Variations en Pointe Series
We are delighted to announce our Variations en Pointe workshop series. Across three unique sessions, we’ll explore iconic repertoire from the classical ballet canon — each designed to help dancers translate the technical foundations developed in our Pointe classes into expressive, stage-ready movement.
Each workshop offers a distinct focus on musicality, control, and storytelling through classical technique. Led by our resident pointe teacher, Tori, these workshops provide a supportive and educational environment for adult ballet students, focused on the specific challenges of applying pointe technique to repertoire.
Nikiya’s Entrance Variation, La Bayadère
Date & Time: Saturday 24 January 2026, 11am - 1.30pm
Location: Acosta Dance Centre, Building 40, 1 Artillery Square, Woolwich, SE18 6BH
Price: £45
Level: Those who have participated in our Beginner+ Pointe course for at least six months. Sufficient foot articulation, stability, and control to safely attempt basic centre work en pointe.
Overview
Nikiya’s Entrance from La Bayadère showcases expressive use of the upper body, refined port de bras, and the art of storytelling through movement. Designed for experienced Beginner/ Improver level pointe dancers, this session offers a gentle yet rewarding opportunity to translate the skills developed in class into expressive, classical choreography. Nikiya’s Entrance is an ideal first variation to explore en pointe — lyrical and flowing, yet accessible in both length and technical demands.
Workshop Structure
We’ll begin with a full-length barre en pointe to warm up and to breakdown the key technical components featured in the variation. We will then have 75 minutes for learning and refining the choreography. The variation predominantly features temps lié, travelling bourrées, and delicate transitions, with chaîné turns and a faster ending. The emphasis will be on developing confidence in centre work en pointe and strengthening the connection between pointe technique and artistry. The final 30 minutes are for private practice and optional informal performances.
Nikiya Variation performed by Svetlana Zakharova - Bolshoi
Third River Variation, The Pharaoh’s Daughter
Date & Time: Saturday 28 February, 2 - 4.30pm
Location: Acosta Dance Centre, Building 40, 1 Artillery Square, Woolwich, SE18 6BH
Price: £45
Level: This workshop is suitable for students in our Intermediate/Advanced Level Pointe class or those with comparable experience/training. Teacher approval is required
Overview
Our second masterclass features a lively and intricate solo for Intermediate/Advanced pointe students. This variation blends elegance with athleticism, demanding precision, lightness, and strong musicality. Expect piqué retirés, pas de bourrées, fast walks en pointe, and a dynamic finale with saut de basque and grand jetés. The workshop will focus on clean transitions, coordination, and dynamic control, preparing the body for faster execution, sharper directional changes, and sustained single-leg balances. It’s an excellent opportunity for experienced dancers to challenge their speed and endurance en pointe through a short yet demanding classical variation.
Third River Variation performed by Neva Daria Khokhlova - Bolshoi Ballet
Entrance of the Shades, La Bayadère
Date & Time: Saturday 28 March, 12 - 2pm
Location: Acosta Dance Centre, Building 40, 1 Artillery Square, Woolwich, SE18 6BH
Price: £45
Level: This workshop is suitable for students in our Intermediate/Advanced Level Pointe class or those with comparable experience/training. Teacher approval is required
Overiew:
Our third and final workshop in this series explores a highlight of classical ballet repertoire. We’ll teach the last three minutes of the Entrance of the Shades, beginning from the moment dancers are already in line formation. Although technically manageable en pointe, this variation requires sustained control and a great deal of stamina; making it best suited to experienced pointe students.
Workshop Structure:
This choreography offers an elegant challenge in endurance, coordination, and collective musicality. We’ll focus on synchronised timing, secure extensions, and refined port de bras. We will explore how stillness, breath, fluidity in the upper-body and phrasing create the ethereal atmosphere of this celebrated moment in classical ballet. The workshop concludes with an informal performance, allowing you to experience the piece as a complete ensemble.
** White leotards and tutus are encouraged, but optional.
We will teach from 4:00 - 7.00 minutes in the workshop
Meet your teacher
LBC teacher and dancer, Tori
Tori is our resident Variations and Pointe teacher, an accomplished dancer and experienced teacher. She brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her lessons. Her dance journey began with the RAD syllabus, achieving distinctions up to Advanced 2, she furthered her training through the affiliate program with the Australian Ballet. Tori continued her professional development at the Houston Ballet Academy, where she trained in the Pre-Professional Division and performed with the company in children’s outreach programs and Nutcracker productions. She later trained at the Queensland College of Dance,
Tori has also collaborated with world-renowned choreographers, including Graeme Murphy OA, performing his solo work Baroness. Alongside her performance background, she has extensive teaching and choreographic experience, having worked with the Lisa Clark Dance Centre in Canberra. Her expertise spans Ballet, Contemporary, and Jazz, and she holds a Diploma of Dance and Elite Performance. She has worked with students of all ages, from young children to pre-professionals and adults. In addition to group classes, she also has extensive experience with private coaching and choreography for competitions.