

Techniques for Developing Port de bras and Pirouettes CPD Course (HK)
Monday 3 November 2025
9:00am – 4:00pm HKT

Booking Deadline:
Friday 3 October 2025
Event Date:
Monday 3 November 2025
Event Time:
9:00am – 4:00pm HKT
Country:
Location:
Youth Square, Chai Wan
Available Online?
No
Who’s it for?
Teachers and members
Fee:
Members: HK$1290
Non-members: HK$1750
Contact:
This series of workshops, divided into four components is designed for trainee, early career, and mid-career ballet teachers, as well as those seeking to refresh their knowledge and skills.
This one day workshop will focus on developing techniques and ideas to improve:
- Port de bras: exercises to strengthen the upper back, arm lines, neck, hands and wrists
- Pirouettes: co-ordination and control of turns
The discussions will cover both functional movements and aesthetic aspects. Emphasis will be placed on improving examination marks in accordance with the RAD examination criteria, focusing on co-ordination, line, control, spatial awareness, and movement dynamics. Student demonstrators will be used to show detailed execution and techniques to improve selected movements and steps.
Participants will have an opportunity to discuss and reflect on the ballet vocabulary central to teaching classical ballet and the RAD syllabi.
Teachers may choose to participate in individual sessions or the entire series comprising four components.
Venue
Y Square
238 Chai Wan Road
Chai Wan, Hong Kong
Aims
The aims of this workshop are to:
- Gain a greater understanding of classical ballet technique for Port de bras and Pirouettes
- Develop new teaching strategies and strengthening exercises, and
- Improve understanding of music and movement dynamics, and their relationship.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of the workshop you will:
- Have an increased understanding of classical ballet technique for the workshop topic,
- Have gained knowledge of effective teaching strategies and strengthening exercises for the workshop topic, and
- Have an increased understanding of music and movement dynamics for the workshop topic.
Optional/Recommended Preparation
Participants should have knowledge of:
- Basic vocabulary of Port de bras and Pirouettes steps as outlined in the RAD publication “The Foundations of Classical Ballet Technique“
- The RAD examination criteria
- Wear something comfortable
Tutor
Mrs René Callis
RAD Dual Examiner, Registered Teacher
René Callis is a highly respected classical ballet educator, international RAD examiner, and certified dance technique specialist based in Pretoria, South Africa. Her ballet journey began at the age of eight under the guidance of Helena Wagner and continued with training from some of South Africa’s most prominent teachers, including Lorna Haupt, Gillian Joubert, Jean Beckley, Maisie Lauden-Carter, and Reina Berman.
In 1985, René passed her Elementary Teachers Examination with Honours and went on to further her studies in London. By 1990, she was appointed as an Examiner for the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), and is one of only two examiners in South Africa qualified to assess the RAD’s highest award—the Solo Seal examination. She earned her Advanced Teachers Diploma in 1991/92, covering key areas such as Child Psychology, Anatomy, Music, and the History of Ballet.
René continues to expand her expertise beyond ballet. She completed a comprehensive instructor’s course in the Body Arts and Science International (BASI) Pilates method in 2007 and is also a certified teacher in Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT).
A dedicated educator and mentor, René runs teacher training courses in Pretoria and Johannesburg and serves as a Tutor for the RAD’s new syllabi, CPD courses, and the Certificate in Dance Teaching (CDT), specifically Modules 411 (Learning to Learn) and 413 (Fundamentals of Teaching: Principles and Practice – Ballet).
René travels extensively, both locally and abroad, examining for the RAD, presenting courses, and leading workshops, congresses, and seasonal schools. She is also frequently invited to judge at ballet competitions, festivals, and eisteddfods, bringing her wealth of knowledge and experience to the global dance community.
Language
English
CPD Hours
7 hours Time-Valued CPD
How to Book
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If you have any questions or concerns regarding the above, please contact the Hong Kong Office, hello@radhk.org.
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