What’s on: EVERYONE Can Dance

Claridge’s ArtSpace partners with international ballet dancer Eric Underwood to prove we’ve all got the moves

If you’ve ever dreamed of being a dancer, your chance could finally be here as former Royal Ballet soloist Eric Underwood has teamed up with Claridge’s to host a series of once-in-a-lifetime ballet classes throughout the months of June and July.

Open to guests of all abilities, the session comprises an energetic one-hour movement class designed to unleash the confident dancer within followed by an intimate Q&A. ‘Imagine a ballet class for everyone in an atmosphere where joy, self-expression and fun take centre stage,’ says Underwood, who has previously worked with choreographers Christopher Wheeldon and Wayne McGregor to create roles in Aeternum, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Woolf Works. ‘No pressure, just pure enjoyment!’ Underwood first joined the Royal Ballet in 2006, before being promoted to Soloist two years later. Through his latest venture, the American-born ballet sensation hopes to inspire guests with the simple joy of moving your body.

The exclusive sessions are set to take place in Claridge’s ArtSpace – the first designated art gallery in any luxury hotel in the world. Unveiled in 2021, the gallery, which was carved by hand from the London clay found beneath the hotel and designed by British architect John Pawson, boasts high ceilings, a pale grey terrazzo floor and a museum-quality finish worthy of the V&A.

At its launch, Claridge’s long-term investor Paddy McKillen said: ‘The creation of Claridge’s ArtSpace is part of our ongoing commitment to the arts and continued determination and belief in creating ground-breaking and inspiring experiences for our guests. We hope this will be our little gift to them.’

Three years later and the Mayfair art gallery is keeping its promise via the gift of dance.

Classes are free with limited availability, so make sure to book your tickets now!

EVERYONE Can Dance, With space for 15 participants, classes will be held on 14 June, 28 June and 19 July, from 8-9.30am; Claridge’s ArtSpace, Claridge’s, Brook Street, Mayfair, London W1K 4H; Book here