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CLASSICAL PROGRAM
The Classical Program at Pasodos – Palma Dance Center is overseen by Gavin De Paor, graduate with honours from the Moscow State Choreographic Academy, with a degree in the Art of Ballet Pedagogy. Our classical training is rooted in the Russian style of dance — often associated with the Vaganova method — yet enriched by the wisdom of masters such as Tarasov, Galofkina, Pushkin, Cecchetti, Messerer, Leonova, Silkin and many more. This collective heritage has built a system of extraordinary depth, carried today into studios and companies across the world. Gavin, one of the first Irish graduates of the Perm State Choreographic Institute (1995), delights in passing on this living tradition to a new generation of dancers, many of whom have gone on to forge successful careers in dance.
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MODERN PROGRAM
The Modern Dance Program is designed and led by Laura Macias, artistic director and choreographer of Pasodos Dance Company, and graduate of the prestigious Ballet Rambert School in London. Laura brings boundless energy and wide-ranging experience across modern techniques — from Horton, Graham and Limón to contemporary approaches such as Gaga. Her award-winning choreographic voice shapes classes that combine standing technique, floorwork, contact improvisation, creative composition, solo and group studies. Students are immersed in a rich, varied landscape of dance styles that encourage creativity, versatility and expressive power — essential qualities for today’s dancers.
Pre-Ballet (Mon, Wed)
A playful introduction to ballet for our youngest dancers. Children explore rhythm, coordination, posture, and imagination in a structured, supportive setting.
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Pre-Ballet (Fri)
A parallel Pre-Ballet group for young beginners, offering the same joyful foundation in movement, musicality, and classroom habits.
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Ballet 1 (Mon, Wed)
First steps into structured ballet technique. Students build posture, turnout awareness, and clean movement while discovering the artistry of dance.
Ballet 1 (Fri)
A Ballet 1 group for Friday students. Focus on strong basics, clean positions, and expressive movement in a fun but disciplined environment.
Ballet 2 (Tues, Thurs)
Solid foundation in classical vocabulary. Emphasis on placement, clear port de bras, and basic allegro. Bridges toward more demanding levels.
Ballet 3 (Tues, Thurs)
Building strength, musical phrasing, and clean execution. Expands repertoire of steps while refining precision and artistry.
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Ballet 4 (Tues, Thurs)
Advanced intermediate level. Students deepen control in adagio, pirouettes, and allegro combinations, preparing for elite or advanced pathways.
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Ballet Juvenil (Tues, Thurs)
For teens beginning or continuing ballet at a later stage. Combines discipline and enjoyment, offering strong technique with an accessible entry point.
Ballet Elite 1 (Mon–Fri)
Daily training integrated with Ballet 2 or Ballet 3, with a strong emphasis on clean basic technique, musicality, and artistry. This program provides intensive preparation for young dancers showing professional potential, giving them the discipline and foundation needed to progress confidently into higher levels of classical training.
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Ballet Elite Inter (Mon, Wed, Fri)A rigorous program with pointe, character dance, and classical repertoire, ideal for students on a pre-professional trajectory. The course also includes preparation for external performances and competitions, giving dancers the stage experience and confidence needed to step into the wider dance world.
Ballet Advanced & Repertoire (Tues, Thurs, Fri)
The most challenging and comprehensive classes in our program, designed to push dancers to their highest potential. This demanding training has guided many former students toward technical mastery, professional opportunities, and artistic excellence in ballet. For serious dancers who thrive on hard work and welcome the challenge of taking their skills to the very highest level.
Ballet Advanced (Open) (Fri)An advanced-level class that is also open to dancers seeking a more challenging adult ballet experience or a high-quality drop-in option. Training focuses on pointe work, complex adagio, allegro, and turning combinations, while students refine their artistry through classical repertoire and explore a variety of styles within the broader classical lexicon. Ideal preparation for external courses, auditions, and professional opportunities, while remaining accessible to dedicated adult dancers who wish to push themselves further.
Ballet Saturday Open Class (Sat)
Affectionately known as the “Number 1” class, this weekend session has become something of a cult phenomenon at PDC, with a loyal and dedicated following. On the surface, it is the most basic of classes — yet basic does not mean easy. Built around working almost in slow motion, it dives deep into the very building blocks of ballet. The choreography never changes, allowing dancers to refine, revisit, and rediscover each movement at increasing levels of depth. It is unique in that it caters simultaneously for complete adult beginners and seasoned professionals, each finding their own challenge and reward. A perfect way to begin the weekend, by realigning both technically and artistically.
Ballet Adultos (Tues, Thurs)
Our adult ballet classes welcome dancers of mixed levels, offering the chance to enjoy the discipline and beauty of ballet in a friendly, encouraging atmosphere. While not designed for absolute beginners, the Tuesday class runs at a slightly gentler pace, making it perfect for those with less recent training or wishing to focus on fundamentals. The Thursday session is a touch more demanding, catering for those with more experience who want to challenge their technique further. Ballet Adultos has become one of the most popular offerings at PDC — so much so that it continues throughout the summer months by popular demand.
Modern Kids 1 (Mon, Wed)
Fun, creative exploration of rhythm and movement through age-appropriate modern technique, games, and imagination.
Modern Kids 2 (Tues, Thurs)
For older children ready to explore deeper movement ideas. Focus on floorwork, weight shifts, and creativity within structure.
Contemp 1 (Tues, Thurs)
An accessible introduction to contemporary dance for teens ready to move beyond ballet or modern basics. Classes focus on floorwork, weight shifts, and dynamic patterns, while also introducing improvisation and group studies. The aim is to build confidence, versatility, and the technical grounding needed to progress into more advanced training.
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Contemp 2 (Mon, Wed, Fri)
An advanced contemporary program that challenges dancers with demanding phrases, intricate floorwork, and bold use of weight, suspension, and momentum. Improvisation and choreographic exploration encourage individuality and creativity, while a blend of classical modern foundations and current trends develops strength, range, and expressive power. Designed for students aiming to refine their artistic voice and meet the diverse demands of today’s dance world.
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Jazz & Musical Theatre (Sat)
High-energy class combining jazz technique with musical stage performance. Great for students interested in the world of musicals and expressive dance styles. Led by the fabulous Ana Eva Cruellas.
Extras:
Floor Barre / Stretch (Mon, Wed)
Conditioning and placement work on the floor to refine alignment, turnout, and core support. Essential for injury prevention and flexibility.
Duet (Sat)
An inspiring, drop-in-class where students learn to dance together in harmony. Emphasis is placed on understanding the fundamentals of partner work, following the golden rule of comfort first, then technical correctness, and finally aesthetic beauty.