Trade in the treadmill for a balletic workout Faithful readers with elephantine memories may recall that a few years back, I heroically exposed myself to public ridicule in this newspaper by explaining how under the guidance of Julien Diaz, a terrific personal trainer who had graduated from Rambert, I was attempting to incorporate some balletic elements into my fitness routine. Middle age tragically got in the way, as I knew it would. I could just about manage the pliés and battements and flail my arms around decoratively en attitude, but the moment I left the barre I floundered, with pirouettes proving my Waterloo. I had started with dreams of dancing Albrecht in Giselle with Tamara Rojo (joke), but eventually I realised I would never get past the balletic equivalent of Three Blind Mice. So I gave up. Hope springs eternal, however, and after a few years sweating on a more conventional exercise treadmill, I might have another go. What has drawn me back is the discovery of Everybody Ballet, run by former Royal Ballet soloist Isabel McMeekan and Karis Scarlette. Isabel and Karis hold weekly classes in Notting Hill and Chiswick, but for incurable romantics such as myself there is a special allure in their Wednesday evening seven-week beginners" course, which starts on October 31 in the Royal Ballet's studios at the Royal Opera House. Who knows, you might bump into Alina Cojocaru or Carlos Acosta in the corridor and end up comparing échappés. I went to a taster session to sample Isabel's and Karis's methods, and found them clear in their instructions, challenging without being intimidating - and absolutely adorable to boot. All sorts were in attendance - from men younger than me to ladies somewhat older. No need for any special kit (I wore sports socks, polo shirt and Lycra cycling shorts) and nobody will laugh if you fall flat on your face. As a stretching workout, it's like nothing else. Phone 07958 239270 for further details.