Classical Ballet Masterclass with Akua Noni Parker
Former principal of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre
Classes
Minimum age: 16
Sunday 11th May
- Level: Intermediate in studio & all levels online
- Time: 14.30-16.00
- Fee in studio £25 & Online 12.50
Akua structures her ballet class as a progressive warm-up, beginning with controlled, deliberate movements and building in complexity to prepare dancers for the demands of professional work. Her focus is on precise alignment, core strength, and musicality. All foundational elements that ensure efficiency, stability, and artistry. At the barre, exercises are designed to reinforce a strong supporting leg, develop turnout from the hips, and cultivate a deep awareness of musical phrasing. Dancers are expected to maintain focus, refine their placement, and apply corrections immediately.
In the center, combinations challenge technical precision, coordination, and stamina. Pirouettes and directional changes are approached with an emphasis on control and efficiency, ensuring dancers are prepared for the unpredictability of choreography. Musical clarity is paramount, as dancers must understand phrasing, dynamics, and accents to refine their artistry. While my class adheres to the structure of traditional ballet training, Akua expects dancers to push beyond repetition, approaching each exercise with a professional mindset. The goal is to build both technical strength and artistic adaptability, preparing dancers for the realities of a professional career.
Biography:
Akua Noni Parker is a distinguished ballet and contemporary dancer whose career spans over two decades with some of the most renowned dance companies in the world. A native of North Carolina, raised in Delaware, she began her professional career with Dance Theatre of Harlem, where she developed the versatility and technical artistry that would define her career. She later joined Cincinnati Ballet and Ballet San Jose, performing a diverse repertoire that showcased her exceptional range as a dancer.
In a career-extending transition, Akua became a member of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, where she spent 13 years captivating audiences with her elegance, power, and deeply expressive performances. Throughout her career, she has danced works by legendary choreographers such as Alvin Ailey, Ulysses Dove, William Forsythe, Jirí Kylián, Twyla Tharp, and Wayne McGregor, among many others. Akua’s presence on stage is marked by her refined technique, commanding presence, and ability to seamlessly transition between classical ballet and modern dance. Beyond performance, she is passionate about mentorship, wellness, and movement education, continuing to inspire the next generation of dancers with her artistry and expertise.
