These short courses are designed for all levels of dance experience, whether absolute beginner or advanced dancer.

Matthew Bourne's New Adventures are offering the choice of four technique classes for elementary to advanced level students, plus the opportunity to learn sections of signature works The Car Man and Swan Lake.

Daily technique classes (levels 2-4) will be led by some of the best and most experienced members of Bourne's world-class ensemble: Heather Habens, Isabel Mortimer, Etta Murfitt and Lee Smikle.

In the repertory classes, students will discover how Matthew Bourne creates his choreography, with the chance to learn how choreographic devices are used in practice. All participants will learn sections of The Car Man or Swan Lake, as well as creating their own movement phrases. These will then be incorporated into the existing repertory culminating in a showing of the work at the end of the final day.

Elementary and intermediate level ballet courses, led by Francesca McCarthy, are offered to complement the intensive contemporary technique courses.

For those relatively new to dance (0-1 year's experience) there are two introductory short courses for beginner level dancers: Level 1 Contemporary and Beginners Ballet. These courses are ideal for getting back into dance after the festive break, or for taking up a New Year's resolution to get dancing! The classes are led by Lorena Randi and Sarah Francis.

New Year Adventures courses are modular, so participants can book any combination of courses they wish. Technique class cost £30 for the three-day course, repertory classes cost £60.

By www.theplace.org.uk