The third and fourth editions of the series of Teacher Training Seminars organised this year by the National Ballet Academy were held on 17 January and 14 February. The Sunday editions were attended by over 35 ballet teachers from all over the Netherlands. It is clear from the participants’ enthusiastic reactions that there is great demand in the Netherlands for refresher courses for teachers of classical ballet.

The theme of the seminar on 17 January was transfer of weight. It focused on transferring weight in all sorts of steps and exercises, ranging from simple tendus and relevés to pirouettes and jumps. But great attention was also paid to the different leg shapes of each individual pupil and how this affected the transfer of weight from one leg to the other.

A new feature of this third edition – after a class from Jean-Yves Esquerre and the workshop he gave along with teacher and pedagogic coordinator Laurence Korsenti – was the assignment given to the participants to create their own exercise combinations, using everything that had been discussed so far.
Hostess and outreach coordinator Jane Lord said, ‘Some participants found it difficult to demonstrate and explain an exercise out of the blue in front of other dance teachers. But the atmosphere soon became very spontaneous and enthusiastic, leading to a lively discussion in which Jean-Yves and Laurence gave the participants many valuable tips and suggestions’.

Some reactions from the participants:

Belinda van Trier-Willemse, owner of Balletstudio Belinda in Nootdorp:
‘What a fantastic initiative. Although there are occasional refresher courses for ballet teachers, they focus mainly on teachers from the professional circuit. But it’s certainly just as important for teachers in the amateur circuit to take a fresh look at technique once in a while and to probe further’.

Yvonne Charlton, teacher at Instituut voor Dans en Beweging in IJsselstein:
‘This should have taken place years ago – when I was still young! I think the National Ballet Academy’s approach is really unique. Jean-Yves Esquerre has structured the seminars in such a way that every style is addressed and that everyone is accepted for who they are, whatever method you teach and whatever your age’.

Ruben Brugman from NBDO Dansbelang:
‘NBDO Dansbelang warmly welcomes the initiative to organise Teacher Training Seminars. As a visitor, I was very impressed by the structure of this third seminar. The dedication of Jean-Yves Esquerre and Laurence Korsenti, the detailed approach to the theme (transfer of weight), the practical part of the class, the discussion and the opportunity to try out the teaching material oneself all worked excellently. A very inspiring day: a real must for ballet teachers who take their profession seriously!’

The next seminars will take place on Sunday 20 March (Allegro) and Sunday 24 April (Pointe work). For more information, please contact Jane Lord:jane.lord@ahk.nl.