19-21 MARCH 2027 | NORTH NORFOLK

classical ballet retreat

Improver level

At a Glance

  • 19 - 21 March 2027

  • Weybourne, North Norfolk

  • Improver level

  • Led by Bennet Gartside

  • £620 per person

Only 8 spaces remaining

An intimate weekend of ballet on the beautiful North Norfolk coast, led by former Royal Ballet dancer Bennet Gartside

Created for committed adult improvers, this retreat combines exceptional teaching with a warm, supportive atmosphere. Over three inspiring days, you'll deepen your technique, build confidence, reconnect with your love of ballet, and enjoy the company of like-minded dancers.

With places limited to just 8 dancers, you'll benefit from highly personalised coaching, individual feedback, and expert tuition throughout the weekend.

What to expect

Three days of inspiring ballet in a beautiful coastal setting.

Throughout the weekend you'll enjoy:

  • 5 hours of ballet training each day

  • Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT)

  • Daily ballet barre, centre, and repertoire sessions

  • Restorative stretch session to support recovery after the weekend’s training

  • 3 nutritious vegetarian lunches

  • Friday evening dinner (hosted by my dear friend, Gina Atkinson)

  • Refreshments throughout the weekend

  • Let’s Dance welcome gift

This is a retreat that balances focused training with space to slow down, breathe and simply enjoy dancing.

Optional extras:

  • Private 30-minute coaching session with Bennet or Hannah (subject to availability and additional cost)

Meet your teachers

Bennet Gartside

Bennet Gartside has been a Principal Character Artist with The Royal Ballet since 1995, performing a remarkable range of roles including Crown Prince Rudolf in Mayerling, Tybalt in Romeo & Juliet, Hilarion in Giselle, and Widow Simone in La Fille mal gardée.

Alongside his performing career, Bennet is Director of Everybody Ballet, the Royal Opera House's acclaimed adult ballet programme, where he teaches and hosts popular workshops for adult dancers. He is also an accomplished filmmaker and curator of The Royal Ballet's video archive.

Bennet brings a wealth of experience and insight to every retreat. His engaging teaching style creates a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere, while offering dancers a unique opportunity to learn from a well respected and experienced artist. 

Hannah Collier

We are also thrilled to be joined by Hannah Collier, a certified Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) instructor, ballet teacher, and chartered physiotherapist. Hannah works both within the NHS and privately, specialising in dancer health, rehabilitation, and strength training, alongside running her own adult ballet fitness classes.

Currently completing her APPI Pilates training, Hannah is passionate about helping dancers build strength, stability, and confidence through informed, supportive movement practice. 
Hannah will guide a restorative deep stretch session, helping dancers unwind, release tension, and support recovery after the weekend’s training.

RETREAT LEVEL

Improver level | 2+ years of ballet experience

This retreat is ideal for dancers who are comfortable with the foundations of ballet technique and enjoy learning longer combinations and repertoire.

You'll focus on:

  • Refining technique and alignment

  • Improving coordination and fluidity between steps

  • Developing musicality and expressive movement

  • Building strength, balance and stability

  • Exploring artistry through centre work and repertoire

  • Growing confidence in a supportive environment

The atmosphere is welcoming, encouraging and non-competitive, allowing every dancer to progress at their own pace while receiving expert guidance from one of the UK's most respected ballet artists.

Venue & accommodation

Booking Details

£620 per person

A non-refundable £50 deposit is required to secure your place. This amount will be deducted from the final balance.

Due to the intimate nature of the retreat and limited availability, early booking is strongly recommended.

Full terms and conditions can be read here

Please note:

  • Accommodation is not included

  • Travel arrangements are not included

  • Private coaching sessions are optional and charged separately