Contemporary class with Didy Veldman (16+)
A contemporary class exploring movement flow, dynamics, momentum and more.
£12.00
- 1 Class
- Suitable for 16+
Students will explore key concepts in contemporary dance including movement flow, dropping of weight, a variety of dynamics, use of momentum, spatial awareness, and the use of breath.
This lesson is also included in the Intensive course for 16+: Series 1 package.
What you will learn
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To find clarity in directions of movement
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How to use a variety of dynamics
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How to transfer weight using momentum.
Your Tutors
Didy Veldman
Contemporary Teacher and Contemporary Programme Manager
Didy Veldman was a professional dancer from 1986 until 2000 with Scapino Ballet in The Netherlands, Geneva Ballet, Alias Company in Switzerland (co-founder) and Rambert Dance Company as well as an international choreographer since 2000 with 22 years of freelance experience.
She has created over 49 new works for 30 international companies such as Rambert, Cedarlake, Northern Ballet Theatre, Goteborg Ballet, Iceland Dance Company, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montreal, Lithuanian National Ballet, New Zealand Ballet, Cullberg Ballet, Komische Oper Berlin and Geneva Ballet, creating full evening story-telling works with symphony orchestras to smaller works as part of a triple bill. Most recently she created a new Carmen for Natalia Osipova, Isaac Hernandez and 3 contemporary dancers which is touring nationally and internationally. In 2016, she started her own dance company Humanoove, as well as choreographing for international companies.
Didy has been invited to teach and choreograph for many schools including The Royal Ballet School, Prix de Lausanne, Paris Opera School, Jacobs Pillow, Rosella Hightower, Cannes, English National Ballet School and the Palucca University of Dance Dresden, to name but a few.
Didy became the Contemporary Programme Manager at The Royal Ballet School in 2021.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can participate?
These classes are recommended for students aged 16+ and reflect the training given to students aged 16-19 studying at The Royal Ballet School. The classes are not suitable for beginner students, students with limited experience or students under 15 years old.
For these classes, we recommend that:
- Students are regularly training in a recognised classical ballet syllabus at a vocational level of Advanced 2 or above, or studying at an equivalent level in full-time vocational training
- Students have an excellent and broad knowledge of ballet vocabulary and can follow the class using only verbal instruction if necessary
- Students will have strong and secure basic technique with an understanding of correct placement
- Barrework should be strong with clean execution and secure demi-pointe work
- Adage will have strong, secure placement and extensions will be at 90 degrees or above
- Pirouettes are secure and students will have the ability to execute multiple turns
- Allegro, including batterie, should be executed with good understanding of secure take-off and landings
- Students undertaking pointe work will be confident in advanced exercises.
What do I need to participate?
These classes are designed so that they can be executed in a smaller space than a ballet studio. We ask that students/parents ensure that:
- The student meets the technical standards required for the class
- Any apparatus used for a barre is stable and safe
- The floor is not slippery, uneven or hazardous
- The area used for dancing is cleared of any items which could hinder the student’s ability to fully extend their arms and legs. There should be enough space for reasonable movement. If a student cannot fully execute an exercise, they should either adapt appropriately or not participate
- The student is able to clearly hear the teacher’s verbal instruction, see the teacher’s practical delivery and hear the music
- The student is appropriately dressed to safely execute a dance class. Soft ballet shoes should be worn for ballet, not pointe shoes. Bare feet, socks or suitable shoes should be worn for contemporary and Pilates
- The student’s hair is suitably tied back
- The student is fit and well in order to take part.
