Our courses
Baby Ballett
4-5 years old
Take your first steps on the ballet floor! Have fun and enjoy music and coordination.
The Baby Ballet class is designed for girls and boys aged about 4-5. It is an introduction to the world of dance for small children.
At our „barre“ you strengthen your discipline and improve your posture.
Ballet Beginners
6-7 years old
At our „barre“ you strengthen your discipline and improve your posture.
Girls are taught the foundation of ballet in this class. We begin with floor excercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles and follow with excercises at the „barre“, and finally „center work“. Excercises are composed following the first year Vaganova syllabus: foot and arm positioning, foot excercises to strengthen the legs, to move musically, to concentrate in order to memorize dance steps.
What is the „barre“?
Every ballet class always begins at the barre. A ballet barre is a wooden pole that is fixed along the wall, parallel to the floor at waist height. Dancers hold the barre while training their feet by standing on one leg while the other leg is in motion. The barre is used as a partner which supports the balance of dancers. After the barre excercises, dancers move on to work in the center of the dance floor („center work“).
Ballet Beginners
8-9 years old
Girls begin class at the „barre“ and move into the center of the classroom. Formation of vocabulary continues as during the previous year. However, following the Vaganova second year syllabus, steps get more complicated, adding balancing on one leg; small jumps, all coordinated with music.
What is the „barre“?
Every ballet class always begins at the barre. A ballet barre is a wooden pole that is fixed along the wall, parallel to the floor at waist height. Dancers hold the barre while training their feet by standing on one leg while the other leg is in motion. The barre is used as a partner which supports the balance of dancers. After the barre excercises, dancers move on to work in the center of the dance floor „Center Work“).
Ballet Intermediate
Learn your first variations and try getting onto your pointes!
We encourage dancers to come at least twice a week in order to keep up the technical standards required for this class, where we complete barre excercises and center work. Excercises involve more difficult techniques and dance steps, including turns, jumps and simple pointe work.
What is „pointe work“?
Female ballet dancers dance on the tips of their toes when feet, legs, and body muscles have become strong enough. They wear special shoes to support them when dancing on the tips of their toes.
Ballet Intensive
This class is designed for dancers who are ready for a serious and intensive training with ballet, pointe, and variations, all in one. It gives you a push to advance and potentially audition for the K+S program if you choose to go into a more professional direction.
We recommend dancers to attend this class at least 3 times per week.
Ballet Pointe Class
Once your body has become strong, put yourself on pointe.
Female ballerinas begin to learn to dance on the tips of their toes once their muscles and postures are properly trained. Special shoes are made to help them get onto their toes. However, the strength of your foot, leg, abdominal and back muscles are vital. Therefore, dancers wanting to attend this class must be previously approved by the school's directrice, Yen Han.
Pas de Deux
Classical ballet partnering class
You are taught the technical skills required for pas de deux (partnering) and how to lift a ballerina, make her turn and create a harmony between the male and female dancer. Practising with a partner and depending on one another brings you to an even higher technical level. You learn to coordinate with another dancer and how to connect with their sense of space and sensitivity.
Boys don’t be scared of ballet! Ballet training for boys focuses on the physical side of dancing. It develops your strength and muscles and can also enhance your skills in various sports.
Baby Ballet
4-5 years old
Take your first steps on the ballet floor! Have fun and enjoy music and coordination.
The Baby Ballet class is designed for boys and girls aged about 4-5. It is an introduction to the world of dance for small children.
Ballett Boys Class
from 6 years old
Ballet is not only for girls! We would like to encourage more boys to find pleasure and a challenge in dance. Ballet is a very strong form of dance training.
Unlike the girls’ classes, where ballerinas are taught to be soft, light and feminine, this class is for boys and focusses on a more masculine training. The boys’ classes pay particular attention to the strengthening of their bodies and muscles (6-pack abdominal muscles), improve their posture, flexibility and coordination, but of course they also develop their musicality and ability to dance. Not to mention that this training helps the boys’ concentration, focus and discipline. Ballet training for boys also improves skills they would require in other sports, such as swimming, ice skating, gymnastics, soccer, kung fu, and other martial arts.
Ballet Boys and Men Classes
Classes for 9 year-olds, teenagers and young men
Ballet is not only for girls! We would like to encourage more boys to find pleasure and a challenge in dance. Ballet is a very strong form of dance training.
Unlike the girls’ classes, where ballerinas are taught to be soft, light and feminine, this class is for boys and focusses on a more masculine training. The boys’ classes pay particular attention to the strengthening of their bodies and muscles (6-pack abdominal muscles), improve their posture, flexibility and coordination, but of course they also develop their musicality and ability to dance. Not to mention that this training helps the boys’ concentration, focus and discipline. Ballet training for boys also improves skills they would require in other sports, such as swimming, ice skating, gymnastics, soccer, kung fu, and other martial arts.
Our school offers a wide range of classes for boys, teenagers and young men, which are designed according to your age, size, strength and interest. The Pas de deux/Partnering class is also a fascinating option, even if your dancing skills are not yet advanced.
Let our teachers advise you according to your interest and needs!
Pas de Deux
Classical ballet partnering class
You are taught the technical skills required for pas de deux (partnering) and how to lift a ballerina, make her turn and create a harmony between the male and female dancer. Practising with a partner and depending on one another brings you to an even higher technical level. You learn to coordinate with another dancer and how to connect with their sense of space and sensitivity.
Profi Ballet Program
professional ballet
Kunst- und Sport School is a high school created by the Canton of Zurich for students wanting to obtain their Matura (high school diploma) while having enough time to study a particular form of art or sport professionally. Young people embarking on a professional ballet career can take their ballet classes at the Yen Han Dance Center while studying their other subjects at the K+S School.
Our teachers are registered with Danse Suisse and officially approved for teaching the K+S program.
Students who have been admitted to the Kunst+Sport Gymnasium attend this class every day. It consists of intensive training units and preparation for the annual exams of the K+S School.
Furthermore, our K+S students have a right for unlimited Open Class and Body Conditioning attendance at our schools, they have free access to our gym in Küsnacht and are allowed to watch company rehearsals of Yen Han Ballet Productions.
Other young people with professional backgrounds intending to embark on a professional dance career may also apply for this class.
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Modern Dance for Children
For children that love to be free with their movements.
Founded on classical ballet, modern dance helps dancers to explore movements further and to develop their expressivity. Unlike classical ballet, modern dance allows more freedom in your movements. Dancers learn how to use their body in relation to the space that surrounds them, the floor beneath them, and how a bust of energy and a great elegance intensifies their dancing far beyond the laws of gravity. This class consists of many creative and choreographic moments.
Adult Modern Dance
by online registration
For adults that love to be free with their movements.
Founded on classical ballet, modern dance helps dancers to explore movements further and to develop their expressivity. Unlike classical ballet, modern dance allows more freedom in your movements. Dancers learn how to use their body in relation to the space that surrounds them, the floor beneath them, and how a bust of energy and a great elegance intensifies their dancing far beyond the laws of gravity. This class consists of many creative and choreographic moments. Improvisation also plays an important part in this class.
This class takes place when at least four students have registered. Please register here.
Character Dance for Girls and Boys
Folklore dances from different nations with character shoes.
Train your upper body and learn new styles of carriage and foot work. The background is ballet but you work with more speed and different temperaments.
Character Dance for Adults
Folklore dances from different nations with character shoes.
Train your upper body and learn new styles of carriage and foot work. The background is ballet but you work with more speed and different temperaments.
This class takes place when at least four students have registered. Please register here.
Discover the joy of tap dance - a captivating experience for all ages! Whether you're male or female, child or adult, tap dance is an exhilarating art form that brings rhythm, concentration, and a direct connection to music. It's a delightful way to ignite the dynamic sensations within your body. Special tap shoes are not required for the first lesson. Please come in normal street shoes with a solid sole.
Adults, Beginners, Advanced, Professionals
Ballet Open Class
Adult beginners
Beginners welcome. Don’t feel intimidated to try out ballet!
This Open Class is for all adults who want to try out their first ballet steps, who enjoy ballet as a hobby, excercise, or on a professional level. Everyone is welcome to join. No reservation needed.
Ballet Open Class
As we grow older we mustn’t give up dancing. On the contrary: now it is even more fun!
This Open Class is for all of you who love ballet as a hobby, a workout or a profession. Our teachers are trained to take into account the various levels and abilities of participants and to support each one of you individually. However, a certain experience is required for this class.
Adult Ballet (by registration only)
by registration only
This is a regular class where you can learn the Vaganova vocabulary starting from Grade 1. Once dancers have gained knowledge of the proper execution of steps and an understanding of the foundation of posture and carriage, we move on to the next level. The class includes stretching, memorisation of class exercises, repetition of exercises through a period of time until dancers know the entire class and have gained confidence in their vocabulary. Towards the end of the semester, students will give a presentation for teachers and guests or friends.
This class gives adult dancers a chance to learn in more detail, with plenty of time and to improve their technique through repetition of a set class. The presentation shows the reward of your hard work of dedication and success.
For this class you need to register and commit yourself for a semester.
Adult Pointe Class I
Beginners
We think that when dancers get to a certain technical level and their feet, ankles, legs and backs are strong enough they might as well try and get en pointe. Pointe work is an important part of any dancer’s progress and always worth experiencing.
Under our careful guidance, ladies in this class are given a chance to start working with pointe shoes.
Adult Pointe Class II
Advanced
We think that when dancers get to a certain technical level and their feet, ankles, legs and backs are strong enough they might as well try and get en pointe. Pointe work is an important part of any dancer’s progress and always worth experiencing.
As you get stronger, we help you develop your pointe work with excercises and combinations that are more difficult and small variations.
Body Conditioning
Keep your body in shape with floor exercises.
Our Body Conditioning Class is based on floor work exercises. All exercises are designed to improve your posture, flexibility, stability and to strengthen the muscles in your stomach, back and legs. The class is a good cross training to help dancers strengthen their core work and muscles, bringing awareness on where their weaknesses are and concentrating on different muscle functions. It is of course also helpful for people who would like get connected with their body with a good work out.
Floor-Barre
This is a body conditioning class designed for dancers.
Rather than being based on a physical workout it uses ballet exercises which are carried out while lying or sitting on the floor. This improves your posture, stability and flexibility and strengthens your muscles.
Ballet Fitness
For adults who would like to have a fitness training program which is mixed with ballet.
Ballet Fitness is a new form of workout invented and conceived by Yen Han. It has a ballet foundation and is fused with aerobic exercises, stretching, and cardio workout. It is a good class for adults who want to stay in shape with a little dancing. You are however not required to know ballet. Exercises are simple, yet effective for a good body workout.
Men will enjoy this class too, by the way!
The Yen Han Dance Center is proud to offer a full professional program to its students.
The school provides all of its students with a strong ballet foundation from a young age. All classes are designed to build upon each other and students progress through the levels while consistently building their proficiency in ballet. Students who possess the aptitude and the interest can then audition to join the professional program which offers unique possibilities to further their training.
The high-quality professional training program encompasses all aspects required to build an impressive skillset as a dancer. On the one hand, the school is affiliated with the K+S of the Canton of Zurich. In addition, the Yen Han Dance Center also welcomes students intending to embark on a professional dance career - but who are not part of the K+S program - to audition to join its professional classes.
Furthermore, by virtue of being associated with the Yen Han Ballet Company, a company with far-reaching national and international perspectives, numerous opportunities are available to students that would otherwise not be found in a ballet school. An annual performance schedule will allow the students to hone their skills on stage. Performances will include pieces choreographed especially for our students as well as further pieces from a general repertoire.
After having completed the Yen Han Dance Center professional program, students will have been trained in all areas of classical dance and be prepared to audition for and be accepted into dance companies around the world. Students possessing the necessary technique, skills and aptitude may audition for the Yen Han Ballet Company. Being accepted into this prestigious ballet company will allow them to move seamlessly from their training into beginning their professional careers.
Tenants of our studios
Pilates is a mind-and-body training: through movement you attain your best possible posture, a vital spirit of mind and a healthy life. The principles of Pilates are breathing, concentration, control and the building of a strong core or centre of the body.
In this class you learn the Pilates exercises from the beginning and learn to work with the deep muscles, which stabilize your back and prevent injuries. Later, you will be guided from the basic exercises to the classic Pilates Master Class exercises, always according to the individual abilities of each participant.
For further information please contact:
Küsnacht
Caroline Germann
Instagram: @caroballettpilates
T: +41 79 615 73 23
Simple exercises and movements help us cultivate our body and spirit, and look after our health. They are based on the alignment and organization of our body towards its centre. To stand like a tree is an elementary practical exercise. Qi Gong and Tai Chi help us to connect our centre (dan tien) with our body.
For further information please contact:
Monica Gonzales
T: 079 346 9113
E: monica.gonzalez@bluewin.ch