Basic Ballet for All Bodies, a small-class adult ballet session taught by Sara Porter, begins a six-week late fall run in Toronto on Wednesday, November 11, meeting weekly from 7 to 8 p.m. through December 16. It is listed by TAPA, the Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts, and is aimed at beginners and adults coming back to dance after a long break.

What makes this ballet class different?

Porter, a contemporary dancer with 30 years of teaching and performing experience, describes the class as an easy-going, queer-friendly approach to ballet. The emphasis is on gentle technical work, with time given to stretching, breathwork, mobility, agility, endurance and strength-building rather than a strict conservatory drill.

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The music is broad, drawing on classical, retro, pop, jazz, soul and funk, and sometimes includes singing. Porter's company, Sara Porter Productions, has run the class for a decade as a way to combine dance with humour, humility and community-building.

Why you should go

  • It suits people starting over. The class is designed for beginners and for anyone returning to ballet after time away, so no recent training is assumed.
  • The setting is small and informal. It is billed as a small class in the IGAC studios at Youngplace, which keeps the room intimate.
  • The movement is adapted to real bodies. Sessions mix technical work with stretching, breathwork and strength-building rather than pushing one fixed standard.
  • The music keeps it varied. Classical, pop, soul and funk are all on the playlist, and singing sometimes features.
  • There are three price tiers. Dancers choose between generous, general and artist rates.

What to know before you go

The session runs six Wednesdays, November 11 to December 16, from 7 to 8 p.m. at IGAC studios at Youngplace, 180 Shaw Street, studio #103, in Toronto. Registration is $300 at the generous rate, $200 at the general rate and $130 at the artist rate. Payment is by e-transfer, cash or cheque, and registration is handled by email at classes@saraporter.ca. The listing does not state an age minimum or a maximum class size, so readers should confirm those details with the organizer. More information is available through Sara Porter Productions.

FAQ

When does the late fall session of Basic Ballet for All Bodies start?

It begins Wednesday, November 11, 2026, and runs weekly from 7 to 8 p.m. through December 16.

How much does the class cost?

Registration is $300 at the generous rate, $200 at the general rate or $130 at the artist rate, paid by e-transfer, cash or cheque.