Already passionate about ballet? Keen to revive an old love for dance? Or just looking for a great, welcoming sport club to join this year? Then UEA Ballet is perfect for you! Whether you have been dancing since you could walk or you’ve never stood at the barre before, UEA Ballet has something for you, regardless of your ability. UEA Ballet is one big family where you will make amazing lifelong friends.
"Like most, I came to UEA not knowing anyone, so joining a club that was welcoming and fun was important for me. At my first class, I met people who would become some of my dearest friends at UEA. Not only did I make lifelong friends, but the ballet classes are such great quality, with external RAD teachers, that I found my technique has improved greatly. I look forward to going to class every week because everyone is so accepting and comes together to share their love of dance. UEA Ballet really is a dance family. Joining UEA Ballet has been one of the highlights of my past 3 years at UEA and I cannot wait for another year with my favourite club on campus!"
- Louise Hooton, 4th Year, 2019/20 President
RAD Ballet Classes:
We hold weekly classes run by our fabulous RAD teacher, Kate, in the SportsPark Dance Studio every Saturday:
- Beginners: 4-5pm
- Intermediates (Grade 7-Vocational Intermediate Grade): 5-6pm
- Advanced (Vocational Advanced and Intermediate Grade/8+): 6-7pm
Monday Night Classes:
We also hold a technique class, lead by our coach Chloe Rowlatt, in the Kiff Matheson Suite at the SportsPark. These classes are open to all abilities but they will start at a basic beginner level. Later in the term part of the class will be dedicated to learning variations from different ballets too!
These are currently taught by our lovely 2018/19 Vice Pres Chloe Rowlatt who has lots of experience and training as a teacher, choreographer and physio!
Pop Ballet Workshops:
We hold ballet classes to pop/charts music, learning different choreography. These will take place with our show squad or as extra workshops throughout the year.
This is currently taught by Punch (2019 Vice President and 2021 Advanced Comp Dancer).
Competitions:
Each year we have 2 competition squads – Advanced Ballet and Intermediate Ballet – which we enter into national competitions.
In 2018/19, we went to the University of Surrey, the University of Manchester and the University of Northampton’s Dance Competitions, and in 2019/20 we went to the University of Sheffield and the University of Manchester – this year’s competitions are still being planned. Auditions for the competitions teams (both Intermediates and Advanced) are normally held within a month of the start of term in October. Our auditions are fun and friendly so there’s no need to feel nervous about auditioning! Competitions are a great way to travel the country, meet students from other universities and other UEA dance teams, and, most importantly, experience the pride of representing UEA. Check out our Youtube channel to watch some of our previous dances!
Every year we also compete against the Essex Blades at our annual Derby Day. In 2019, our Advanced Ballet team won the ballet category and, overall, UEA dominated for the 7th year in a row winning Derby Day once again.
Our competition squads meet:
- Sundays in the SportsPark Dance Studio: 1:45-3:15pm
- Thursdays in Blackdale: 8-10pm
Shows and Socials
If you’re not one for competitions, there are still plenty of opportunities to get involved with all things UEA Ballet. We take part in UEA’s annual Dance Show, showcasing our two competition dances. We have also created a beginner’s dance especially for those who do not compete but would still like the chance to perform at the show. We hold regular socials, with nights out at the LCR or in the city, alongside weekend brunches, theatre and cinema trips and other great events like a roller-skating social!
We keep all our members updated via email and social media, so follow us for all the key dates you need to know!
If you have any questions, feel free to email us at [email protected].
or message us on Facebook and Instagram
@ueaballet
Ballet love! xxx
2021/22 Committee:
President: Ella Matthews
Vice President: Megan Randria
Secretary: Juliette Rebold-Stead
Treasurer: Hannah Furness
Competitions Representative: Hannah Meredith
Social Secretary: Elspeth Mcguigan and Izzy Griffith
Publicity Representative: Olivia Dixon and Sasha Donovan-Anns
Equality and Diversity Officer: Sofia Paloma Halim
Health and Safety Officer: Caitlin Parry
Union Council Representative: Beatrice Law
First Year Representative: TBC
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/28376868411/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ueaballet
Twitter and Instagram: @ueaballet
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCid1EwY6QWoeTKaB_XUZR0g