Class Descriptions - Winter 2010

All classes are open to all levels, unless otherwise noted. See the current Class Schedule for details on date, time and registration information.

African Dance

Let the beat of the drums move your body and soul! Incorporating basic stretch and warm up exercises with dance movements from East & West Africa. Students will learn songs, rhythms and dances as we embark on a journey of high-energy movements from West Africa, and rhythmic, yet fluid gestures inspired from East Africa!  We will also tap into the magic and beauty of Afro-Cuban folkloric dances. Class is accompanied with live musicians, to help students to understand the communication between the drums and the dance. This class offers a rich taste of African culture and provides an amazing, full body workout that you don’t want to miss!  Get ready to sweat and have fun!  All levels welcome!

African Dance for Kids

This class seeks to expose our young dancers to the vibrant fun of African dance as we feel the drum beat in our feet!  Students will explore rhythm & time while learning about communication between the drum and dance.  Class also includes an invigorating warm up which emphasizes on correct stretching techniques and exciting movements, followed by across the floor combinations and simple step by step dance sequences. With songs and stories shared, this class is an enchanting look at the origins and meaning of African dance.

Afro-Modern

Afro-Modern is a beginning level dance class that draws its material from the African Diaspora and the dance techniques of Katherine Dunham, Martha Graham and Pearl Primus. Afro-Modern Dance combines the spirit and technique of West African, Afro-Caribbean, and modern dance styles. After a soothing, full body warm-up, we will continue with progressions across the floor and small phrases of choreography working with posture and isolations. Students will build strength, alignment, and stamina ­­while experiencing the joys of African movements with a subtle approach.

Capoeira

Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian art form that combines dance, martial arts techniques, and acrobats.  More than a martial art, more than a dance, Capoeira is also a social event filled with tradition and history.  The foundation of Capoeira is based on continuous, rhythmic movements that increase strength, endurance, balance, flexibility, and coordination while encouraging self-expression!

Capoeira for kids

Capoeira is great for kids. It combines martial arts, gymnastics, music, and dance in a cultural context. Capoeira is active and acrobatic, and provides a fun workout. Children of all ages learn Capoeira very quickly because of their natural agility. The fun friendly atmosphere develops confidence and self esteem. Capoeira is also great for developing coordination. Movements involve the entire body; they develop strength and increase flexibility. The Capoeira music motivates and creates an exciting learning atmosphere.

Hand Drumming

Harmonious repetition of natural rhythms creates healing energy and puts us in touch with ourselves, and the world around us. Through rhythmic exploration you will learn basic hand drum techniques and other percussion instruments. Students will be taught traditional drum rhythms from around the globe as well as how to listen and improvise within the structure created.

Hand Drumming for Kids

Share in the excitement of rhythms from around the Globe!  Learn basic hand drumming techniques, as we explore the world of polyrhythm.  Develop skills in teamwork, playing music, building a community, and expressing oneself.  Learn to improvise within the structure of traditional rhythms. Together we will create "original arrangements" of traditional rhythms for ensemble performances and recitals.  There is a never-ending journey of life discoveries through rhythm!

Jazz 1 / Hip-Hop

Bringing together the culture of street dancing and the technical training of jazz dance!  Jazz encompasses strength, discipline, and style. Choreography is set to fast pace music with movements involving all muscles in the body.  Focus is on increasing flexibility and muscle tone while building musicality and proper technique.  Hip Hop has an entertainment quality of its own. Utilizing the beats and rhythms of the music, students will work with isolating different body parts and learning a variety of movements like “popping”, “waving” & “locking”.  No previous dance training is required but a good attitude is a must. Jazz shoes or jazz sneakers are recommended.

Jazz 2 / Hip-Hop

This class is intended for the young dancer who has had some previous training in jazz. Students will further their technique through various combinations and across the floor movements while working with turns, leaps, and fancy footwork to the classic sounds of jazz and high-energy hip hop.

Jazz 1

Intro to Jazz dance is a great foundation for young dancers.  It encompasses basic technique, strength, discipline, and style.  The choreography is uplifting, and set to fun music with movements that involve all the muscles in the body.  Focus is on increasing flexibility and muscle tone, while building rhythm and proper technique.  No previous dance training is required, but a good attitude is a must.  Jazz shoes or jazz sneakers are recommended.

SASSY-frass

Calling all ladies!  This sultry and slinky dance class is designed to unleash the sassy diva within! It fuses stylings of bellydance and burlesque with soft and sexy jazz techniques.  With the use of props such as hats, boas, chairs and more, we will learn alluring dance phrases and choreography set to a wide variety of music.  This class is like an irresistible dessert!  You must be 18 years of age or older to attend.

Tap

your feet into percussion instruments! Students will learn basic tap steps and explore rhythms. Join us as we have fun with this distinctly American dance form.  Tap shoes are required

Tap/Jazz

This class will provide a foundation for basic tap and jazz. Children will learn to work with balance, rhythm and physical coordination in a fun and playful learning environment. This is a great introduction to a variety of different dance styles for your child. Tap shoes are required.

Tribal Belly 101 (Introductory)

Tribal Style Belly Dance is a fusion of traditional Middle Eastern Dance and folkloric dance movements from India, Central Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and Spain.  Performed as a “tribe” using synchronized group improvisation, each group develops its own vocabulary of controlled, earthy, and mesmerizing movements and cues, allowing a “follow the leader” format.  Dancers will learn to communicate through body language and will develop awareness of dance partners at all times. This class will cover basic belly dance movements, technique and the concept of tribal style group improvisation! Women are attracted to this form of dance due to its femininity, beauty and grace, and find that it is a GREAT workout and a fun way to stay in shape.

Tribal Belly 102 (Combinations)

Intended for the dancer who wants to further explore Tribal Style Belly dance through combinations, fun formations and improvisation combined with choreography. Technique will be addressed within our warm-ups as well as review and drilling of basic tribal style movements. Pre-requisite:  Tribal Belly101 or instructor permission.

Tribal Belly 103 (Refinement)

This class is for the Tribal Belly Dancer that wants to sharpen her performance skills! Refine individual technique by drilling basic steps and their variations as well combinations. Explore in depth the concepts introduced in Tribal Belly 102 such as leader changes and formations, as well as more advanced movements, combinations, fades and zill work. Work on partner dynamics and stage presence. Although open to all levels, this class is best taken simultaneously with or after the successful completion of Tribal Belly 102. Zills are required, knee pads are recommended.

Tumble -n- Twist

Twist with your tot!  This class gently stimulates body awareness, self-esteem, and socialization skills while your child is introduced to new movements and music in a fun, creative atmosphere!!! Students will be encouraged to work with tumbling, jumping, balance and following direction. The goal of this class is to enhance the child's confidence and coordination with parental involvement.

Zumba®

Zumba® fuses hypnotic Latin and world rhythms into easy to follow moves that create a dynamic fitness class. The routines feature interval training sessions where fast and slow rhythms and resistance training are combined to tone and sculpt your body while burning fat. Add some Latin flavor and international zest into the mix and you’ve got Zumba. No street shoes please, jazz sneakers are recommended. All levels of experience are welcome!