Dance Forward Masterclass by Yasmin Naghdi

Dance Forward

Sunday, 25 May

It was an early start for LBC members who contended with rail engineering works and severe London Underground delays on Late May Bank Holiday Sunday to journey to the Royal Opera House to watch a Dance Forward masterclass. 12 young female dancers aged 13-20 of mixed Intermediate and Advanced Level abilities were stretching at the barre, as members took their seats in the Ashton Studio. Andrew Ward, Director of Dance Forward, welcomed the audience, before leading the dancers in a 90-minute warm-up class. Ward gave plenty of notes throughout, paying particular attention to highlight the importance of technique in avoiding injuries. Performance quality was also emphasised, even at the barre, as he encouraged students to “let the arms breathe”, “move at one with the music”, and “perform to the audience”. Class was accompanied by Olga Mazour on piano who delighted with ballet favourites including excerpts from the Royal Ballet’s current season – Sergei Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet and Joby Talbot’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. It wasn’t all classical though, as Ward requested for a high-tempo Boogie-Woogie for battement exercises.

After a short break, Royal Ballet Principal, Yasmine Naghdi, joined the masterclass. Naghdi led a one-hour class in pointe work, imparting her knowledge to the young dancers. She repeatedly stressed the importance of engaging full-body muscles, especially the core; she didn’t want to see any “jelly bellies”! After class, it was the moment that many of the students were most excited for. Naghdi was to teach the act one solo from Giselle. After changing into their long skirts, the young dancers gathered in the centre to learn the variation. After only two passes, it was striking to see the improvement amongst the group. Naghdi expressed how impressed she was at the “grit” of the students, especially as they pushed through the most challenging passages, notably the “dreaded hops”.

The masterclass came to a close with an obligatory group photo, capturing what was no doubt a memorable day for the young dancers who will be able to apply the wisdom imparted by Ward and Naghdi in their training going forward.

Alexandra Cross