Beginner
course

Beginners Basics Part 1

Share

Isabella McGuire Mayes • 12 Lessons

  • Introduction
  • Introduction with Isabella
    01:30
  • The Basic Ballet Positions
    09:00
  • Plié
    11:00
  • Tendu from First
    09:00
  • Tendu from Fifth
    09:00
  • Ronds De Jambe à Terre with Stretching
    10:00
  • Fondu with Retiré Balance
    09:00
  • Adage
    10:00
  • Frappé with Petit Battement
    08:00
  • Grand Battement
    07:00
  • Beginners Ballet Barre
    41:00
  • Conclusion
    01:00
Introduction

Welcome to the Beginners Basics Course Part 1!

Course outline

About this course.

In this course, Isabella will be teaching all the basics of fundamental ballet technique and the lead up to a beginner Ballet Barre, including all the positions of the legs and arms.

By the end of the course you will have completed an entire ballet barre with in depth knowledge of how to execute each movement.

Enjoy!

Course breakdown.
Introduction with Isabella
01:30

Isabella welcomes and introduces you to the course and explains why anyone can take the leap to start ballet at any age or ability. It’s not just for the young with very arched feet. How desire to dance is the first step to reaching new heights.

The Basic Ballet Positions
09:00

In this Lesson you will learn the basic positions of the arms and legs. These positions are the foundations to all exercises and movements of ballet. It is imperative to learn these as they are the ingredients to perfecting many more difficult movements later in your training.

Plié
11:00

In this Lesson you will be learning all about the plié. The very first exercise at the barre and where every ballet class starts no matter how old you are or your ability. Class always starts with the Plié.

Tendu from First
09:00

In this Lesson you will be learning all about Tendu from first. The tendu is a stretching of the leg along the floor and requires a lot of articulation of the foot and rotation of the hip.

Tendu from Fifth
09:00

Now we move on to the more advanced tendu from 5th where we cross the legs forwards and back. A tricky tendu to master! Isabella goes into detail of muscles to use and helpful imagery to achieve this.

Ronds De Jambe à Terre with Stretching
10:00

You’ve made it to the majestic movement of Ronds De Jambe. This movement is big, grand and luscious. It literally means round of the leg. You are making big circles on the floor with the leg. It sounds simple but there’s plenty to think about to execute this correctly. Isabella guides you through ending with a Ballet stretch.

Fondu with Retiré Balance
09:00

Fondu is one of the most favoured exercises of Isabella. It has so much coordination and strength. Fondu means to melt! Can you guess what the movement is like? it’s gooey with a lot of strength behind it. We love fondu!

Adage
10:00

The grand movement of Adage. Slow movement of the legs and arms creating fabulous lines of the body. It requires the elite combination of flexibility and strength. It feels glorious to dance!

Frappé with Petit Battement
08:00

In this Lesson you will be learning the exciting movement of Frappé meaning to strike! This movement requires the foot to wrap around the leg and when it comes to the petit battement, the lower leg must move in isolation. Something tricky to master! As you progress this movement can lead to doing very exciting fast footwork.

Grand Battement
07:00

The final exercise at the barre! Congratulations! This exercise requires big controlled kicks of the leg. It can be tiring to do as it’s at the end of a whole barre but with the energy behind it and the upbeat music it really helps you give it the energy it requires. Isabella explains in detail of how to execute this movement efficiently.

Beginners Ballet Barre
41:00

A beginners ballet barre for those who need simple combinations to follow along to, whilst still completing a full ballet barre. Isabella explains tips for each exercise to help you achieve the movements correctly. This class is also perfect for dancers wanting to make their way back slowly to class after an injury or holiday.

Conclusion
01:00

Isabella says a big thank you for taking the course and says a few closing words to you after you’ve completed this course. Well done!

Meet your teacher.

Isabella McGuire Mayes
Founder

​Isabella trained at The Royal Ballet School and then became the first British girl to join the Vaganova Ballet Academy in Saint Petersburg at 15 where she studied for 4 years. She joined the Mikhailovsky Ballet in Russia as a soloist and later danced with Eifman Ballet.

What you’ll learn.
  • All the basic positions of the feet
  • All the basic position of the arms
  • How to execute every barre exercise and the steps involved
  • Building up to doing a whole barre
  • Technical tips, details and correction of how to do each step well.
Who is this for?
  • For the complete beginner or beginner dancer
  • For the dancer wanting to learn all the rules and foundations
  • For the dancer starting from scratch
  • For the dancer looking to practice refining all their barre work from home
  • For the beginner looking to progress further
Who is this not for?
  • Not for an advanced student
  • Not for the casual dancer
Pricing.

Each tier has something very special to offer. Let’s dive in and see which plan will suit your needs best taking your ballet to the next level!

pricing
Casual
Corps
Hundreds of hours of guided ballet classes, workouts and flexibility training. Guaranteed to get the results you desire behind the scenes.

Watch anytime and anywhere.
£30 / Month

  • Access to Online Studio Classes
  • Access to Online Studio Plans & Courses
  • Live Weekly Online Classes
  • Direct communication with Isabella and the Principal team to discuss goals
  • New personalised plan every 8 weeks
  • Personalised video where the BWI team walks you through your plan
Committed
Most popular!
Soloist
Dive deep into our signature courses. Learn how to achieve better pirouettes, higher arabesque, stronger pointe work, beginners basics and much more!

Expect a greater understanding, detailed lessons and big progress.
£50 / Month

  • Access to Online Studio Classes
  • Access to Online Studio Plans & Courses
  • Live Weekly Online Classes
  • Direct communication with Isabella and the Principal team to discuss goals
  • New personalised plan every 8 weeks
  • Personalised video where the BWI team walks you through your plan
Serious
Principal -16 Spaces Available!
Tired of wondering what class to do? Need structure in your routine?

Structured plans made just for you by Isabella along with direct communication with her.

Isabella will help you reach your desired goals. This gets results.

If no spots, contact us to be put on the waitlist.
£75 / Month

  • Access to Online Studio Classes
  • Access to Online Studio Plans & Courses
  • Live Weekly Online Classes
  • Direct communication with Isabella and the Principal team to discuss goals
  • New personalised plan every 8 weeks
  • Personalised video where the BWI team walks you through your plan
Casual
Corps
Hundreds of hours of guided ballet classes, workouts and flexibility training. Guaranteed to get the results you desire behind the scenes. Watch anytime and anywhere.
£30 / Month

  • Access to Online Studio Classes
  • Access to Online Studio Plans & Courses
  • Live Weekly Online Classes
  • Direct communication with Isabella and the Principal team to discuss goals
  • New personalised plan every 8 weeks
  • Personalised video where the BWI team walks you through your plan
Committed
Most popular!
Soloist
Dive deep into our signature courses. Learn how to achieve better pirouettes, higher arabesque, stronger pointe work, beginners basics and much more! Expect a greater understanding, detailed lessons and big progress.
£50 / Month

  • Access to Online Studio Classes
  • Access to Online Studio Plans & Courses
  • Live Weekly Online Classes
  • Direct communication with Isabella and the Principal team to discuss goals
  • New personalised plan every 8 weeks
  • Personalised video where the BWI team walks you through your plan
Serious
Principal
Tired of wondering what class to do? Need structure in your routine? Structured plans made just for you by Isabella along with direct communication with her. Isabella will help you reach your desired goals. This gets results. If no spots, contact us to be put on the waitlist.
£75 / Month

  • Access to Online Studio Classes
  • Access to Online Studio Plans & Courses
  • Live Weekly Online Classes
  • Direct communication with Isabella and the Principal team to discuss goals
  • New personalised plan every 8 weeks
  • Personalised video where the BWI team walks you through your plan
Related courses.

Take a look at our related courses below.

Classes
Courses
Plans
Int Barre Focused on Strength & Extensions
Coming soon on August 2, 2024
class
Int Barre Focused on Strength & Extensions

Isabella • 50 minutes

View class
Balance & Penché
Coming soon on July 28, 2024
class
Balance & Penché

Isabella • 36 minutes

View class
Beginner Centre focused on Jumps
Beginner
class
Beginner Centre focused on Jumps

Isabella • 50 minutes

View class
Floor Barre on the wall
All levels
class
Floor Barre on the wall

Isabella • 36 minutes

View class
Beginner Barre focused on Turnout
Beginner
class
Beginner Barre focused on Turnout

Isabella • 60 minutes

View class
Improver Centre Focused on Arms
Improver
class
Improver Centre Focused on Arms

Isabella • 25 minutes

View class
Improver Barre Focused on Strength & Balance
Improver
class
Improver Barre Focused on Strength & Balance

Isabella • 37 minutes

View class
Intermediate Centre Focused on Pirouettes
Intermediate
class
Intermediate Centre Focused on Pirouettes

Isabella • 30 minutes

View class
Passive & Dynamic Hamstrings
Beginner
class
Passive & Dynamic Hamstrings

Isabella • 20 minutes

View class
Floor Barre with The Magic Circle
Intermediate
Advanced
class
Floor Barre with The Magic Circle

Isabella • 36 minutes

View class
Pilates Workouts for Dancers
Intermediate
course
Pilates Workouts for Dancers

Isabella • 5 Lessons

View course
Introduction with Isabella

5 minute

Fondu with Retiré Balance

7 minutes

The Basic Ballet Positions

9 minutes

Adage

7 minutes

Plié

8 minutes

Frappé with Petit Battement

7 minutes

Tendu from First

7 minutes

Grand Battement

4 minutes

Tendu from Fifth

7 minutes

Beginners Ballet Barre

3 hours

Hip & Knee Injury Prevention Course
course
Hip & Knee Injury Prevention Course

Isabella • 3 Lessons

View course
Introduction with Isabella

5 minute

Fondu with Retiré Balance

7 minutes

The Basic Ballet Positions

9 minutes

Adage

7 minutes

Plié

8 minutes

Frappé with Petit Battement

7 minutes

Tendu from First

7 minutes

Grand Battement

4 minutes

Tendu from Fifth

7 minutes

Beginners Ballet Barre

3 hours

Grand Allegro Course
Intermediate
Advanced
course
Grand Allegro Course

Isabella • 9 Lessons

View course
Introduction with Isabella

5 minute

Fondu with Retiré Balance

7 minutes

The Basic Ballet Positions

9 minutes

Adage

7 minutes

Plié

8 minutes

Frappé with Petit Battement

7 minutes

Tendu from First

7 minutes

Grand Battement

4 minutes

Tendu from Fifth

7 minutes

Beginners Ballet Barre

3 hours

14 Day Mat Madness Challenge
All levels
course
14 Day Mat Madness Challenge

Isabella • 14 Lessons

View course
Introduction with Isabella

5 minute

Fondu with Retiré Balance

7 minutes

The Basic Ballet Positions

9 minutes

Adage

7 minutes

Plié

8 minutes

Frappé with Petit Battement

7 minutes

Tendu from First

7 minutes

Grand Battement

4 minutes

Tendu from Fifth

7 minutes

Beginners Ballet Barre

3 hours

Foot & Ankle Injury Prevention
All levels
course
Foot & Ankle Injury Prevention

Isabella • 5 Lessons

View course
Introduction with Isabella

5 minute

Fondu with Retiré Balance

7 minutes

The Basic Ballet Positions

9 minutes

Adage

7 minutes

Plié

8 minutes

Frappé with Petit Battement

7 minutes

Tendu from First

7 minutes

Grand Battement

4 minutes

Tendu from Fifth

7 minutes

Beginners Ballet Barre

3 hours

Turns on Pointe Course
Advanced
course
Turns on Pointe Course

Isabella • 2 Lessons

View course
Introduction with Isabella

5 minute

Fondu with Retiré Balance

7 minutes

The Basic Ballet Positions

9 minutes

Adage

7 minutes

Plié

8 minutes

Frappé with Petit Battement

7 minutes

Tendu from First

7 minutes

Grand Battement

4 minutes

Tendu from Fifth

7 minutes

Beginners Ballet Barre

3 hours

Advanced Pointe Course
Advanced
course
Advanced Pointe Course

Isabella • 4 Lessons

View course
Introduction with Isabella

5 minute

Fondu with Retiré Balance

7 minutes

The Basic Ballet Positions

9 minutes

Adage

7 minutes

Plié

8 minutes

Frappé with Petit Battement

7 minutes

Tendu from First

7 minutes

Grand Battement

4 minutes

Tendu from Fifth

7 minutes

Beginners Ballet Barre

3 hours

The Artistry Course
All levels
course
The Artistry Course

Isabella • 6 Lessons

View course
Introduction with Isabella

1 minute

Fondu with Retiré Balance

7 minutes

The Basic Ballet Positions

9 minutes

Adage

7 minutes

Plié

8 minutes

Frappé with Petit Battement

7 minutes

Tendu from First

7 minutes

Grand Battement

4 minutes

Tendu from Fifth

7 minutes

Beginners Ballet Barre

3 hours

The Psoas Course
All levels
course
The Psoas Course

Isabella • 3 Lessons

View course
Introduction with Isabella

1 minute

Fondu with Retiré Balance

7 minutes

The Basic Ballet Positions

9 minutes

Adage

7 minutes

Plié

8 minutes

Frappé with Petit Battement

7 minutes

Tendu from First

7 minutes

Grand Battement

4 minutes

Tendu from Fifth

7 minutes

Beginners Ballet Barre

3 hours

Variations Course Part 3
Intermediate
Advanced
course
Variations Course Part 3

Isabella • 3 Lessons

View course
Introduction with Isabella

1 minute

Fondu with Retiré Balance

7 minutes

The Basic Ballet Positions

9 minutes

Adage

7 minutes

Plié

8 minutes

Frappé with Petit Battement

7 minutes

Tendu from First

7 minutes

Grand Battement

4 minutes

Tendu from Fifth

7 minutes

Beginners Ballet Barre

3 hours

14-Day Yoga for Dancers
Beginner
Improver
plan
14-Day Yoga for Dancers

Isabella McGuire Mayes • 2 Weeks

View plan
Week 1

Yoga for Turnout, Arabesque, Hamstrings, upper back, spine mobility, core strength and breathe work meditation

Week 2

Yoga for Hamstrings, Balance, Supporting leg, Full Body Flow, Splits, Shoulder Release, and Colour meditation.

Better Turnout  Beginner Plan
Beginner
plan
Better Turnout Beginner Plan

Isabella McGuire Mayes • 4 Weeks

View plan
Week 1

Hip Mobility and Stretch, Floor Barre 2.0, Turnout Stretches, Psoas work

Week 2

Turnout and Beats Conditioning, Stretch and imagery for turnout, Connect with the deep rotators, Psoas work

Week 3

Exercises for turnout, Floor Barre intermediate, Hip manifestation stretch, Psoas work

Week 4

Floor Barre with the Magic Circle, Strong Hips and Glutes, Turnout Stretches, Psoas work

Better Turnout  Advanced  Plan
Advanced
plan
Better Turnout Advanced Plan

Isabella McGuire Mayes • 4 Weeks

View plan
Week 1

Floor Barre 2.0, Turnout and Beats, Hip mobility and stretch, Floor Barre core, Hip Manifestation Stretch, Psoas work

Week 2

Exercises for turnout, Floor Barre Intermediate, Strong Hips and Glutes, Turnout Stretches, Floor Barre for developpe. Psoas work

Week 3

Mat Madness Turnout, Floor barre with magic circle, Turnout stretching and imagery, Turnout stretches, Turnout and beats, Psoas Work

Week 4

Hip Mobility And Stretch, Connect with your turnout, Floor Barre 2.0, Strong Hips and Glutes, Hip Manifestation Stretch, Psoas Work.

Better Turnout  Intermediate Plan
Intermediate
plan
Better Turnout Intermediate Plan

Isabella McGuire Mayes • 4 Weeks

View plan
Week 1

Confidence Boosting Full Body Stretch
Intermediate Hip Stretches
Long Hamstring Stretches

Week 2

Positivity Stretch and Flow
Long Hamstring Stretches
Intermediate Back Stretches

Week 3

Full Body Stretch Class
Long Hamstring Stretches
Intermediate Hip Stretches

Week 4

Confidence Boosting Full Body Stretch
Intermediate Back Stretches
Positivity Stretch and Flow
Long Hamstring Stretches

Absolute Beginner – 8 Week Plan
Beginner
plan
Absolute Beginner – 8 Week Plan

Isabella McGuire Mayes • 8 Weeks

View plan
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
week 5
week 6
week 7
week 8
Get Flexible Beginner Plan
Beginner
plan
Get Flexible Beginner Plan

Isabella McGuire Mayes • 4 Weeks

View plan
Week 1

Confidence Boosting Full Body Stretch
Intermediate Hip Stretches
Long Hamstring Stretches

Week 2

Positivity Stretch and Flow
Long Hamstring Stretches
Intermediate Back Stretches

Week 3

Full Body Stretch Class
Long Hamstring Stretches
Intermediate Hip Stretches

Week 4

Confidence Boosting Full Body Stretch
Intermediate Back Stretches
Positivity Stretch and Flow
Long Hamstring Stretches

Get Flexible Intermediate Plan
Intermediate
plan
Get Flexible Intermediate Plan

Isabella McGuire Mayes • 4 Weeks

View plan
Week 1

Confidence Boosting Full Body Stretch
Intermediate Hip Stretches
Long Hamstring Stretches

Week 2

Positivity Stretch and Flow
Long Hamstring Stretches
Intermediate Back Stretches

Week 3

Full Body Stretch Class
Long Hamstring Stretches
Intermediate Hip Stretches

Week 4

Confidence Boosting Full Body Stretch
Intermediate Back Stretches
Positivity Stretch and Flow
Long Hamstring Stretches

Get Flexible Advanced Plan
Advanced
plan
Get Flexible Advanced Plan

Isabella McGuire Mayes • 4 Weeks

View plan
Week 1

Confidence Boosting Full Body Stretch
Intermediate Hip Stretches
Long Hamstring Stretches

Week 2

Positivity Stretch and Flow
Long Hamstring Stretches
Intermediate Back Stretches

Week 3

Full Body Stretch Class
Long Hamstring Stretches
Intermediate Hip Stretches

Week 4

Confidence Boosting Full Body Stretch
Intermediate Back Stretches
Positivity Stretch and Flow
Long Hamstring Stretches

Toned Ballerina Beginner Plan
Beginner
plan
Toned Ballerina Beginner Plan

Isabella McGuire Mayes • 4 Weeks

View plan
Week 1

Confidence Boosting Full Body Stretch
Intermediate Hip Stretches
Long Hamstring Stretches

Week 2

Positivity Stretch and Flow
Long Hamstring Stretches
Intermediate Back Stretches

Week 3

Full Body Stretch Class
Long Hamstring Stretches
Intermediate Hip Stretches

Week 4

Confidence Boosting Full Body Stretch
Intermediate Back Stretches
Positivity Stretch and Flow
Long Hamstring Stretches

Toned Ballerina Advanced Plan
Advanced
plan
Toned Ballerina Advanced Plan

Isabella McGuire Mayes • 4 Weeks

View plan
Week 1

Confidence Boosting Full Body Stretch
Intermediate Hip Stretches
Long Hamstring Stretches

Week 2

Positivity Stretch and Flow
Long Hamstring Stretches
Intermediate Back Stretches

Week 3

Full Body Stretch Class
Long Hamstring Stretches
Intermediate Hip Stretches

Week 4

Confidence Boosting Full Body Stretch
Intermediate Back Stretches
Positivity Stretch and Flow
Long Hamstring Stretches

Popup Image

Join our
mailing list.

Never miss any BWI news and content.

Get 15% off your fisrt corps or soloist monthly membership when you sign up to our mailing list.

    You can unsubscribe at any time. Our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions apply.

    Thank you
    for regestering.

    Your 15% off discount code is:

    BWIFIRSTMONTH15

    Code Copied!