The Best Places To Do Ballet, Even If You’re Rubbish

Desperate to don your leotard and tights despite being a total novice? Introducing the best places to practice the art of ballet, even if you can't dance.

1. Central School Of Ballet, London

Want to at least sound like you could rival Darcy Bussell in a pirouette-off (imagine such a thing)? The Central School Of Ballet is the place to master the elegant moves - even as a complete beginner - if you want to leave feeling like a total pro. You'll rub shoulders with the city's future corps de ballet and if you listen hard enough, you might even pick up some of the lingo, meaning you can fool all your friends into thinking you're totally fabulous at it.

£8 per class

2. Northern Ballet, Leeds

Confidence levels aren't sky-high? This Yorkshire-based academy will welcome you with open arms and have you feeling like the lead in The Nutcracker in no time at all. From 10 week courses that teach you every basic ballet skill imaginable to fun fusion sessions that bring both pilates and cardio into the mix, there's sure to be a class you'll feel comfortable trying. Promise.

£6.50 per class (with an annual registration fee of £5)

3. KNT Danceworks, Manchester

If you're full of passion, know every part of Baby's famous Dirty Dancing routine and swap your socks for leg-warmers the minute you get home, this school of dance in Lancashire might be just the ticket. Not only is KNT ideal for energetic movers (the ballet teachers here claim you can burn 350 calories in one hour) but they ensure it won't be a boring feat either. Mixing chart music with the art's signature piano accompaniment, you'll be singing along to your pliés in no time.

£5 per class

4. The Manor School Of Ballet, Edinburgh

With ex-pupils dancing in The Royal Ballet, Scottish Ballet, Swedish Royal Ballet and hit West End shows, The Manor School Of Ballet in Edinburgh has an impressive alumni. Ok, we might be getting ahead of ourselves and you probably just want to learn how turn your arms from gawky to graceful in a few sessions but this is not a bad place to start, learn, then conquer the craft.

£5.20 per class

5. Adult Ballet Classes, Bristol

Does the thought of standing in a room full of competent dancers whilst you shuffle uncomfortably across the floor in the least lump-and-bump friendly outfit of all time terrify you? Fear not. You can book private classes with an ex professional Royal Ballet Dancer so absolutely no-one else has to witness you move (until you become totally amazing, of course). 

£50 per private class

6. The Gate Arts Centre, Cardiff

At this totally beginner-friendly centre in South Wales, you don't even need your own pair of ballet shoes to get started. It's literally as easy as turning up, taking off your bought-especially-for-running-but-never-used trainers and twirling around on your bare feet in your Primark jogging bottoms. 

£6.50 per class

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