13/07/2026
✨MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY✨
This week, The Dancers Studio London is celebrating the artistry of Charline Giezendanner, Sujet at the Paris Opéra Ballet.
Born in Besançon, France, Charline entered the Paris Opéra Ballet School in 1994, where she trained in the renowned French School, celebrated for its elegance, musicality and precision.
After seven years of dedicated training, she joined the Paris Opéra Ballet in 2001, progressing through the ranks to become Coryphée in 2005 and Sujet in 2009, later receiving the prestigious AROP Prize for Dance.
Throughout her career she has performed an impressive range of repertoire, including Swanhilda in Pierre Lacotte’s Coppélia, Gamzatti in La Bayadère, Olga in Onegin, together with featured roles in Giselle, Swan Lake, Raymonda, Paquita, Cinderella and many works by choreographers such as George Balanchine, John Neumeier, William Forsythe and Wayne McGregor.
Her journey reminds us that a successful ballet career is built through consistency, patience and a commitment to continual growth. Every class, every correction and every performance becomes another opportunity to develop as an artist.
As you begin a new week, remember that progress is rarely measured in a single day. Trust your training, embrace the process and keep showing up. The smallest improvements today become tomorrow’s artistry.
Have a wonderful week of dancing. 🩰
📸 1: Don Quixote
📸 2: La Bayadère
📸 3: Giselle with François Alu (pas de deux des Paysans)
📸 4: Gamazatti - La Bayadère
📸 5: Charline Giezendanner
05/07/2026
Just one week to go ! ✨🫶🏼💓🙌🏽🩰💫
The Coppélia Experience
29/06/2026
✨ MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY ✨
Some of the greatest advances in ballet came from those who dared to challenge convention. Long before ballet became the art form we know today, one remarkable woman proved that progress begins with courage.
Marie-Anne de Cupis de Camargo was one of the true pioneers of classical ballet. Making her debut at the Paris Opéra in 1726, she captivated audiences with dazzling speed, precision, and athleticism at a time when much of the virtuosic vocabulary was reserved for male dancers. She became the first woman credited with performing the entrechat quatre, demonstrating that technical brilliance knew no boundaries.
Camargo also helped transform ballet itself. She popularised the use of flat slippers instead of heeled shoes and embraced shorter skirts that allowed greater freedom of movement, innovations that enabled dancers to move with greater confidence and artistry. These changes not only enhanced performance, but helped shape the evolution of classical ballet for generations to come.
Her legacy reminds us that progress is often born from those willing to think differently. Rather than accepting limitations, she expanded what audiences believed was possible and inspired countless dancers who followed in her footsteps.
Motivation for today:
Do not be afraid to challenge expectations. Growth comes from having the courage to take the next step, even if no one has taken it before. Your dedication today could become tomorrow’s tradition.
📸 1: Portrait of Marie-Anne de Camargo
📸 2: The famous portrait by Nicolas Lancret
📸 3: An authentic 18th century ballerina costume
📸 4: A Rococo ballet costume reference
📸 5: An 18th century Paris Opéra stage or theatre interior
20/06/2026
The Coppélia Experience: Paris Opera Edition
Sunday 12 July 2026
10:30 am - 1:30 pm
Royal Ballet & Opera, Covent Garden, London WC2E 9DD
Experience the elegance and charm of Coppélia in this special adult ballet repertoire workshop, inspired by Pierre Lacotte’s celebrated production for the Paris Opera Ballet.
Set within the welcoming and supportive professional studios of the iconic Royal Ballet and Opera, one of the world’s most legendary homes of classical ballet, dancers will have the opportunity to explore this beloved repertoire in an inspiring and prestigious setting.
Visit our official website for more information and how to book ✨ www.thedancersstudiolondon.com ✨
08/06/2026
✨ MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY ✨
As we celebrate the birthday week of one of Britain’s greatest ballet legends, Dame Beryl Grey, we are reminded of what can be achieved through talent, dedication, courage, and an unwavering love of dance.
Dame Beryl Grey’s journey was extraordinary from the very beginning. Joining Sadler’s Wells Ballet at just 14 years old, she quickly rose through the ranks, performing Odette Odile in Swan Lake on her 15th birthday and dancing the title role in Giselle at only 16.
These remarkable achievements were not simply the result of natural ability, but of discipline, determination, and an exceptional work ethic.
Throughout her career, she broke new ground for British ballet. She became the first British ballerina to dance with the Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow and the first to perform in China, helping to build cultural bridges through the universal language of dance. Her artistry, elegance, and musicality inspired audiences around the world and established her as one of the defining ballerinas of her generation.
Yet her impact extended far beyond the stage. As Artistic Director of London Festival Ballet, now English National Ballet, she transformed the company, championed artistic excellence, nurtured future generations of dancers, and helped secure its international reputation. Her lifelong commitment to dance continued through education, leadership, and advocacy, shaping the future of ballet in Britain and beyond.
Dame Beryl Grey’s story reminds us that true success is not measured only by personal achievements, but by the opportunities we create for others and the legacy we leave behind.
📸 1: The Black Queen for Checkmate
📸 2: With Dame Ninette de Valois rehearsing The Black Queen for Checkmate 1963
📸 3: As Odette in Swan Lake
📸 4: As the Lilac fairy in Sleeping Beauty
📸 5: Dame Beryl Grey
22/05/2026
The Coppélia Experience, Paris Opera Edition ✨
Step into the elegance and charm of Coppélia in this special adult ballet repertoire workshop inspired by Pierre Lacotte’s celebrated production for the Paris Opera Ballet.
Held within the beautiful Royal Ballet & Opera Studios in Covent Garden, this immersive experience invites dancers to explore Swanhilda’s playful Act I variation through refined French classical style, sparkling footwork and expressive musicality, accompanied live on piano with the masterful 🎹
The workshop includes a ballet barre warm up, followed by repertoire coaching in a welcoming and supportive professional studio environment, thoughtfully adapted for adult dancers while preserving the artistry and stylistic detail of the choreography.
Led by our director Damien Lee Stirk.
Sunday 12 July 2026
10:30 am to 1:30 pm
Covent Garden, London
For ages 18+
General level
To book and learn more, please visit our official website.
18/05/2026
What a truly special day at our Adult Spring Intensive, Swan Lake at the Royal Ballet and Opera 🦢
A huge congratulations to every dancer who took part yesterday. The focus, artistry, commitment and determination shown throughout the workshop was incredibly inspiring!
From the very first exercise to the final moments of repertoire, everyone worked with such dedication and openness, creating a beautiful atmosphere in the studio.
We are so proud of everything you achieved together and grateful to share these experiences with such passionate dancers who continue to challenge themselves, grow artistically and support one another so generously.
A very special thank you as well to our wonderful guest coach Simon for sharing his knowledge, encouragement and artistry with the group throughout the day 🙌🏽✨🫶🏼💓
Thank you to our wonderful pianist for making the whole day such an incredible experience! 🎹💫🫶🏼 and to for looking after everyone with such care ✨😘
More moments from this unforgettable workshop coming soon ✨
04/05/2026
✨ MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY ✨
True success in ballet comes from clarity of purpose, dedication to growth, and the courage to fully embrace every stage of the journey.
Jovani Furlan exemplifies this through a career defined by focus, ambition, and continuous evolution. From his early training in Brazil to the international stage, he has built his path with intention, rising through Miami City Ballet to become a Principal Dancer before achieving the same distinction at New York City Ballet.
His artistry reflects not only technical brilliance, but a deep commitment to musicality, performance, and refinement. Each step of his journey shows what is possible when discipline meets belief, and when opportunities are met with preparation and confidence.
Beyond the stage, he has also brought his creative vision into new spaces, including the development of Furlan Dancewear, a project that supports individuality and expression for male dancers, reflecting his wider contribution to the dance world.
His story is a powerful reminder that excellence is not a single moment, it is built over time through consistency, passion, and a willingness to keep progressing.
Motivation for today:
Stay committed to your growth. Every class, every rehearsal, and every performance is shaping your future. Trust your journey and take pride in how far you are going.
📸 1: For
📸 2: in “Agon.” Photo credit © Erin Baiano
📸 3: in Jerome Robbins ’ Dances at a Gathering
📸 4: in Jerome Robbins’ Concertino
📸 5: Jovani Furlan .furlan
29/04/2026
The Ballet Technical: June Edition
Sunday 21 June 2026
11:00 am— 1:30 pm
ROYAL BALLET & OPERA
The Ballet Technical returns to the Royal Ballet & Opera on 21 June, offering a focused opportunity to refine technique, deepen foundations and reconnect with your practice in the heart of Covent Garden.
Created for dancers 18+, this session is where technical clarity meets artistic focus. It’s a chance to refine your foundations and find your confidence in an iconic setting, the perfect Sunday reset for your practice
This session gently builds clear classical technique, beginning at the barre before moving into centre work, and finishing with simple enchaînements that help you practise and build confidence with what you have learned during the class.
Led by our Director, Damien Lee Stirk, with live piano accompaniment with the wonderful 🎹✨
20/04/2026
✨ Adult Spring Intensive: SWAN LAKE ✨
Sunday 17 May 2026
10:30 am to 3:30 pm
Royal Ballet & Opera, Covent Garden, London WC2E 9DD
Join us for our first Adult Repertoire Intensive, a day celebrating one of ballet’s most iconic and emotionally charged masterpieces.
The day begins with a classical ballet class designed to awaken strength, artistry and musical precision, followed by a repertoire session exploring the traditional classical choreography and poetic beauty of Swan Lake.
After a well deserved repose, the afternoon session develops the themes of Swan Lake through a lyrical contemporary workshop inspired by modern narrative ballet. Rooted in classical technique, this session focuses on fluidity, épaulement, musical phrasing and expressive quality, offering dancers the opportunity to explore the emotional world of the ballet through more expansive movement while remaining familiar to those with a classical background.
The day will be led by our Director, Damien Lee Stirk, character actor with The Royal Ballet, with live piano accompaniment throughout with 🎹, creating a rich and immersive studio experience in the heart of Covent Garden.
In the afternoon session we are delighted to welcome guest coach Simon Williams former Principal dancer with New Adventures.
Schedule
10:30 to 11:45 Classical Ballet Class
11:45 to 12:00 Break
12:00 to 13:30 Swan Lake, Classical Repertoire, Act II Waltz
13:30 to 14:00 Lunch Break
14:00 to 15:30 Swan Lake, Lyrical Contemporary, inspired by Matthew Bourne’s award winning interpretation
Key Information
• For ages 18+
• General level, suitable for dancers with at least 2 years of recent ballet training
Please get in touch if you are unsure whether this workshop is right for you
Limited places available.