September 2016

Ballet with Love
Mafalda Rodrigues
is inspiring people
with ballet
Advertorial
Ballet and love are words that
often come together in stories
of princes and princesses. Well,
this time the story is happening
on your doorstep.
I'm Mafalda, a ballet teacher
in Victoria Park village and
Shoreditch. I teach children
from 2½ years as well as adults,
and I just love what I do.
Mafalda, above and below, with some of her younger students
I moved to London five years
ago and have always lived in
Hackney. It's given me much
pleasure to work in the place I
live. I love to see familiar faces
and be part of a community. I'm
originally from Portugal, where
community is of the utmost
importance.
The school where I learnt my
first ballet steps and did most of
my training was an example of
that. It was Parnaso, and Cezar,
the teacher.
Cezar made possible a place
where students felt cared and
belonged. He was funny, full
of stories. He used to give us
nicknames. From the age of 5
I was Marquesa (Marchioness)
because of my posture.
More than a teacher, he was
a friend and most students
danced because of him. I'm
grateful Cezar gave me this life
experience – he added human
value to ballet.
Today, as a ballet teacher
myself, I apply the same
20 LOVEEAST
principle. I offer ballet with
love. It is a fun and enjoyable
approach that encourages a
sense of belonging.
Children and adults not only
learn the practical skills of
ballet, but also feel revitalised
and positively stimulated every
week.
“Emma loved her ballet class
and wants to go today again.
She's been in her costume and
shoes all night!, ” says mum,
Alex.
Our school offers weekly
classes and family workshops
throughout the year. We
organise trips to see ballet
performances, visit major
ballet companies, and the year
culminates in a creative show.
After seeing pictures of our last
show Cezar, now in his 80s,
said: “Your students are happy
– it's a sign you are a good
teacher.” However much I sign
myself Mafalda on our emails,
I will always be his Marquesa. I
will always do ballet with love.
Mafalda trained with the Royal
Opera House and The Royal Ballet
School and has worked with the
English National Ballet among
other schools.
For more info about classes, visit
mafaldaballetblog.blogspot.com,
call her on 07550 722 693 or
email: rod_maf@yahoo.com
Mention LoveEast Magazine
and enjoy a discount if you enrol
before 30 September.