Ballet
EVELIEN MAES
FEB - JUN 2024
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Ballet Foundations
Discover the grace and beauty of ballet in our 60-minute Foundations class. Perfect for absolute beginners, our expert instructor will guide you through the fundamentals of ballet technique with patience and support.
Level 1
FRIDAY 18:30 - 19:30
Studio Aakash (2nd floor)
€180/ €153 for students (-25j)
15 sessions
Language: NL/EN
Please wear appropriate clothing. Only ballet shoes (available for purchase at the school) or socks are allowed. -
Ballet - Open Level
This class is intended for beginners or students with some experience who would like to work on the foundations of Classical Ballet. Step by step, the dance vocabulary is taught, allowing you to discover the movement possibilities of your body while developing strength, flexibility, and body awareness. The focus of the class is on applying correct body posture, coordination, musicality, and the joy of moving your body through space.
Open Level
FRIDAY 19:30 - 21:00
Studio Aakash (2nd floor)
€225/ €192 for students (-25j)
15 sessions
Language: NL/EN
Please wear appropriate clothing. Only ballet shoes (available for purchase at the school) or socks are allowed. -
Introduction to Pointes
Join our specialized class designed for ballet enthusiasts ready to explore the magic of dancing on pointe.
Open Level
FRIDAY 21:15 - 21:45
Studio Aakash (2nd floor)
€105
15 sessionsLanguage: NL/EN
What to Expect:
Dive into pointe work's artistry, focusing on strength and stability at the ballet barre. The class centers around exercises at the ballet barre, utilizing both hands for added support and balance.
Emphasize proper technique and body alignment.
Gradually introduce pointe work with a strong emphasis on safety.
Receive guidance on selecting and fitting pointe shoes.
Enjoy a supportive and encouraging environment tailored to adults.
Requirements:
This class is for those with a ballet background. Attendance in our open-level ballet class is mandatory to ensure you have the essential skills for your pointe journey.
Advisory:
Before joining, seek the instructor's guidance to assess your readiness for pointe work. Consult with the instructor before buying pointe shoes for the right fit.
EVELIEN MAES
Evelien has been immersed in the world of dance from a young age. Her parents' folk dance background and her own broad interest in music and dance have led her to make it her profession.
As a young dancer, she explored multiple styles, including classical ballet, tap dance, show dance, and competitive Irish dance (Coimisiún). At the age of 16, she was asked to teach dance classes. Her ambitions drove her to pursue three years of performance dance studies (show dance and modern dance) and eventually earn her bachelor's degree as a dance teacher, specializing in ballet (Vaganova), jazz, and modern dance. After her studies in Arnhem (ROC Rijnijssel) and Tilburg (Fontys), she further developed her knowledge in dance science. In 2017, she obtained her MSc in Dance Science from Trinity Laban Conservatoire in London, making her one of the few official dance scientists in Belgium and the Netherlands.
Thanks to her studies, she has a specialized eye for the individual needs of each dancer and can work together with them to bring out the best in themselves. Her classes are thoughtful, expressive, and inspiring, with a touch of humor. In this way, she succeeds in her mission: to make people 'beautiful' through dance, both on the inside and outside.
In addition to her classes at Shoonya, Evelien also works as a freelance dancer, writer, and choreographer for various initiatives. She also supports the development of dance teachers by providing didactic workshops, seminars, and lessons, including with the overarching organization Danspunt. Evelien continues to further her development and stays up-to-date with the latest developments in the dance field. In the summer of 2022, she will obtain her teacher certificate in Simonson Technique in Rockport, USA, a modern dance technique developed to enable lifelong healthy dancing.
Photo Courtesy: Henry Ghammache