Timon of Athens with Karis Scarlette

We're very proud at Golborne Place to have Karis Scarlette, of Everybody Ballet, teaching private and duet classes in our Notting Hill studio. Not only because she's a lovely lady who is super talented, but also because she is currently starring in the National Theatre's 'Timon of Athens' production with Simon Beale and Ciaran McMenamin.

Karis leading a workshop at the Galle Children's Festival

After having her blossoming Ballet career cut short at The Royal Ballet due to injury 5 years ago, Karis has gone on to teach students of all ages and abilities with the wonderful Everybody Ballet. In early summer this year, Karis was happily surprised to receive a call from renowned Principal of The Royal ballet, Ed Watson, to ask if she would join Nicholas Hytner's production of Timon for the Ballet sequence. Not only has Karis come back to performing Ballet, but she has also turned her hand to acting, performing as various extras throughout the play. Karis said of her new challenge,

           "It's very similar to staging a ballet obviously, but it's a lot of fun having the opportunity to take on other characters that you wouldn't necessarily find in classical ballet productions. Plus working alongside big names in the business such as Simon Russell Beale and Ciaran McMenamin is really inspiring. The camaraderie has been excellent!!"

Scene from Timon of Athens

We're thrilled Karis has had the opportunity to perform again on the big stage and in her own words "tie up loose ends of my performing career which came to end very abruptly. For me, it's bittersweet closure!!" With fantastic reviews of the play already, it's an absolute must see!

Karis warming up before the opening, already covered in bruises from the fight scene!

Karis has just finished her August run at The National Theatre but will be joining the cast again in October for another run of shows. To buy tickets and get a view in to the making of Timon of Athens, take a look at The National's website:

http://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/video/the-making-of-timon-staging-the-play

The National Gallery & The Royal Ballet in unique collaboration

It was such a lovely surprise to turn on the tv on Tuesday night and see The Royal Ballet's Ed Watson working on an incredible collaboration with National Gallery. 

As three of Titian's great masterpieces are shown together for the first time in years, the BBC series 'Imagine' goes behind the scenes in this captivating documentary. Transforming mythological paintings in to contemporary performance and multi-faceted creative experience are a bunch of Britain's greatest living contributors to the Arts. 

Carlos Acosta performing with Shawcross' 'Machina'

Conrad Shawcross creates a dancing robot, Chris Ofili works on stunning sets and paintings, and Mark Wallinger collaborates with The Royal ballet's choreographers, Wayne McGregor and Christopher Wheeldon . Others involved include poets Carol Ann Duffy & Simon Armitage.

The Royal Ballet dancers wearing Ofili's costumes

It's a must see for anybody interested in the Arts, a really fascinating programme!

Here's a link to BBC iplayer http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01l8tgh/imagine..._Summer_2012_Dancing_with_Titian/

Available until 31st July 2012.

La Trasierra, our first ever Ballet & Gyrokinesis Retreat

The Ballerinas have now landed back in London and everyone's already talking about the next retreat! 

We're thrilled that everyone had a great experience on the first ever Golborne Place & Everybody Ballet retreat. From those in the group who have never picked up a pair of ballet pumps in their life, to those who have been taking private and group classes with Isabel's Everybody Ballet for some time, it seems the group enjoyed their experience at La Trasierra...and why wouldn't they?! Take a look at the stunning pics of Charlotte Scott's gorgeous venue in the foot hills of Andalucia!

And a few snaps of the retreat group hard at work...well they worked hard and relaxed hard :)

Gyrokinesis Class led by our very own Monica Zamora

Getting in to the 'arch & curl'

Two of our stunning Ballet ladies at the barre

The essential stretch and warm up series

Isabel, full of energy to lead the Ballet Class!

Beautiful!

More Gyrokinesis with Moni

The lovely Ballet & Gyrokinesis teachers taking a well earned break

Drinks by the pool :)

Due to the happy success of the first ever Ballet & Gyrokinesis Retreat, we're already looking at dates for the next! If we've tempted you with these stunning pictures, please feel free to send your email address to amy@golborneplace.com and we'll keep you up to date on our future retreats.

The first ballet retreat!

Today our lovely ballet teacher, Isabel mcMeekan of Everybody Ballet and our very own Monica Zamora are jetting off to La Trassiera in Spain for our first ever ballet retreat. Exciting news yes, but unfortunately I will be holding the Golborne Place fort in the grey june weather and making sure our leaky roof gets fixed! It's ok, I'll be fine....sob.

La Trassiera is a beautiful hotel ideal for our first ballet retreat, set high in the mountains of Andalucia.

The group of Golborne Place and Everybody ballet clients will be put through their paces with daily Ballet and Gyrokinesis classes, a beautiful exercise that compliments and enhances the Ballet work achieved. Of course it's not all work, that would be no fun! The group will be making the most of the gorgeous grounds, relaxing in the sun (what is that again??) and taking advantage of the great food and vino.

I'll be posting pictures of the retreat once they're back (Isabel has threatened to stay so we'll see if she returns!). No doubt they'll all be sun kissed and glowing, so keep a look out for an update soon!

Gyrotonic demystified!

For those of you who are still none the wiser about the great benefits of Gyrotonic and what the exercise system actually involves, I've decided to borrow some snippets of info from Joanna Hall's Guardian article to explain what i think are the most important aspects of the system. Beatriz Pascual, friend of Golborne Place, shares some interesting insights in to the world of Gyrotonic...

The what
'Gyrotonic is a complete system of exercising: it articulates your joints, improves the flow of energy through the body, stimulates acupuncture points, builds stamina and strength and improves health.'


The how
'Gyrotonic is three-dimensional in its range of movements, and this is unique to this form of exercise. Individuals who are used to working in linear movements are often surprised by how little control they have of their bodies in this way - so you need to be consistent with your sessions to see the benefits. Once a week is good, but twice a week is preferable.'

The why
Gyrotonic improves posture

Sports medics have attributed a more upright and elegant posture to the continuous involvement of the supportive muscles as they are strengthened and stretched.

Gyrotonic is great for our joints

Gyrotonics is beneficial for anyone suffering from joint pain because the unique way of securing the pulleys on the GXS machines allows movement without impact.

Gyrotonic creates better co-ordination

The major muscle groups work together as well as interdependently, which, over time, leads to increased coordination with more efficient muscle recruitment.

Gyrotonic makes you feel great!

Fans attribute increased energy and raised spirits to the circular, spiralling motions and specific individual breathing patterns, which help relax tight muscles and stiff joints.

Gyrotonic gives you full spinal mobility

Gyrotonic movements free the spine to move in all directions, so improving back suppleness.

I hope that answers a few questions about Gyrotonic. It truly is my favourite form of exercise, and I have done everything from football, hockey, swimming, netball, pilates, running and yoga. The combination of feeling more confident in your own skin with the calming of mind and soul is something priceless in any walk of life, not just in sports. If you still need more information why not pop by to chat to one of our teachers or call reception on 020 8969 8907.

Organic Argan Oils

Have you heard about the amazing benefits of Morocco's favourite and organic oil? Produced for centuries and used for cosmetic, medicinal and culinary purposes, their secret is now out! Much of the oil is produced by women's co-operatives, helping women to earn an income and motivate locals to protect and re-plant the argan tree.

Packed with Vitamin E, the powerful anti-oxidant, can be ingested or used on the skin. The oleic acid in argan oil helps control cholesterol levels and the sterols within the oil have been found to have anti-cancer properties.

Excellent for hair care, it repairs damage, eliminates frizz and split ends and improves elasticity. On the skin it absorbs quickly, and it's regenerative properties have been shown to have great effects on wrinkles, acne scars, stretch marks and other troublesome conditions such as psoriasis.

And not forgetting in the kitchen, argan oil's nutty flavours have been used in salads and soups. Shown to be good for cardiovascular conditions, arthritis and digestion this oil know no bounds!

We're very happy to be stocking the House of Argan range of Organic Hair Restorer and Skin Repair Serum at Golborne Place. Pop in to the studio to test out the products and get involved in the positive effects of this natural oil.

Nutritional Therapy at Golborne Place

We're very happy to welcome this month, a star Nutritionist and all round lovely lady, Sonia Ayadi, to the Golborne Place team!

Sonia has gained much of her experience on Harley Street and is now heading to W10, to compliment the holistic work we do towards wellbeing, at Golborne Place. As a Nutritional Therapist Sonia has helped those suffering with:

-Dietary problems
-Weight management
-Skin conditions
-Fatigue and general low energy levels
-Chronic headaches
-High blood pressure
-Stress

Sonia is offering all new clients 10% off the initial 90 minute consultation. Usually £90, they are now £81. Get in touch to book on 020 8969 8907 or email amy@golborneplace.com.

Yoga at Golborne Place

We are very happy to announce that Polly de Blank of The Yoga Agency will be starting yoga classes at Golborne Place. Polly has been practicing yoga for 15 years and teaching since 2008. She is a British Wheel of Yoga certified teacher and has studied both yoga and Ayurveda in the UK, USA and India. Polly teaches Hatha yoga, incorporating the alignment of Iyengar with flowing sequences to strengthen the body and calm the mind.

The sessions include

• breathing exercises to focus the mind
• Postures to strengthen the body and restore spine mobility
• Relaxation techniques to reduce stress

So if you are in the need for some peaceful, focused body work call reception on 020 8969 8907 or email me at amy@golborneplace.com to book in a free class. Polly will be offering the complimetary taster clases on Monday 16th 2pm-8pm and Thursday 19th from 8am-2pm only.

We look forward to seeing all of you yogis in the studio!

Watch The Royal Ballet performers live

Next Friday 23 March, for the first time ever, The Royal Ballet rehearsal studios are opening their doors to a worldwide audience. You can follow dancers live throughout the day as they rehearse and prepare for their performances via their YouTube

Offering a glimpse into the unique environment of the ballet studio and a chance to witness the work and dedication that go into The Royal Ballet’s performances, the day will begin with a broadcast of morning class live from 10.30am GMT. This will be followed by rehearsals from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Romeo and Juliet, as well as the opportunity to see ballets in the process of being created The Royal Ballet’s Resident Choreographer Wayne McGregor and Liam Scarlett, ahead of their world premieres on 5 April.

Romeo & Juliet, photo by Dee Conway

The day will round off at 18.30 GMT as Wayne McGregor and musician/producer Mark Ronson rehearse and discuss their new ballet Carbon Life in front of an invited audience.

As part of the online event The Royal ballet are also asking for your questions to put to the dancers and internationally renowned choreographers. You’ll be able to post your comments and questions via Twitter with the hashtags #RBLive and #RBLquestions and they will choose a selection to ask live. Very exciting times for fans of Ballet!

Prix de Lausanne 2012

This year Monica was very happy to be asked to commentate on the incredible Prix de Lausanne. We thought we'd share some of the dramatic pictures of the amazing international dance competition for  with you as Monica was hugely impressed with the exceptionally high standard of the dancers performing.

And some photographs from the final day of the competition...

Photographs courtesy of Gregory Batardon

Harlequin, suppliers of dance floor technology who were very helpful in kitting out the Golborne Place studio with a ballet mat for our Everybody Ballet students, sponsored the making of some beautiful video blogs. Take a look here to see some behind the scenes glimpses and share the emotional journey of the candidates.