It began with a bag of Hey Kitty sweet. When Saskia Gregson-Williams moved to Los Angeles from the UK, and was looking for a ballet faculty to attend, her dad’s buddy steered Yuri Grigoriev College of Ballet. That buddy was the stepfather of then-11-year-old Indiana Woodward, who skilled on the faculty. So, off went Gregson-Williams into class in the future, and in got here Woodward, operating towards her with a bag of Hey Kitty sweet from France. It was the primary time they met, however immediately they turned greatest mates.
Indiana Woodward and Saskia Gregson-Williams of Grace & Kind. Photograph by Emily Teague.
Their lives took them in several instructions, however they maintained their long-distance friendship. Gregson-Williams would go on to bounce with the Joffrey Ballet, till a nasty ankle damage stored her away from the stage. Presently, she launched her personal weblog and cookbook, Naturally Sassy. She additionally certified as a private coach and constructed ballet-based health technique Ballet Blast.
Woodward went on to review in Moscow on the Bolshoi Ballet College after which the College of American Ballet. In August 2012, she turned an apprentice with New York Metropolis Ballet and was promoted to principal in October 2021.
However now, not solely are the 2 ladies nonetheless greatest mates, they’re additionally enterprise companions.
Enter Grace & Kind Studio – Gregson-Williams and Woodward’s lifelong dream of mixing their distinctive backgrounds and expertise in ballet and health. The web studio offers a mix of ballet lessons and mindfulness motion practices, out there by means of an app or desktop studio. In Grace & Kind’s assortment of lessons, you’ll discover ballet (from complete newbie to skilled), barre exercises, power routines, sculpt lessons, yoga sequences and extra. Customers can curate their very own exercise or comply with the studio’s weekly exercise plan.
Indiana Woodward with Saskia Gregson-Williams of Grace & Kind. Photograph by Megan McNally.
“We needed to create an area that nurtured and strengthened our bodies and minds, constructing a love on your physique with each step,” Gregson-Williams tells Dance Informa. “Bringing ballet to rookies, and serving to those that love to bounce love their our bodies higher. We envisioned Grace & Kind as a sanctuary the place the artistry of ballet intertwines with the ability of health, shaping not simply our bodies however inspiring a profound connection between motion and self-discovery.”
Grace & Kind gives a seven-day free trial earlier than a month-to-month subscription ($19.99) or yearly subscription ($179.88). The studio additionally gives one-on-one coaching in ballet or power, with a custom-made exercise plan following the session for the month forward to stream within the Grace & Kind app.
Past that, Gregson-Williams and Woodward supply scholarships to the studio for many who wish to attempt it out however can’t afford the subscription. Particulars on the scholarship program come out on the primary of every month on Grace & Kind’s social media: @graceandformstudio.
Indiana Woodward and Saskia Gregson-Williams of Grace & Kind. Photograph by Megan McNally.
Gregson-Williams and Woodward are certain to emphasize that Grace & Kind gives a spread of lessons designed for motion rookies by means of avid gymnasium goers {and professional} dancers. Customers can filter by means of the totally different ranges to seek out one thing that fits their wants or the place they’re that day.
“In relation to ballet lessons, those that have an curiosity in ballet however no formal coaching can discover Grace & Kind a welcoming place to start out,” Gregson-Williams says. “Newbie lessons usually require no prior expertise and concentrate on basic methods, primary positions and ballet terminology, making them accessible to anybody. We’re increasing our newbie library in order that people searching for a brand new type of train that mixes power, flexibility and style will discover it a simple place to start out. Skilled dancers can profit from Grace & Kind by refining their method, enhancing their power and adaptability, and studying from dancers they respect and love. Now we have a filter of newbie to superior, so while you possibly can filter by your degree even the newbie lessons is usually a great spot to return to.”
Gregson-Williams and Woodward say their launch earlier this yr was met with plenty of enthusiasm, and already they’re seeing methods for the platform to develop. Over the subsequent six months, the roster of lecturers will increase internationally. And, virtually like a tease, Gregson-Williams and Woodward share, “Though we at all times knew that our first aspect of Grace & Kind could be the digital, we’re very excited to come back into the bodily house in 2024. That’s all we’ll say for now!”
Saskia Gregson-Williams and Indiana Woodward of Grace & Kind. Photograph by Emily Teague.
Grace & Kind merges ballet and health in a protected and approachable approach. And maybe being entrepreneurs of the Studio has even enhanced the friendship of Gregson-Williams and Woodward in an thrilling approach.
“We’re each go-getters, and share a no-time-than-the-present perspective,” Gregson-Williams says. “When we have now our minds set on one thing, we’re each laser-focused. Our artistic pondering compliments each other, and we at all times really feel impressed to plough on after a fast compensate for the cellphone.”
To get a really feel for the lessons provided on Grace & Kind, and to join a free seven-day path, go to graceandformstudio.com. You can even comply with Grace & Kind on Instagram: @graceandformstudio.
