About Naomi
Find your poise, power & joy of movement through ballet inspired classes & massage therapy
Naomi Freya Butterworth
Naomi is an ex professional dancer turned barre instructor. Also a trained massage therapist, Naomi is passionate about posture.
Through her barre classes she aims to help people build an awareness of their body & how it moves & aligns happily, whilst also finding joy & the benefit of movement by sharing her love of classical ballet technique.
No previous ballet experience required, just enthusiasm and determination!
A keen sailor, Naomi sailed across the Atlantic Ocean in 2017 with a crew of 9 other women. However, now with her young daughter on board she sticks to the safety of the solent!
How did I end up at the barre…?
I started ballet as a child & at 16 joined the The Urdang senior associates. Those days were the HIGHLIGHT of my week - travelling up to Covent Garden in London (where the old school was) opening my eyes to new teachers, dancers & the West End world!
I’ve always wanted to be a ballet teacher & at 18 got into the Royal Academy of Dance to train as one. However, I thought I’d be a better teacher if I experienced more teaching, so took a place at Bird College.
The dance training I received there was regarded as some of the best in the country and it certainly helped me become a better & more knowledgeable teacher - so that goal was achieved!
I danced professionally in Spain, South Africa, India & Australia where I then became a Personal trainer & group fitness instructor.
I then came across Barre in Sydney, became addicted & soon trained as an instructor in 2013.
I was studying my diploma in massage therapy at the time & this helped further my knowledge & awareness of how the body moved & how to best align the structures.
I taught Barre in Sydney then back in London when I moved home & then set up classes in my hometown of Winchester.
My aim is to help people find enjoyment in movement, if other forms of exercise haven’t quite motivated them. As well as helping people build an awareness of their body & how it moves best & aligns happily. Every BODY is unique & having that understanding leads to a more injury free & kinder fitness life.
You don’t need to have a background in ballet, or a ‘ballet’ physique to take part in barre. I offer a technique class to share as much of my years of ballet training with you as well as adult ballet classes to give you a safe space to play with your artistry and embrace the pure classical elements of ballet.
My aim is to help everyone feel welcome to class.
Any questions please ask away...see you at the barre!