SF Ballet, Elsternwick

“Let’s pack the barre away—there’s a choir coming in.” Tucked away in the heart of Elsternwick, SF Ballet transforms St John’s Uniting Church into an open church-hall-turned ballet studio every Wednesday evening. Sophie launched these beginner-focused classes to guide adult students step by step—from the basics of alignment to more advanced movements, such as travelling waltz steps in an enchainement. In each 75‑minute class, you’ll work through some of the classic barre exercises: plié, tendu, jeté, frappé, rond de jambe, adagio, and grand battement. Then you’ll move into the centre for tendu and posé balance work as preparation for turning, wrapping up with a travelling waltz. Sophie breaks down each challenge within the same class: some students are ready to travel while changing directions, while others are mastering the steps. You pick the difficulty level that suits you, making the experience less intimidating—and, if you're feeling bold, you can dare yourself to try the harder variations.

Tactile feedback

I spoke recently with a friend who started ballet as an adult; she said she craves that kind of tactile feedback. Sometimes a gentle touch does speak louder than words… kind of like love languages in romance, isn’t it?

With Sophie's background as a professional dancer and Pilates instructor, she incorporates both verbal and tactile feedback, showing students how to position the pelvis for maximum turnout for their body and how to use their arms, back and core to optimise pirouettes. She provided physical feedback through touch in the class for a few students. As someone who danced as a teenager, I still vividly remember tactile corrections: one in particular—“bring your front shoulders forward in pose” paired with a touch—changed everything. Now, every time I perform a similar movement, I think of that adjustment, and it makes my line look so much better. At least I hope so.

Teaching Staff

Sophie graduated from the Australian Ballet School and spent four years dancing with The Australian Ballet then two years with the West Australian Ballet before joining the Czech National Ballet after. After her professional career, she studied Pilates and now brings both stage experience and body-conditioning expertise to her teaching. https://sfballet.wixsite.com/sfballet/your-adult-ballet-teacher

Classes

SF Ballet currently offers one beginner ballet class each Wednesday at 6 PM. The 75‑minute sessions host around ten students, ranging from those in their 20s right through to seniors. Everyone is welcome, with a shared goal of learning ballet. Some students opt for traditional ballet attire—leotards, tights, skirts, and ballet shoes—while others wear relaxed gym clothes. The key is to wear whatever makes you feel confident and comfortable; you don’t want your outfit on your mind when your mind should be on your posture, your alignment, and your rhythm. Yes, we all have two arms, two legs, a torso, and a head—but when you’re new to ballet, it can feel like a lot more to coordinate.

Private Lessons & Pilates

If you prefer one-on-one attention, Sophie offers private lessons tailored for everyone, from absolute beginners to aspiring professionals. She also offers Pilates sessions specifically designed to condition, strengthen, and coordinate muscles for ballet. Contact her directly to learn more.

Getting There

SF Ballet is easy to reach via public transport: take tram 67 from Flinders Street to Carnegie, or catch the Sandringham line to Elsternwick station, then enjoy a 17‑minute walk to the church hall.

Parking

There’s free parking onsite around the building, plus plenty of nearby 2‑hour free street parking. I love it—no need to worry over fines while you're in class!

Booking a Class

Reserve your spot and pay online through the studio’s website—even better, you can press “skip payment” and pay cash in class if you prefer. Traditionalists, you’re covered. https://sfballet.wixsite.com/sfballet/adult-ballet-classes-melbourne

Special Mention

I haven’t had a chance to try any Elsternwick restaurants yet, but there are plenty of highly rated ones just down the street. Since class ends at 7:15 PM, it's the perfect time to treat yourself to a lovely dinner afterwards.