21-23 MAY 2027 | VALÈNCIA
THE CORPS DE BALLET EXPERIENCE
Classical Ballet & Repertoire with James Forbat
At a Glance
21 - 23 May 2027
Valencia, Spain
Improver / intermediate
Led by James Forbat
£475 per person
Experience the joy of dancing together
There is something very special about dancing as part of a corps de ballet. The musicality, precision, formations and wonderful feeling of moving together as one.
Join James Forbat for three days of classical ballet, coaching and repertoire in the beautiful Mediterranean city of Valencia. This retreat offers adult dancers the opportunity to experience the challenge and enjoyment of learning classical corps de ballet repertoire in a friendly, supportive environment.
Each day will begin with a Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) warm-up, preparing the body for the ballet classes ahead and helping develop strength, stability and coordination.
James will lead daily classical ballet classes, focusing on technique, placement and musicality, followed by repertoire workshops exploring the detail and precision of corps de ballet dancing. We’ll work on learning choreography, understanding formations, refining timing and developing the confidence to dance together as a group.
There will be plenty of individual coaching and time to revisit the choreography, so everyone can enjoy the experience rather than simply concentrate on remembering the steps. We’ll finish on Sunday with a 30-minute cool-down and stretching session.
Train it. Learn it. Dance it.
Ballet, friendship and Valencia
One of the pleasures of a Let’s Dance Retreat is the time we spend together away from the studio. On Friday evening, we’ll enjoy a dinner together at Sabbia (optional and covered by you), a lovely opportunity to relax and get to know everyone.
Valencia is a wonderful city to explore, with its beautiful architecture, cafés, restaurants and Mediterranean atmosphere.
Accommodation is not included, giving everyone the freedom to choose from the city’s many hotels and apartments to suit their own preferences and budget.
Meet your teacher
James Forbat
After graduating with honours from The Royal Ballet School, James enjoyed an outstanding career with English National Ballet, where he rose to the rank of First Soloist. During his 15 years with the company, he performed leading roles in ballets including Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, Romeo & Juliet, Cinderella and The Sleeping Beauty, alongside an extensive repertoire of contemporary works.
Most recently, James has dedicated his career to teaching and coaching dancers, working with leading ballet schools across Europe, including as Repertoire Specialist at the Conservatorio Profesional de Danza de Valencia, and as Ballet Master with the Hungarian National Ballet.
James combines exceptional technical expertise with a calm, supportive teaching style, making him a much-loved teacher and an invaluable member of the Let's Dance team.
Who is this retreat for?
Designed for improver / intermediate adult ballet dancers who have a good understanding of classical ballet technique and would enjoy learning and dancing corps de ballet repertoire. You need to be competent, with 4+ years of ballet experience. Combined with a love of ballet, enthusiasm for learning and a willingness to work together.
What to expect
Three days of classical ballet with James Forbat
Daily Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) warm-ups
Classical corps de ballet repertoire workshops
Individual coaching and attention to detail
An emphasis on musicality, precision and dancing together
A 30-minute cool-down and stretching session on Sunday
Live piano accompaniment for classical ballet classes
Friday evening dinner at Sabbia (optional, covered by you)
A small, friendly group of adult dancers
Venue & accommodation
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Set within the beautiful Maria Carbonell dance studio, this boutique retreat combines dedicated ballet training with time to discover and enjoy the vibrant city between classes.
Maria Carbonell studio address: Carrer de l'Alcalde Cano Coloma, 7, Camins al Grau, 46022 València, Valencia, Spain.
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Accommodation is not included, giving everyone the freedom to choose from the city’s many hotels and apartments to suit their own preferences and budget.
For a five-star stay, we recommend Las Arenas, a luxurious beachfront resort located around a 20-minute walk from the studio and within easy reach of Valencia’s city centre. After a day of dancing, unwind by the pool or step straight onto one of Valencia’s most popular beaches, right on the hotel’s doorstep.
The AC Hotel Valencia is another excellent choice, just a 15-minute walk from the studio. With its contemporary design and inviting rooftop terrace restaurant and bar, surrounded by greenery, it’s the perfect spot to soak up the sunshine and enjoy a beautifully crafted cocktail after a day of dance.
For those who love green spaces and scenic walks, the Barceló Valencia is a wonderful alternative. Offering a more budget-friendly option, the hotel is around a 27-minute walk from the studio, with parks nearby and walking routes towards Valencia’s historic centre.
What’s Included
3 days of classical ballet classes with James Forbat
Daily Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT)
Classical corps de ballet repertoire workshops
30-minute cool-down and stretching session on Sunday
Live piano accompaniment for classical ballet classes
Accommodation
Meals
Flights
Transfers
Travel insurance
Friday evening dinner at Sabbia (optional, covered by you)
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
Join us in valencia
Three days to immerse yourself in classical ballet, develop your technique, learn repertoire and experience the wonderful feeling of dancing as part of a corps de ballet.
Train it. Learn it. Dance it.
£475 per person
Reserve your space with a £100 non-refundable deposit.
Places are limited to keep the experience small and personal.
Full terms and conditions can be read here
