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Move freely. Express deeply. Dance boldly.

Contemporary Dance Courses

Contemporary Dance - Improvers

Our Contemporary Dance Classes - Improvers follow on from the Contemporary beginners course. At this level, you will begin to develop a deeper understanding of the four main contemporary dance techniques: Graham, Cunningham, Limon and Release

The Improvers 1 level will advance your physicality, musicality, stamina and coordination. You will begin to feel more freedom of movement and a noticeable development in your posture and balance

These evening classes are held in central London dance studios and are suitable for participants who have taken a Contemporary Beginners course.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS COURSE:

Refine your contemporary dance technique and develop greater strength and fluidity through more challenging movement and choreography.

  • Build on your contemporary dance experience with more advanced material
  • Develop stronger technique, control, coordination and movement quality
  • Improve confidence with floor work, travelling phrases and dynamic transitions
  • Explore greater physical range, including release, suspension, momentum and stillness
  • Strengthen musicality, expression and performance presence
  • Learn more complex choreography with increased detail and pace
  • Build stamina, flexibility and confidence through focused technical practice
  • Continue developing your own movement style in a supportive class environment
Intermediate Technique

Refine your contemporary dance technique through more challenging exercises that develop strength, control and fluidity.

Dynamic Floor Work

Develop greater confidence with floor work, transitions and changes of level, moving with more ease and precision.

Movement Quality

Explore contrasting movement qualities, including release, suspension, momentum, stillness and dynamic shifts.

Travelling Phrases

Work on longer travelling phrases that build stamina, spatial awareness and expressive range.

Musicality and Performance

Strengthen musicality, intention and performance presence, helping each movement feel more connected and alive.

Choreography Refinement

Learn more complex contemporary sequences with increased detail, pace and expressive depth.

Useful Information

What are the main Contemporary Dance Techniques
Contemporary dance encompasses a variety of techniques, and our tutors are skilled in combining elements from several distinct styles to create a rich and dynamic learning experience. Among the core approaches you may encounter are Release technique, which emphasises fluidity and the efficient use of energy and breath; Graham technique, known for its focus on contraction, release, fall, and recovery; Cunningham technique, which promotes natural movement through rhythm and articulation; and Contact Improvisation, where partners engage in improvised movement using weight exchange and continuous, flowing motion. These techniques form the foundation of contemporary dance and are integrated into classes to support both expressive and technical development.
Is this course suitable for me?
This course is ideal if you’ve completed a beginners’ contemporary dance class or have some prior dance experience. It’s designed to build on foundational skills and develop your technique, confidence, and movement quality.
What will I learn in the Improvers class?
You’ll deepen your understanding of contemporary techniques, explore more complex movement phrases, improve spatial awareness, and further develop musicality, improvisation, and performance skills.
What should I wear to class?
Wear comfortable, stretchy clothing that allows you to move freely. Most dancers work in bare feet or socks, depending on the flooring and exercises.
Who leads the classes?
Classes are taught by professional dancers and choreographers with extensive experience in contemporary dance and teaching at all levels.
How physically demanding is the class?
The Improvers class is moderately demanding and will challenge your strength, coordination, and stamina. However, it’s still accessible and designed to support your growth at your own pace.
Can I repeat the Improvers course?
Yes. Many students take this level more than once to consolidate their technique before moving on to Intermediate classes. Your course tutors will always be happy to guide you through your progression with us.

Want to learn more?

Continue your Contemporary training with one of the courses below. Refine your technique, explore new movement ideas and keep developing your strength, control and creativity alongside experienced tutors.

Browse Courses

You can filter Courses by month and tutor

Date Day Time (BST) Duration Tutor Venue Price Booking
26 Jul 2026 - 13 Sep 2026
Sun
14:30-16:00
8 weeks
Kirill Burlov
City Academy, Farringdon
£160.00
10 Aug 2026 - 05 Oct 2026
Mon
19:25-20:55
8 weeks (no class 31 Aug)
Justyna Sochaj
Sylvia Young Theatre School
£160.00
23 Aug 2026 - 11 Oct 2026
Sun
14:30-16:00
8 weeks
Kirill Burlov
City Academy, Farringdon
£160.00
14 Sep 2026 - 02 Nov 2026
Mon
19:25-20:55
8 weeks
Justyna Sochaj
Sylvia Young Theatre School
£160.00
20 Sep 2026 - 08 Nov 2026
Sun
14:30-16:00
8 weeks
Kirill Burlov
City Academy, Farringdon
£160.00
12 Oct 2026 - 30 Nov 2026
Mon
19:25-20:55
8 weeks
Justyna Sochaj
Sylvia Young Theatre School
£160.00
18 Oct 2026 - 06 Dec 2026
Sun
14:30-16:00
8 weeks
Kirill Burlov
City Academy, Farringdon
£160.00
09 Nov 2026 - 11 Jan 2027
Mon
19:25-20:55
8 weeks (no class 21 Dec & 28 Dec)
Justyna Sochaj
Sylvia Young Theatre School
£160.00
15 Nov 2026 - 17 Jan 2027
Sun
14:30-16:00
8 weeks (no class 27 Dec & 3 Jan)
Kirill Burlov
City Academy, Farringdon
£160.00
07 Dec 2026 - 08 Feb 2027
Mon
19:25-20:55
8 weeks (no class 21 Dec & 28 Dec)
Justyna Sochaj
Sylvia Young Theatre School
£160.00
13 Dec 2026 - 14 Feb 2027
Sun
14:30-16:00
8 weeks (no class 27 Dec & 3 Jan)
Kirill Burlov
City Academy, Farringdon
£160.00
18 Jan 2027 - 08 Mar 2027
Mon
19:25-20:55
8 weeks
Justyna Sochaj
Sylvia Young Theatre School
£160.00
26
Jul
26 Jul 2026 - 13 Sep 2026
£160.00
Day:Sun
Time:14:30-16:00
Duration:8 weeks
Tutor: Kirill Burlov
Venue: City Academy, Farringdon
10
Aug
10 Aug 2026 - 05 Oct 2026
£160.00
Day:Mon
Time:19:25-20:55
Duration:8 weeks (no class 31 Aug)
Tutor: Justyna Sochaj
Venue: Sylvia Young Theatre School
23
Aug
23 Aug 2026 - 11 Oct 2026
£160.00
Day:Sun
Time:14:30-16:00
Duration:8 weeks
Tutor: Kirill Burlov
Venue: City Academy, Farringdon
14
Sep
14 Sep 2026 - 02 Nov 2026
£160.00
Day:Mon
Time:19:25-20:55
Duration:8 weeks
Tutor: Justyna Sochaj
Venue: Sylvia Young Theatre School
20
Sep
20 Sep 2026 - 08 Nov 2026
£160.00
Day:Sun
Time:14:30-16:00
Duration:8 weeks
Tutor: Kirill Burlov
Venue: City Academy, Farringdon
12
Oct
12 Oct 2026 - 30 Nov 2026
£160.00
Day:Mon
Time:19:25-20:55
Duration:8 weeks
Tutor: Justyna Sochaj
Venue: Sylvia Young Theatre School
18
Oct
18 Oct 2026 - 06 Dec 2026
£160.00
Day:Sun
Time:14:30-16:00
Duration:8 weeks
Tutor: Kirill Burlov
Venue: City Academy, Farringdon
09
Nov
09 Nov 2026 - 11 Jan 2027
£160.00
Day:Mon
Time:19:25-20:55
Duration:8 weeks (no class 21 Dec & 28 Dec)
Tutor: Justyna Sochaj
Venue: Sylvia Young Theatre School
15
Nov
15 Nov 2026 - 17 Jan 2027
£160.00
Day:Sun
Time:14:30-16:00
Duration:8 weeks (no class 27 Dec & 3 Jan)
Tutor: Kirill Burlov
Venue: City Academy, Farringdon
07
Dec
07 Dec 2026 - 08 Feb 2027
£160.00
Day:Mon
Time:19:25-20:55
Duration:8 weeks (no class 21 Dec & 28 Dec)
Tutor: Justyna Sochaj
Venue: Sylvia Young Theatre School
13
Dec
13 Dec 2026 - 14 Feb 2027
£160.00
Day:Sun
Time:14:30-16:00
Duration:8 weeks (no class 27 Dec & 3 Jan)
Tutor: Kirill Burlov
Venue: City Academy, Farringdon
18
Jan
18 Jan 2027 - 08 Mar 2027
£160.00
Day:Mon
Time:19:25-20:55
Duration:8 weeks
Tutor: Justyna Sochaj
Venue: Sylvia Young Theatre School

PAYMENT OPTIONS

You are welcome to join the course up to the second class.

ONLINE & PHONE PAYMENTS

Online – To book your selected class/course online, just click Book Now next to your chosen class/course.

Phone – We would be happy to take your booking over the phone, just call us on 020 7042 8833.

CASH & CHEQUE PAYMENTS

Cash - You are welcome to pay cash, just come and see us at our office: City Academy, 10 Herbal Hill, London EC1R 5EG.

If you book 2 or more different classes/courses at a time we can offer you a 10% discount. If you wish to take advantage of this offer please enter 2ORMORE in the promotional code box when booking online or quote code when booking over the phone. Please note that this offer cannot be applied when you are booking two or more places on the same course.

INDUSTRY TUTORS

City Academy tutors are experienced artists and performers that work in the industry. If your tutor's availability changes at short notice, our team will arrange for a suitable replacement and notify you in advance.

CANCELLATIONS POLICY

We offer a full refund or full credit of your original course if you cancel at least 72 hours before the start of your booking.

We cannot offer any refund if you cancel less than 72 hours before the start of your booking, or if you do not attend.

(For more information please see our terms and conditions)

City Academy, Farringdon
City Academy, Farringdon
Closest Station: Farringdon
Closest Bus Stop: Hatton Garden
Sylvia Young Theatre School
Sylvia Young Theatre School
Closest Station: Edgware Road / Marble Arch
Closest Bus Stop: George Street

All City Academy tutors are experienced professionals from theatre, film/TV and performance industries. So whilst they're training you, they may also be rehearsing for a West End show or working on a movie. We like that and we do believe it makes a difference in class.

Kirill Burlov
Kirill Burlov
Justyna Sochaj
Justyna Sochaj