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Introduction
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Variations course – Gamzatti Part 124:00
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Variations Course – Gamzatti Part 210:00
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Variations Course – Flames of Paris Part 112:00
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Variations Course – Flames of Paris Part 209:00
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Variations Course – Second Shade Part 115:00
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Variations Course – Second Shade Part 214:00
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Variations Course – Aurora Wedding Solo Part 114:00
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Variations Course – Aurora Wedding Solo Part 218:00
Course outline
About this course.
Part two of our favorite Variations series.
This time we are tackling some more iconic variations from Sleeping Beauty, La Bayadere and Flames of Paris. All so different in style, character and technical demands.
This course is perfect for young dancers looking to challenge themselves or find new inspiration for a variation they are working on. Maybe you are doing a variation for a school show or a competition that you need help on. This is what this course is for!
For adult dancers, this is your chance to learn some repertoire and see the kind of detail that goes into these variations. It is also a good gauge of your progress, you’ll know which steps you’re familiar with and which ones you still need to learn.
Whatever your goals are with variations, this course can help you and open your eyes to what work goes into them both artistically and technically.
Enjoy!
Course breakdown.
I am very excited to tackle this variation with you. Filled with jumps, turns and charisma. if jumps are your weakness then this variation is a great one to work on to improve on them. There’s nothing like getting out of your comfort zone when doing these variations. For reference, I would watch Marianela Nuñez as she embodies thus character so extremely well as well as has technical precision which makes her look effortless. You will then hopefully see some of the things we work on here in other peoples performances such as Marianela. Enjoy!
Continuing on with Gamzatti. Refining the details and working towards the performance run through applying all the corrections and nuances we have learned today.
Let’s head to Paris and tackle this technically tricky variation filled with charismatic charm making it look easy! This variation is not easy, filled with hops on pointe and consecutive turns. I always reference to watching Natalia Osipova in this variation as she does it so well and so playfully. Doing this variation with little to no personality would seriously diminish the charm required. Let’s dive in and make this variation come alive!
It’s time to tie it all together and fine tune the details before our lovely dancer Perdita performs the solo for us. Bring your personality and let’s dance!
Who doesn’t love the shades trio from La Bayadere. The whole ballet is glorious, and one of the most relished parts is the shades trio. Amazing opportunity for soloists to show off. There are 3 variations to this trio and we are tackling the second variation. This variation is mostly jumps. Once again, if jumps are your weakness then this is one to work on, making them look light and elegant. We are a ghost after all so looking light and ethereal is of the upmost importance. I would reference towards Fumi Kaneko or Osipova for this variation as both are extremely strong in their jumps and look very light in their upper body. This is your chance to learn what goes into a variation like this!
It’s time to refine, get in character and perform this beautiful variation. Imagine the shades are all around you as you run around the studio or stage. Let’s remember all the corrections and dance!
This is such an iconic and pure classical variation. Doing this well with maturity and style will get you on your way to being considered a very good dancer. It requires poise, elegance, charm and technique. I adore how this variation builds in the music finishing with a strong diagonal of turns which can be tricky as by this point we are already quite tired. Definitely a variation to work towards. For reference I would recommend any dancer from Mariinsky as all of them dance with such purity. Sleeping beauty was created in the Vaganova school in the iconic studio where Vaganova hangs so I consider the Mariinsky and Vaganova school to really know how to do this. They have carried the history for generations. Let’s begin!
Think about where every head, hand and foot is as now we will tie it all together and our lovely dancer Perdita will perform and bring it to life for you! Think purity, gorgeous lines, elegance, aplomb and épaulement. Enjoy dancing this magical variation and the penultimate variation in this course. Thank you for dancing with us!
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.
- Gamzatti wedding variation
- Flames of paris variation
- Second Shade variation
- Aurora Wedding variation
- Artistic nuance
- How to bring a variation alive
- Technical corrections for complex moments
- Professional insight from Isabella
- The details that most miss
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
- Dancers wanting to to get better at artistic nuance
- Dancers who want to learn what isabella looks for in a variation.
Who is this not for?
- Not for the complete 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.
LOWER BODY + CORE
UPPER BODY
.LOWER BODY + CORE
FULL BODY POWER
MOBILITY
5 minute
7 minutes
9 minutes
7 minutes
8 minutes
7 minutes
7 minutes
4 minutes
7 minutes
3 hours
Introduction
Barre Drills
Fouettés At The Barre
Centre Drills On Flat
How To Use Your Back And Core
Pointe Shoes : Starting Well In Your Fouettés
Different Types Of Fouettés
Starting And Finishing Well
Where Should We Spot
How To Gain Speed
Mastering 32 On Pointe
Practice 32 With Us
Level 1: Commonly injured area, demanding rep evolving. Arabesque and overuse settle quickly, muscle spasms, pathology to disc or bony structures like stress fractures, over use, lack of rest, lack of strength in back and core. 2. Importance of mobility of tx, can limit function of other areas, load transfer. 3. Controlling use of thoracic extn. 4. What is the core, common beliefs, 360 degree support, crunches, deeper muscles. 5. Anti extension scissors. 6. POS, learning to use the glutes with the back and closing the pelvis for support. 7. Working in box plank, dissociation. 8. Requirement for good hamstring length and effect on pelvis. 9. Working the side of our body, anti lateral flexion. Sh girdle, obliques, glutes. 10. Working the glutes for endurance in functional dance positions, dissociating from the back. 11. Working in functional compound movements.
Achievements from level 1, tx mobility, activation of core 360. 2. Isolating lumbar spine extension, activating the muscles that support this. 3. Isolating the sh girdle, ability to ‘get shoulders down’ and connect the core. 4. Progressing the deadbug to straight leg and opp arm, longer levers and increased time under tension. 5. Combining 2 core areas in one exercise. 6. Glute max in more functional position. 7. Progressing deadlifts, compound, multiple muscle groups, correct alignment, dissociation.
Learning objs from L1 and 2, mobilise all areas of your spine, what core is and how to find, L3 turns up the intensity to challenge you more and build more resilience. 2. Combining upper and lower back with scap stability, glutes on. L3 aiming to combine many muscle groups. 3. Reflecting on RA and TrA isolation, coupling these together, with increased intensity, using both legs together. 4. Using plank work to allow our body to fire up the core under body weight, learning to shift weight from one side to the other in a controlled way. 5. Side plank for functional training of our supporting leg. How easy this then is in standing.
The importance of pre-fuelling
How to build balanced meals from your store cupboard
How to eat well on a budget
Hydration for performance and recovery
Post-training nutrition and recovery
The role of vitamins, minerals, and supplements
Answers to your most common nutrition questions .
How to shop like a performance nutritionist
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 and practice
5 minute
7 minutes
9 minutes
7 minutes
8 minutes
7 minutes
7 minutes
4 minutes
7 minutes
3 hours
1 minute
7 minutes
9 minutes
7 minutes
8 minutes
7 minutes
7 minutes
4 minutes
7 minutes
3 hours
The primary goal of this plan is to develop and enhance technique by promoting progress in areas such as turnout, extensions, arabesque lines, foot strength, and pirouettes. Additionally, it aims to support the physical and mental well-being of dancers throughout the school term. Instead of focusing on intensity, the strategy emphasizes intelligent strength training and mobility. Each day targets a specific area of focus, allowing different muscle groups to rest and recover while engaging others.
Floore barre on wall
Happy Hamstrings
Foot and Ankle Injury Prevention
Turnout Stretch Class
Dancers Core
Full Body Stretch
Floor Barre For Developpe
10 Minute Abs
Barre Cardio
Intrinsic Foot Workout
Ballerina Cardio Blast
Positivity Stretch and Flow
Mat Madness Beat Mode
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
Sign up and get started today.
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