts, headdresses, and props are hired through Simply Ballet and are included in your assessment costs.

What happens if I am sick?

In the event of Assessments being cancelled due to illness or COVID restrictions, Assessments will be filmed and submitted to the RAD.

In the case of illness, any fees paid to the RAD are only 50% refundable under certain conditions. Please review the RAD’s refund policy before committing  https://www.royalacademyofdance.org/en-au/dance-exams/before-your-exam/#exam-feeshttps://au.royalacademyofdance.org/exams/exam-refunds/

Costs paid to Simply Ballet for assessments may be refundable depending on your circumstances, but we cannot offer of a change of mind refund once entries have been submitted.

How do I register for an assessment?

Registration forms are available at the studio or register online here

Need more information? Contact Us or speak with your class teacher.

Customer Portal

Author Simply BalletPosted on 1 March 202127 February 2024Categories How To, Simply Ballet News

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 notify an absence

It’s never nice to have to miss a ballet class – but in the event you have to, you can notify Simply Ballet of an absence through your customer portal log-in

  1. Log in to your portal
  2. Click on Classes > Notify Absences
  3. Find the date or class you will be absent from and click Notify Absence and follow the prompts

Watch the video below for step-by-step instructions

How to book an Open Division Class

If you have purchased a class card and wish to book in for a class, 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

How to book a make-up class

What is a make-up class? Well, in the unfortunate situation where you have to miss a class you are entitled to a make-up class within 90 days.  This is a class you can take as a replacement for the missed class at either another time, or another level if appropriate.  Click here for our full Simply Ballet Make-up Class Policy

  1. Log in to your portal
  2. Select your student (if more than one student)
  3. Click on Classes > Book Make-ups
  4. Find the date or class you wish to attend as your make-up class and click Book Make-up
  5. Select the date/time you wish to take your make-up class and follow the prompts 
Watch the video below for step-by-step instructions

What else can I do in my customer portal?

  • Update personal details and emergency contact
  • Update students details
  • Update your direct debit details
  • View past and future invoices
  • Enrol in classes
  • Change you notification settings
  • Email Simply Ballet directly

and more!

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

Download Your Simply Ballet Info Pack

Author Simply BalletPosted on 22 January 202122 June 2024Categories Simply Ballet

Request an info pack for classes at Simply Ballet

Download Your Simply Ballet Information Pack

Thank you!

We can’t wait to help you find your perfect class.  You can download your Information Pack below containing details on classes, times, fees, uniform, exams, and more!

Ages 2-6
Simply Ballet Preschool Division Info Pack

 

Ages 7-18
Simply Ballet Graded Division Info Pack

 

Adults & Silver Swans Classes
Simply Ballet Open Division Info Pack

Ready for the Next step?

Book a Trial Class

Not Quite Sure, Need More Help?

Contact Us Today
Ballet students having fun after Examination
Royal Academy of Dance Registered Teacher

Explore our classes

Pre-School Dance class with ribbons

Preschool Classes

Young girls at ballet barre

RAD Graded Ballet

Adult Ballet class student smiling

Adult Classes

Ballerina Swan Lake

Discovering Repertoire

Progressing Ballet Technique

Body Conditioning

Thank you

Author Simply BalletPosted on 11 January 202123 April 2024Categories Simply Ballet

Thank you for booking!

You will received a confirmation email for your booking.  (If you can’t find it – please check your spam folder).  This will have your class date, time and level.  There is also a link to complete any remaining details we might need before your class.

We’ve also sent you all the information you need to know before your trial class as a document, but below are some of the most important bits.

Finding the Studio

Classes are held at King George Hall, 4A Koongarra Court, Magill 5072. There is free parking available onsite.  Aim to get to the studio around 5-10 mins before the start of your class if possible.  The closet bus stops are Stop 23 – Moules Rd and Stop 24 – Glen Stuart Rd.

Enter through the door closest to the car park, next to the sign.  Come through to the dressing room, which is the stage area of the hall – you can wait here if a previous class is still running. 

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 into the dance studio. 

What To Wear?

If you or your child already have dancewear, whatever coloured leotard and tights/socks you already own 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 and a fitted T-shirt or singlet.  For adult, any kind of activewear is usually fine.

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.

Is there anything else I need to bring?

If your class is 1 hour or longer, we suggest having a water bottle to drink from.  Adults 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.

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

Download an Info Pack

Author Simply BalletPosted on 6 January 202111 December 2024Categories Simply Ballet

Download an info pack for classes at Simply Ballet. Details on how to book your trial class are included.

Download a Simply Ballet Information Pack

We understand that choosing a ballet school or class can be an in depth process.

We’ve put together all the info you need into a handy pack for you to keep it simple.

Click here to access your information pack for all our classes. 

Your pack includes details on class types and ages, fees, concerts, assessments, what to wear and how to book your no obligation trial class.

Get Info Pack
Ballet students having fun after Examination