The most common question asked before commencing the Progressing Ballet Technique is about the correct size of the fit ball.
When you stand next to an exercise ball, it should be even or slightly above your knee level. The best way to size up your ball is by sitting on it. When you sit on the ball, your knees should be bent at a 90-degree angle and your thighs should be parallel or even with the floor. Find your height and see which ball size you should try first.
Under 4’8″ – 45 cm ball
4’8” to 5’3” – 55 cm ball
5’4” to 5’10” – 65 cm ball
5’10 to 6’4 – 75cm ball
For children who are 5 years and younger, always use a 45 cm ball.
Ballet teachers, you only require one fit ball in the classroom while you are teaching. You use the ball to amend a technique problem while teaching e.g. if the students are placing thederrière alignment in a wide line perhaps in an arabesque then you chose one or two members in the class to test their alignment on the ball.
You need to motivate the students to learn the program and take some responsibility to understand their own muscle memory and to practice this program at home. A very common fault is when a student first commences learning to any beating action steps ie. changement battu or échappé battu, the student often has trouble feeling the adductor longus and will use their hips to initiate the movement. During this twisting action, it can place pressure on their knees and the landing becomes unsafe. This can be rectified with the assistance of the ball exercise. After being shown they can build up strength and stamina by doing this at home and it can be fun for the student to practice with the purpose composed music.
All you require is one fit ball and an understanding of the program.
As a member, you will receive unlimited access to all PBT programs as well as exclusive access to newly updated content and instructional videos. You will be able to ask questions on any video which will be personally answered by founder Marie Walton-Mahon. If you are a teacher, your membership includes the option to become certified as well as a PBT license.
All videos are available for streaming. You can watch them on a computer, smart TV, tablet, smartphone – essentially any device with internet access. To watch the videos on a standard TV you will need to either connect a device (computer, tablet) to be viewable on the TV or through a device such as an Apple TV and connecting via the use of the same wireless network.
Go to 'Account' in the menu and follow the prompts to cancel your membership.
Yes, our DVDs are in a format that will play on most new DVD players or on a computer with a DVD drive.
If you purchase a digital download of the program videos, you will receive a link via email to download the file to your computer. The video is in MPEG4 format which will play on most computers and other video-enabled devices. If your computer does not have a video player installed (Windows Media Player or QuickTime player are usually installed by default), you can download the free VLC player to play our program videos.
You can watch downloaded videos on these devices, but you need to download the video to your computer first and then copy the video to your portable device. This is due to limitations with mobile web browsers which restrict your ability to download files directly to the device. You need to download the video on your laptop or desktop first, then plug your tablet or phone into your computer and copy the video across.
Yes, if your download fails, you can return to the email that was sent to you and try a second time. Please note that the download link will only be valid for 7 days from the time of purchase and after that, the link will expire.
If you are having trouble downloading with your browser, please try switching to another e.g. Firefox or Chrome and then navigate back to the download link with one of those browsers. Some users have problems with security settings on some browsers such as Internet Explorer.
No, the download you purchase is only for your personal use. If you want to share the video with a friend, you need to share a link to our website for them to purchase their own copy. Unlawful sharing of the downloaded file is a violation of Copyright Law, which is a criminal offence.
Rest assured, the music package is complete! Please note that the tracks 11, 17 and 18 as part of the music package have been omitted as it is expected that students do the exercises in their own time. The exercises are too long for a class and can be executed personally by each student.
It is most likely that you have a video file that did not download 100%. If you are still within 7 days of purchase, please try the link that was sent to you to start a new download. Also, ensure that the downloaded file size matches the video specification on the product page. For example, the Exercises video in the Advanced Level Program is 1.3 GB – so you would then check your local copy to make sure they were the same file size.
You can submit your application to be certified at any time from the member's area, the application will be assessed by Marie on a case by case basis and based on the videos and answers to the questions you submit. To remain a certified teacher and within this directory – you will need to retain your membership for at least 6 months whilst engaging in the program and the updated tutorials (unless you have completed a workshop).
If you have attended a workshop. You do not need to submit a certification application and can upload your profile to the directory through submitting your certificate.
You should of got a confirmation email. Please check your Junk or Spam filter. If you can't find this, please get in contact so we can check that your email address is correct in the system.
Yes, once you are approved and provided with a certificate. You can submit this to the RAD for 6 CPD credits.
Coronavirus Update..... The workshops will still proceed as planned, the health and wellbeing of all attendees is of the utmost importance. All workshop attendees must ensure they stay home if they are feeling ill and have any flu like symptoms. We will provide a full refund. All workshop attendees must provide their own equipment, under no circumstances will equipment be shared. Any participants at the workshop who are displaying flu-like symptoms will be asked to leave immediately. These persons will be provided with a full refund as well as free online training. Cancellation Policy........... We offer a full refund, no questions asked, if the cancellation request is notified by the ticket holder 30 days prior to the workshop date. If you request a refund of the ticket within the 30 days of the workshop and in the unlikely event we do not have a waitlist and cannot replace your position, you will be issued with a 12 month subscription to the online Progressing Ballet Technique training which is valued at $240USD. We endeavour to try our best to replace your spot, the earlier we are notified the more chance we can process a full refund back to you. Please email laurie@pbt.dance If you have someone that is willing to take your ticket, please email laurie@pbt.dance at least 72 hours prior to the workshop and we will arrange to change the name and details of the ticket. Please note we are not responsible for any payment between you and the new ticket holder. Transferring to another workshop......... Tickets can only be transferred to another workshop if it is with the same instructor that the ticket was originally bought for and if there are positions available for the workshop you wish to transfer to. If you notify us within 30 days, we can only transfer you to another workshop if we are able to replace your ticket for the original workshop. Please email laurie@pbt.dance to discuss. If there are no positions available with the same instructor, we will try our best to replace your spot and give you a full refund. In the unlikely event that we cannot replace your spot or move you to another workshop, you will receive 12 months online training of Progressing Ballet Technique. Event cancellation or Postponement.......... Should an event be cancelled or postponed due to unforeseen circumstances, Progressing Ballet Technique will inform the ticket holder via email and endeavour too process a full refund within 7 days of such circumstances becoming known. Please be aware that refunds will take anywhere from 5-7 business days to appear in your nominated account. If you have any concerns or require clarification, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Unfortunately, as the workshops do sell out and are run by different instructors, we cannot provide a credit to attend a future workshop. If you cannot attend and the workshop is in more than 30 days, then we will process a full refund. If the workshop is within 30-days, then we will need to replace your position before processing a refund.
Yes, this is no problem at all. Please just let us know the workshop you are booked into and the full name, email address and mobile number of the person you would like to transfer your position to.
Yes, that is correct. You will be able to submit your certificate through the website and have your profile uploaded to the directory.
Unfortunately, our instructors who run the workshop travel far, often from other countries so it is not possible to bring extra equipment to lend. We will have pumps provided however and the exercise ball would normally fit deflated in a carry-on suitcase. The rest of the equipment will also fit in the same carry-on.
You will be required to bring three types of balls (large, medium and small) and a theraband to the workshop. You will receive an email with detailed information on this equipment when you register.
Yes, as long as the workshop is run by the same instructor and the workshop you wish to transfer to still has positions available. If so, please get in touch to arrange the transfer.
Occasionally positions become available if someone cancels or we open up another date in the same location. Please click on register on the workshop page to add yourself to the mailing list to be notified if this is the case.
You will need to be either a teacher of dance (any form), a Pilates instructor, gymnastics instructor or be actively involved with dance medicine to attend this workshop. We do not allow people to attend that are under the age of 17 and generally we restrict the workshops from students. Please get in contact with us if you wish to discuss.
We are always on the lookout for new venues to host a workshop. Please get in contact with information on your venue / studio (location, size in square feet or metres, photos).
If you are booking in three or more participants to a workshop, sometimes we can offer a discount. It does depend on the particular workshop, so please get in touch to discuss.
If there isn’t a workshop that is on our workshops page that is convenient to you, please add yourself to our newsletter by clicking on the link at the bottom right of the website and we will notify you via email once new workshops are announced in your region.
Please visit our equipment page from the menu where you will find a regularly updated list of suppliers to purchase the correct equipment for the PBT program.
If you can't find a supplier close to you there, please search Amazon which is a great resource.
It is no problem, you do not have to participate in all of the exercises physically during the course. Many teachers do come with various injuries that prevent them from participating in the exercises. You will be able to learn from the others around you. Please just make your instructor aware upon arrival so she can keep an eye on you throughout and suggest any exercises that might help with your rehabilitation.
It is no problem, you do not have to participate in all of the exercises physically during the course. Many teachers do come at different stages of pregnancy that prevent them from participating in all of the exercises. You will be able to learn from the others around you. Please just make your instructor aware upon arrival so she can keep an eye on you.
As the workshops normally sell out quickly, we are unable to provide you with a deadline. It is recommended to book as early as possible to avoid missing out.
Unfortunately, we can only accept bookings into the system by paying with a debit card or credit card.
Yes, you can submit your certificate to the RAD or BBO to claim 6 CPD credits.
You will need to be either a teacher of dance (any form), a Pilates instructor, gymnastics instructor or be actively involved with dance medicine to attend this workshop. We do not allow people to attend that are under the age of 17 and generally we restrict students from attending as it makes the teachers uncomfortable. Please get in contact with us if you wish to discuss.
It isn't ideal but okay as long as the baby won't be distracting to the other teachers.
You are welcome to watch and not engage in the exercises physically but will need to register and pay for the workshop in full due to limited space.
The free trial is three days so you have enough time to explore the members area before paying. There is no commitment, you can cancel easily at anytime.
When you are confident with the program, you just need to submit an application through the members area. This will involve submitting some videos of you teaching a student some specific PBT exercises and answering some questions. You can submit you application and become certified at anytime however, you will need to continue your membership and engage in the online training for a period of 6 months from the date you signed up to have you certification for life. E.g. You could an submit an application after two months and become certified at that time but will need to keep your membership & engage in the training for another four months.
Yes, you will be able to start introducing the program into your classes straight away.
No, the certification qualification will only give you the ability to teach the program to students.
You should have received a coupon code after the workshop to sign up, if you haven't - please get in contact.
You just need to create a profile when signing up as a member for the online training and then submit your certificate through the members area. You can do this within your trial period and close your account if you do not wish to use the online tutorials.
You just need to login to your profile and go to 'account' to update your profile.
Just go to 'account' in the menu when logged in and then on the left-hand side, 'Track/view invoices' and you will be able to view as well as download all of your invoices/receipts that have been paid.
No problem. Please just log in and go to 'account' and within 'manage your profile' you will be able to change your email address.
You can change your payment method by going to 'account' when logged in and clicking on 'manage your plan' on the left-hand side and clicking on 'use a different card'.
Studios that incorporate PBT into classes or standalone PBT classes in their schedule do organise the equipment in different ways. Some provide pumps in the dressing rooms and have individual students obtain their own equipments whilst, many purchase a variety of size balls to use for all studios and install wall-mounts for them high up in their studios or hallways or dressing rooms. Example here --> https://tinyurl.com/egrack
As it would be best to learn the exercises in the Senior program and then quickly move onto the advanced program, it would be suggested to sign up as a student member for the online training where you can easily switch between the two levels. The online training has all the content that is on the DVDs as well as a lot more extensions and new PBT programs such as correcting faults and safe stretching.
It would be suggested to sign up as a student member for the online training where you can easily switch between the multiple levels. The online training has all the content that is on the DVDs as well as a lot more extensions and new PBT programs such as correcting faults and safe stretching.
PBT can be introduced from the age of 5, if the student has the concentration required but normally the program would start to be introduced at the sub-junior level from age 6.
Split them into 2 groups. Start all at the same with the Junior, you then have to be aware of the Senior exercises that relate- such as “turn out” and using the same music, they can both execute the relevant level. It does work but takes a little more time for you to class plan. Each exercise progresses & relates so it is possible.
Under no circumstances are weighted fit balls to be used in any section of the PBT programs. This would add unnecessary strain onto the body as the ball is lifted. Also the methodology of PBT is when the ball is on the floor, the deep muscles control the stability of the fit ball. Not depending on the sand to stabilise the ball!
Under no circumstances are weighted fit balls to be used in any section of the PBT programs. This would add unnecessary strain onto the body as the ball is lifted. Also the methodology of PBT is when the ball is on the floor, the deep muscles control the stability of the fit ball. Not depending on the sand to stabilise the ball!
Two to three times at home a week will really enhance the student's technique and overall ballet training.
The Senior is designed for students over the age of 11 who have at least two years of dance training behind them. The Advanced workshop is for students over the age of 15 and be a serious dance student with at least 5 years of dance training behind them. However, exceptions can be made on this rule depending on circumstances, please get in contact with us if you wish to discuss.
Unfortunately as space is limited and it can be distracting for students involved, parents are not allowed to be present during the workshop. Please view the timetable and information supplied on the ticket after registration to arrange drop-off & pick-up.
Student's will walk away with a deep understanding of the PBT program within the level of the workshop with the knowledge to continue their PBT training at home. Students will be awarded with a participation certificate and a month free of online training for revisions.
Exercise ball / fit ball / Swiss ball for their size (see size chart on equipment page).
Yoga mat
Fusion ball (toy ball)
Resistance band / theraband medium-strong (length preferable 2.7 meters or 9 ft)
Water bottle
If the students have a “Backalast” Jacket this would be encouraged to wear but not compulsory.
Girls to wear leotard and tights (roll tights to the knees)
Boys Unitard or tights rolled to the knees
Students will be Bare foot for the workshop.
Girls hair in a high bun.
As the workshops normally sell out quickly, we are unable to provide you with a deadline. It is recommended to book as early as possible to avoid missing out.
Unfortunately as positions do book out fast, you will need to pay in full upon booking. We do not accept bank transfer only debit (bank) or credit card through our payment processor (Stripe).
Our refund policy is 30-days for our workshops unless we can replace the position. If the workshop is outside of this 30-day period, please get in touch and we will refund your position straight away.
If you have someone that is willing to take your place, we can easily swap the booking into their name but the workshops do often sell out, so in this case, we can notify the wait-list that a position has become available and fill it for you. Then will be able to process a full refund.
Refunds can only be processed back to the same payment method used to book the workshop and can take up to 7 business days to reach back to your account.
Worst case scenario, if a position cannot be filled. We will provide you with credit for a year of the online training.
No, the only person that should be viewing and participating in the online/virtual workshop is the ticket holder.
Due to the unknown of covid-19 around the world, we highly recommend when you are booking flights and accommodation to keep a close eye on the cancellation policies for the certain carriers/accommodation. PBT is not responsible for any flight or accommodation costs associated with a cancelled/moved workshop due to Covid 19. When booking, please read the cancellation policies carefully to avoid any unnecessary fees.
As Progressing Ballet Technique is focused on safe dance training, we require those who wish to teach PBT to students that they go through our certification process from either one of our official PBT Tutors or apply online and your answers/videos and will be reviewed and be provided with personal feedback. The certification process was implemented so we can be confident that people who are teaching PBT have been examined, trained and have a solid understanding of PBT. It also educates professionals with the best strategy to effectively implement PBT exercises to their students based on their age/level. By doing so, we can continue to share the importance of safe dance to students around the world and allow students to trust they are being taught the technique correctly.
Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) is a unique and essential approach to the art form that is ballet. All young dancers should be aware of PBT and I urge them to embrace this revolutionary support system
As a member, you will receive unlimited access to all PBT programs as well as exclusive access to newly updated content and instructional videos. You will be able to ask questions on any video which will be personally answered by founder Marie Walton-Mahon. If you are a teacher, your membership includes the option to become certified as well as a PBT license.