Mijas ballet retreat
17 - 20 April 2026
Register your interest now
a luxury four-day retreat in andAlusia, with bennet gartside, renowned principal character artist at the royal ballet
This retreat is not currently on sale. Please register your interest to be the first to know when spaces become available to purchase.
Friday 17th - Monday 20th April 2026
Indulge in a luxurious four-day ballet retreat at La Zambra Hotel, Mijas.
Over the course of the three days, Bennet Gartside (Principal Character Artist at the Royal Ballet School) will lead technique and repertoire classes each day.
You will also enjoy a delicious dinner as a group on one evening of the retreat plus the opportunity to unwind and rejuvenate at the hotel spa.
This retreat offers a holistic experience combining expert ballet instruction, luxurious accommodation, gourmet dining and wellness activities, ensuring a truly indulgent escape.
This experience is aimed at Improver level dancers.
Level: Improver
Experience: 2–4 years
What to Expect: If you’re familiar with barre work and enjoy the challenge of learning longer combinations, this retreat is for you. We’ll refine technique, work on transitions between steps and explore more expressive movement in the centre. You’ll be encouraged to deepen your artistry while building strength, flow and confidence.
loCATION AND SETTING
This ballet retreat will take place over four days from Friday 17th - Monday 20th April 2026 at La Zambra Resort, Mijas, which is nestled at the foot of the mountains.
The hotel is named after a flamenco dance that was born among the gypsies of Andalusia. This passionate dance gathered people who left their worldly concerns aside to elevate their souls and enjoy the moment. The hotel evokes that same spirit, based on savouring the freedom to enjoy ourselves - the ideal place for a ballet retreat!
Accommodation is in a Deluxe Room - each with its own Andalusian character. All the rooms have private terraces overlooking the gardens or golf courses.
The hotel has two restaurants serving traditional Andalusian and Mediterranean food and a fabulous cocktail bar for an evening aperitif.
Format
You will arrive Saturday night and enjoy your first day of ballet on Friday 17th April. The retreat will finish in the afternoon of Monday 20th April.
MORNING ROUTINE: Start each day at 9am with Pilates or Yoga sessions provided by the hotel to set the tone for your ballet practice. Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast spread to energise for the day’s classes.
EXPERT-LED BALLET SESSIONS: Each day Bennet Gartside will teach ballet technique and repertoire classes, guiding you in skill, enhancement and passion.
RELAXATION: Unwind and rejuvenate at the hotel spa from 4-5pm each day. You can also book a massage with one of the therapists to enhance your relaxation (additional cost).
EVENING INDULGENCES: You will enjoy a delectable dinner on Saturday night at Clare’s villa where guests can chat with Bennet on an informal level over a buffet style supper.
More information coming soon…
Register your interest to be the first to get updates on when spaces are available to purchase.
MEET THE PROFESSIONAL
bennet gartside
Bennet is a Principal Character Artist at The Royal Ballet, where he has performed since 1995.
His wide variety of roles have included Crown Prince Rudolf in Mayerling, Leontes in The Winter’s Tale, Dr Coppelius in Coppélia, Tybalt in Romeo & Juliet, Hilarion in Giselle and Widow Simone in La Fille Ma Gardee.
He is the Director of Everybody Ballet, running successful adult ballet classes at the Royal Opera House and regularly teaches and hosts one day workshops in London.
Bennet is also a filmmaker and maintains The Royal Ballet’s video archive. We are delighted to work with Bennet at our ballet retreats. His classes are always fun and informative.
