October 31st – November 2nd 2025
£250
Creaton, Northamptonshire
Welcome to our first Papillon Retreat. Immerse yourself in three days of dancing: ballet, repertoire and dance conditioning. Delicious lunches, supplied by Foodtopia, and a cream tea, by Barchill Rereats, are included.
WHAT’s Included
The retreat will run 10am – 5pm daily. Timetable TBC.
Read more about our class styles here.
Teachers
ZoË DANDO
LRAD RTS AISTD
Zoë is an experienced teacher, graduating from the RAD college in 1990. She has worked both in her own schools and the Language of Dance Centre and as an A Level Dance teacher and examiner.
She started Papillon School of Dance in 2009, providing both children and adults with high quality ballet training. She is a Silver Swans licensee.
Her belief is that ballet is for everyone and not an elitist pastime. Disabilities or financial circumstances shouldn’t be barriers to taking part in classes.
Gemma Haines
CBTS RAD RTS
Gemma joined Papillon in 2019, having previously trained with Mes Amies Dance Company.
She graduated from the Royal Academy of Dance with a Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies and is also a Silver Swans licensee.
Gemma encourages adults of all abilities and backgrounds to dance, with a focus on providing adaptions those with injuries or other medical conditions.
Paul Chantry
IDTA DDE
Paul is a former contemporary and ballet dancer, and currently teacher, educator, choreographer and movement director.
Paul has performed at Sadlers Wells, The Royal Opera House and London Coliseum. Direction work has included Olivier Award nominated Gangsta Granny.
He has been a guest teacher at Central School of Ballet, Elmhurst Ballet School and Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance. His most recent post was as Artistic Director of production and full time Lehrer at Balletschule Schimmer, Germany.
Alex Simpkins
MA PDTD
Alex trained at Central School of Ballet and performed professionally across Europe, including with Grazer Ballet and Ballet de Zaragoza before becoming a Guest Ballet Master for several companies in Germany. He has an MA in teaching from the Palucca University of Dance, Dresden and graduated from the Royal Academy of Dance Professional Dancer’s Teacher’s Diploma with Distinction. He now teaches across London, including at City Lit and London Studio Centre.
Food
We provide a daily catered lunch for everyone – vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available. Please specify any dietary requirements when you book.
Snacks and drinks will be available throughout the day.
On Saturday, we will treat everyone to a cream tea.
Location
All classes take place in Creaton Village Hall, where we run Papillon School of Dance. It is a small, rural village in Northamptonshire. The hall has sprung wooden floors and lots of natural light. Disabled access and toilets are available.
Creaton Village Hall
Teeton Lane
Creaton
Northamptonshire
NN6 8NL