- Introduction
- Fairy Doll40:00
- Pas d’esclave40:00
- Talisman30:00
- Black Swan30:00
Learn Variations with Isabella Step by Step!
Course outline
About this course:
This Course will teach you iconic variations step by step with Isabella. We will be learning variations which are commonly used for showcases, auditions & competitions.
The Variations will range in difficulty from slightly easier to extremely technical.
In each video you will get a performance of the variation from behind the dancer so you can pick up any steps you are unsure of and dance with them.
We have to build strong technical ability and of course bring artistic nuance and style across allowing us to captivate the audience. Use this course as a learning resource, a second opinion from your teacher, extra coaching tips and to simply enjoy and learn for yourself be it at home and in the studio.
With Isabella’s help, you will also understand what is looked for in a variation, where we need to give our focus and how we can make them even better.
We are so passionate about ballet here and we hope you enjoy this course!
Course Breakdown:
This is a wonderful variation. Set in a Toy shop at night, the highlight of this ballet is the dance of The Fairy Doll with the two adoring clowns either side of her. This variation although simple to learn has technical skill, strength, character and stamina.
This Variation is called ‘The dance of the Slave’ from the Ballet Le Corsaire. A very versatile variation with jumps and turns as well as telling a story. We need to see the strength in the character Gulnare whilst we also see her struggle to be free.
The Pas de deux Talisman, is something to behold. It is dramatic and strong. By contrast this variation is sweet and soft. The movements must convey that. The music is light and delicate, our arms must be too.
Probably one of the most iconic Variations. I have always taken a lot of inspiration from Ulyana Lopatkina in this role. Her nuance is something to behold. We discuss that here. An extremely technical variation whilst conveying the strong and seductive character of Odile.
What you’ll learn
- Iconic Variations
- Audition and Competition Variations
- Technical Cues
- Artistic Nuance
- View from behind the dancer for ease of picking up.
- What Isabella looks for in a variation
Meet your teacher:
Isabella McGuire Mayes:
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 and later danced with Eifman Ballet as a soloist . Isabella then founded BWI helping dancers worldwide both with her platform, podcast and intensives. Helping others succeed is her passion.
Who is this for?
- The intermediate dancer looking to learn repertoire
- The vocational student looking to extra insight into a variation
- Students preparing for Competition or audition
- Dancers wanting to to get better artistic nuance
Who is this not for?
- Not for the complete beginner or beginner
- Not for someone who doesn’t know all ballet terminology
- Not for someone looking for a workout
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!
Corps
Watch anytime and anywhere.
- Access to Online Studio Classes
- Live BWI Classes & Recordings
- Access to Online Studio Plans & Courses
- 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
Soloist
Expect a greater understanding, detailed lessons and big progress.
- Access to Online Studio Classes
- Live BWI Classes & Recordings
- Access to Online Studio Plans & Courses
- 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
Principal
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.
- Access to Online Studio Classes
- Live BWI Classes & Recordings
- Access to Online Studio Plans & Courses
- 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.
5 minute
7 minutes
9 minutes
7 minutes
5 minute
7 minutes
9 minutes
7 minutes
Introduction
Floor Barre Drills
Theraband Drills
Turning Drills At The Barre
Centre Drills
Isabella’s Expert Tutorials
Your Practice Time! Let’s Tie All The Turns Together
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7 minutes
9 minutes
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8 minutes
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7 minutes
4 minutes
7 minutes
3 hours
1 minute
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9 minutes
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7 minutes
4 minutes
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3 hours
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7 minutes
9 minutes
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7 minutes
4 minutes
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3 hours
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7 minutes
9 minutes
7 minutes
8 minutes
7 minutes
7 minutes
4 minutes
7 minutes
3 hours
5 minute
7 minutes
9 minutes
7 minutes
8 minutes
7 minutes
7 minutes
4 minutes
7 minutes
3 hours
5 minute
7 minutes
9 minutes
7 minutes
8 minutes
7 minutes
7 minutes
4 minutes
7 minutes
3 hours
5 minute
7 minutes
9 minutes
7 minutes
8 minutes
7 minutes
7 minutes
4 minutes
7 minutes
3 hours
Level 1: Foundation & Mobility (Weeks 1–3)
This level is about waking up the body and preparing it for deeper flexibility.
You’ll focus on:
Gentle mobility drills for hips, hamstrings, and hip flexors
Myofascial release techniques to reduce tension
Introductory stretches with proper alignment
Perfect for complete beginners or anyone returning to stretching after a break. The key here is consistency — showing up and giving your body time to adapt.
Level 2: Active flexibility & Control (Weeks 4-6)
Now that your body is primed, we begin working on active flexibility and control.
You’ll focus on:
Longer hold times in foundational stretches
Chair- and block-assisted drills for depth and support
Active engagement of glutes, core, and legs to create true flexibility. Strengthening supporting muscles around the hips and pelvis. Dynamic stretches to build range and coordination
This level bridges the gap between flexibility and functional mobility — helping you go deeper with control, not force.
Level 3: Find your full range (Weeks 7-9)
You’ve done the groundwork — now it’s time to commit to your full range.
You’ll focus on: Combining mobility, strength, and alignment in full split practice. Holding deeper splits with the aid of props (chair, blocks, wall)
Exploring full range in front and middle splits
Flow-style sessions to connect and challenge your flexibility
Learning your new go-to splits maintenance routine
This level is about owning your flexibility. Whether you’re fully flat or still a few inches away, you’ll come out of this with a strong, safe, and sustainable practice to carry forward.
Floor Barre Core
Turnout Stretch Class
Dancers Core
Advanced Ballet Pointe Course L1
Turnout and Beats Conditioning
Arabesque Workout Advanced
Floor Barre with The Magic Circle
Advanced Stretch
Ultimate Back Workout
Foot & Ankle Dancer Injury Prevention L2
Mat Madness Challenge Day 7 – Turnout and stretch
Strength for Développé
Floor Barre on the Wall
Side Extensions and Mobility
Dancers Core
Foot & Ankle Dancer Injury Prevention L3
Strong Hips and Glutes
Advanced Barre
Floor Barre Core
Advanced Back Flexibility Training
Turnout and Beats Conditioning
Advanced Ballet Pointe Course L1
Grand Allegro Course
Audition Class Barre
Floor Barre Core
Turnout Stretch Class
Dancers Core
Advanced Ballet Pointe Course L1
Turnout and Beats Conditioning
Arabesque Workout Advanced
Floor Barre with The Magic Circle
Advanced Stretch
Ultimate Back Workout
Foot & Ankle Dancer Injury Prevention L2
Mat Madness Challenge Day 7 – Turnout and stretch
Strength for Développé
Floor Barre on the Wall
Side Extensions and Mobility
Dancers Core
Foot & Ankle Dancer Injury Prevention L3
Strong Hips and Glutes
Advanced Barre
Floor Barre Core
Advanced Back Flexibility Training
Turnout and Beats Conditioning
Advanced Ballet Pointe Course L1
Grand Allegro Course
Audition Class Barre
Floor barre Int
Confidence Boosting Full Body Stretch
Slider Core Workout
Intrinsic Foot Workout
Turnout Course L1
How to Improve Attitude and Arabesque
Floor Barre 2.0
Positivity Stretch and Flow
Foot & Ankle Dancer Injury Prevention L1P2
The Psoas Course L1
Turnout Course L2
Balance & Penché Ballet Class
Mat Madness Full Body
Stretches for Side Développé
Strong Jumps Workout
The Psoas Course L2
Stronger Pointe Course L1
Ultimate Back Workout
Floor Barre with The Magic Circle
Full Body Stretch Class
Hip & Core Strength for Extensions
The Psoas Course L3
Petit Allegro Course
Int Barre Focused on Strength & Extensions
Floor Barre on the Wall
Hip mobility and stretch
Foot & Ankle Dancer Injury Prevention
Core & Arms
Spinal mobility
Floor Barre for Développé
Ball the Wall Turnout class
Amazing feet course
Core
Long Hamstrings
Floor Barre on the Wall
Beg. Stretch
Amazing Feet Course L2&L3
Balance Course
Turnout Stretches
Floor Barre 2.0
Hip Manifestation Stretch
Beginner Pointe Course L1
Perfecting Pirouettes en Dehors
Barre Challenge Day 7
Centre Basics
Using the head, style and balance
Adage & strength
Vaganova ports de bras and linking steps
Relevé in the centre and pirouette prep
Walking, Pas balancé & rythym
Linking steps
Jumps
Practice week
Build Strength of the feet, Barre drills establishing correct technique
Building Foot Strength, Barre drills and challenging Centre work with a focus on stamina and many repetitions.
Increased intensity of barre drills and intrinsic foot work.
Continuing from week three, we build the demanding drills
Legs Legs Legs
Strength for développé
Turnout that Booty
Lower Legs of Steel
Lunge and battement
Core Power
Barre HIIT
Stretch and Recover
Build Strength of the feet, Barre drills establishing correct technique
Building Foot Strength, Barre drills and challenging Centre work with a focus on stamina and many repetitions.
Increased intensity of Barre Drills, challenging centre work and intrinsic foot work.
Continuing from week three, we build the demanding drills, ending with the challenging Improver Centre with many repetitions.
Build Strength of the feet, Barre drills establishing correct technique
Building Foot Strength, Barre drills and challenging Centre work with a focus on stamina and many repetitions.
Increased intensity of Barre Drills, Centre work and intrinsic foot work.
Continuing from week three, we build the demanding drills, ending with the challenging Improver Centre with many repetitions.
Sign up and get started today.
Subscribe to the monthly online studio membership and get access to the whole library of videos as well as new videos that аre added regularly. Take a class wherever and whenever you want.
