Pilates, yoga, stretching and strength training, injury prevention, nutrition, musicality, dance and art history, choreography, acting, and many other dance forms are all aspects that are incorporated at the appropriate levels into the training of dancers at Alameda Ballet Academy. Welcome!
For more information on our adult classes or to join the current evening series, please contact our office at 510-337-1929 or email ABA. Click on the Adult Class Register Online button on the right or click here to register.
Morning Classes with Abra Rudisill
$75 per month for one morning class
$130 per month for two morning classes
Classes resume the week of September 5th, 2016. Click here to register.
Intermediate Ballet
Tuesdays, 9:45 – 11:00 am
This class is taught at an intermediate level with an emphasis on core strength, while learning the concepts of ballet that work the muscles in a long and lean fashion. The class starts on a mat (25 minutes) doing stretching and Pilates Mat exercises. The class then moves to the barre (25 minutes) to work on the basics of a ballet barre, all the while working on posture. With the body properly warmed up, the class proceeds to center floor exercises (25 minutes) that work on balance and alignment as well as moving across the floor doing basic ballet steps in a low impact aerobic fashion. The class finishes by cooling down with a stretch and a beautiful reverence.
Pilates Mat & Stretch
Thursdays, 9:45 – 11:00 am
The main reason this class is offered is because time after time, Ms. Rudisill’s adult students would come to her and say ‘I got these Pilates videos, but when I do the exercises they really hurt my neck/back/etc.’. It is Ms. Rudisill’s belief that in order to reap the benefits of Pilates and develop core strength (as opposed to superficial muscles) one must first fully understand the 16 Fundamentals that the more advanced work is built on, much like building the foundation of a house. Once the class physically understands the Fundamentals, the class proceeds to more advanced mat exercises. Also incorporated in this class are yoga, Feldenkrais, and Somatic body-mind methods that Ms. Rudisill has found beneficial in keeping her body, mind, and spirit happy and healthy, while asking a lot from all three of them!
In 1983, long before Pilates became a household word and trademarked name, Ms. Rudisill had her first Pilates session with Patrice Whiteside who, after retiring from Oakland Ballet, developed the dance medicine program at Center for Sports Medicine under the guidance of Dr. Garrick at St. Francis Hospital in San Francisco. Ms. Whiteside was one of the first of a handful of people to travel to New York to be certified in this form of bodywork. She did so because she saw the benefits it could bring to dancers (especially injured ones) and other athletes.
During her 20 year career as a principal ballerina with Oakland Ballet, Ms. Rudisill spent countless hours training with certified Pilates trainers learning to lengthen and strengthen both her body and her career through intelligent bio mechanics. She found it to be a priceless approach, both mentally and physically, to rehabilitation from injuries because it allows people to speed up the healing process by being proactive in their recovery.
Evening Classes with Julie Lowe
Download this flyer for more information!
$160 for 8-week series. Combine two series and receive a discount! The next series begins the week of September 5th, 2016. Click here to register.
Introduction to Ballet 1
Tuesdays, 6:30 – 7:30 pm
If you’ve dreamed of learning ballet, but thought it was too late, it’s not! This is the class to attend if you’ve had no prior ballet experience (or very little), and want to begin at the beginning! This class covers basic ballet technique and fundamentals that will make you stronger and more flexible, with improved coordination, body awareness and balance. When taught and performed correctly, Ballet can be healing and restorative for the entire body, and improves performance in other dance and athletic pursuits. Instructor Julie Lowe creates a safe, fun, nurturing environment for adults to explore the wonderful world of ballet!
Introduction to Ballet 2
Thursdays, 6:30 – 7:30 pm
This is the class to attend if you’ve completed a minimum of four months introductory ballet training, and/or have taken two cycles of Julie Lowe’s Intro Level 1. With Intro Level 2, students delve more deeply into the basics of ballet. It’s now time to expand your ballet vocabulary with fun new challenging steps and combinations. In this series, beginning adult students move beyond working in first and second position and progress to the more challenging crossed fourth and fifth positions. Classes feature expanded exercises at the barre, in the center of the room, and traveling across the floor. As always, classes will be taught with an emphasis on technique, musicality, and correct body alignment.
Beginning Ballet
Tuesdays, 7:30 – 9:00 pm
This class is for adults who have had a minimum of 9 months prior ballet training or for anyone who studied seriously into their teen years and hasn’t danced regularly since. This beginning level class provides a challenging workout that develops physical and mental fitness and agility. New vocabulary is regularly introduced and includes basic turns, jumps and traveling exercises. Clear instruction is presented with a focus on proper alignment, musicality and technique. Come experience the joy of ballet and delight in the sensation of fusing movement with music!
Intermediate Ballet
Thursdays, 7:30 – 9:00 pm
This class is for adults who love to dance and have had a minimum of two years prior ballet training. It is also appropriate for those who trained seriously during their young adult years, and for former professional dancers wanting to return to class in a relaxed environment. This 90 minute class covers all of the elements traditionally executed in a ballet class including barre work followed by center work with adagio, pirouettes, traveling turns, and petite and grande allegro. Class is presented in a clear, fun and friendly way free of judgement and harsh criticism. Come dance with us!