Introducing… Ruth Hardy…Body Balance, Dance, Pilates and more!
As already mentioned in our Week Twelve Weekly update we have a new member with a special skill set. Ruth Hardy joins us and has kindly offered to share some of her experience with dance, body balance, pilates and more. If you would like to come along on Wednesday 9 April for a taster session with Ruth you ware very welcome. If you could wear suitable attire with some “give” when stretching and bring a mat or large towel, that would be ideal. Ruth’s session will start at 11:30am.
Here is a ‘brief resumé of Ruth’s journey.
Ruth’s passion for dance began at an early age, but it wasn’t until she was 17 that she started her formal training, auditioning for the Royal Ballet School. Encouraged by the legendary Ninette de Valois, Ruth went on to study with Rosella Hightower in Cannes. After three years, she earned a prestigious scholarship to a ballet school in Paris, where she trained under renowned instructors, including Nelly Kolicheve of the Kirov and esteemed teachers from the Paris Opera Ballet.
While studying in Paris, Ruth was captivated by the city’s love for cabaret and began attending workshops at the Moulin Rouge and The Lido. This vibrant influence, combined with her classical training, gave rise to a unique and evolving dance style that now plays a significant role in her teaching, helping to empower women of all ages.
During her time in Paris, Ruth was invited to join Les Jeunes Ballet de France, a ballet company funded by the local council to give emerging dancers valuable stage experience. Touring Europe with the company helped Ruth to refine her skills in both dance and choreography. After performing with various companies, she returned to the UK to explore new styles and earned a scholarship at the London Contemporary Dance School.
With over 35 years of teaching experience, Ruth has developed a distinctive program that blends diverse dance techniques to create an empowering fitness routine for women over 50. Her classes help women get fit, tone up, and most importantly, feel empowered through the joy of dance!
CLASSES: For over 50’s
Body Balance – Designed for all levels, ages, and abilities, this class is perfect for anyone looking to tone up, build strength and improve flexibility. We start with gentle core exercises to strengthen and tone the body, followed by slow, focused work and deep stretching, tailored to individual needs. This unique session blends the core-strengthening power of Pilates with the flowing movements of Body Balance, designed to tone, strengthen, and improve posture while moving with intention and ease.
Ballet Fusion – Designed for all levels, ages, and abilities, this class is perfect for anyone looking to tone up, build strength, improve flexibility, and most importantly – have fun in a welcoming and relaxed environment. We start with gentle core exercises to strengthen and tone the body, followed by slow, focused barre work tailored to individual needs.
Pilates – Start the new year feeling strong, centered, and uplifted with fusion of Pilates and Body Balance. This unique session blends the core-strengthening power of Pilates with the flowing movements of Body Balance, designed to tone, strengthen, and improve posture while moving with intention and ease.
Chair Yoga – A gentle, supportive class designed to help you improve flexibility, build strength, and enhance well-being in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Perfect for all abilities, this class offers a blend of mindful stretching, breathing exercises, and seated yoga poses to help you feel stronger, more balanced, and deeply relaxed.
Chair Dance – Unleash your inner dancer in our Chair Dance for Women 50+ workshops! This fun and empowering class blends graceful movement, gentle fitness, and a touch of sass in a supportive, uplifting environment. Whether you’re a beginner or just looking to try something new, this is your time to shine!
