In this class you will learn dances of the Orixas and Samba. Dandha was born and raised in Salvador, Bahia of Brasil, in a universe of rhythms, with the direct influence of the Afro-Brazilian religion, candomble. For this reason, the dances songs, and drum rhythms of the orixas (dieties of candomble) are an essential part of Dandha's teaching, as are the carnaval-based Free Afro dance and music of Ile Aiye. The rhythms change from nation to nation as the music evokes orixas, caboclos, or voduns. Samba de Roda, the original form of Afro-Brazilian Samba, is also taught in this class as well as Samba reggae, xoxado and maracatu. Be prepared to sweat to powerful live drumming!
Afro-Brazilian Contemporary is a study of the symbology of Orixa and Folkloric dances in their traditional forms while combining the possible levels of their fusion with modern dance elements such as space, time, jumps, fall and recovery, dynamics, turns, form and inversion. As traditional and modern movement combine, a variation of expansive andenergetic sequences are created.
Afro-Cuban folkloric dance explores a variety of dance forms derived from religious practices, including Yoruba (dances for the Orisha gods and goddesses), Arara, Congo, Makuta, Vodu, Gaga and rhumba. This high-energy class experience is intensified by the live drumming of Olorun along with Susana's mastery of the cultural traditions of Cuban folklore. Dances are done barefoot and women should bring a long/full Caribbean-style skirt if they have one as they are used in many of the dances.
Africans carried their songs, dances, and religions with them when they were taken to the Caribbean island of Haiti as slaves. There, dances from different African ethnic groups (primarily those of Dahomey and Congo origin) evolved and mixed and, being flavored by the French and Arawak Indians also living on the island, dances formed that are unique to Haiti. Other large factors influencing Haitian movement include the Haitian history of revolution and the creation of Vodou cosmology. In this class you will learn social and religious dances including Petwo, Ibo, Kongo, Banda, Gede, Rada, Nago, and Djouba - to name a few. Be prepared to dance strongly, flirtatiously and subtly. Be prepared to move the hips, undulate the back, roll the shoulders, and bend the knees to live drumming. Dances are done barefoot and women should bring long, full, Caribbean-style skirts if they have them.
Ballet is a great foundation for dancers from all dance backgrounds/genres. It begins with a basic barre and then moves into the center of the floor, building solid technique. No previous experience is necessary.
Bomba is a rhythmic, flirtatious dance tradition hundreds of years old which originated in the coastal communities of Puerto Rico. Bomba became a haven for individual cultural expression in the midst of slavery, and in this time when travel was more difficult, each community developed a different style of Bomba. The Santurce style is aesthetically closer to the Andalusian flamenco tradition with its contained upper body and emphasis on footwork, whereas the Loiza style is strongly influenced by African movement traditions. Bomba is an improvisational form based on the call-and-response between dancer and drummer.
Beginning/ Intermediate Hip Hop is a class designed to suit all levels of hip-hop dancer. David applies a constructivist teaching method to reach everyone from the amateur hip-hop enthusiast to the more experienced or classically trained dancer. The goal of his class is to provide a framework of choreography in which each dancer will be able to add their own personal style and attitude. It is also focuses on an inclusive atmosphere, rather than a place that caters to any select group of dancers. Most of all, the class is designed for people to feel comfortable (and shake their tails!) David phases elements of B-boying, old school and more modern video-style choreography. Classes usually consist of a warm-up, stretching and choreography. Routines are usually repeated every two weeks, allowing students to build on their past week of experience.
Beat drums and get in shape! Cardio Taiko is the revolutionary new cardio-taiko-drumming exercise class guaranteed to energize, slenderize and empower you, while keeping your feet moving and your hands drumming! No experience necessary. Cardio Taiko combines elements of aerobic dance workout, yoga, pilates and enrgizing, life changing Japaense Taiko drumming to the hottest world rhythms! Taught by Taiko Director of Dance Brigade, Bruce "Mui" Ghent.
This dance style is known for its smooth, grounded and soulful movement as depicted by its pelvic rotation, shoulder and torso rotation. Live music is typically played on the Ngoma, a Congolese drum which is cylindrical and elongated in height. The class will be composed of a minimum of two different rhythms so that the students get to experience some variety within this dance style. This class will teach you the technique of traditional and contemporary Congolese while your body and soul enjoys the rhythms, dance, and song, as they are intertwined. Women bring a piece of African fabric or other (lappa) to wrap around your waist if you have it (2-yards +/-). Otherwise, dance pants, yoga pants, tanks, other comfortable clothing are fine. Congolese is done barefoot.
Shannon Preto's Dance Technique class focuses on advancing movement technique through focused somatic, anatomical and ideokinetic research that exert the body, paying close attention to how subtle expressions coexists with high decibel dancing. Movement resources include elements of Body Mind Centering®, Capoeira, Flying Low (David Zambrano), joint mobilization, and modern dance vocabulary.
The class will be a fusion of hip-hop dance styles allowing students to have fun in let loose expressing themselves through the power of Groove and technicality. Class will be taught by the leading choreographiers of the UFO Movemet (Algin Sterling, Taina Larot, Elenor Tannis with assistance of George Anzaldo). Class will consist of a warm up before choreography is taught, and a sketch to cool down after. Come ready to sweat and work it out to a wide variety of music; Hip-Hop, Reggae and more. Free your mind and have fun after a long day with The UFO Movement, we come in peace! Contact Info: theufomovement@yahoo.com; www.myspace.com/theufomovement
This modern dance class brings a consciousness to movement technique as well as to how we move as individuals, and is suited to both the professional dancer and the person who just loves to explore movement. It is an all-levels class designed to build strength and awareness of the body and allows the dancer to play with the power, ease, and dramatics of movement.
Nia Technique is a cardiovascular fitness and personal growth practice that integrates the body, mind, emotions, and spirit. Nia embraces both form and freedom: the form of simple steps, kicks, and stances that anyone can learn; and the freedom of each student's inner dance. Nia truly represents the 'joy of movement.'
Pilates Mat is a series of conditioning exercises that combine stretching, elongating, strengthening and breathing. It builds strength while increasing flexibility and improving balance and posture, helping to avoid injury in day-day activities.
Learn how to tap dance in a fun and supportive environment! You will learn the fundamentals of rhythm tap dance (a.k.a. 'hoofin') and combine them to make cool close-to-the-floor rhythm patterns with your feet. Explore your musicality, personal expression, and performance style while dancing to a variety of music genres. Please wear tap or hard-soled shoes and comfortable clothes. This is a class for beginning to intermediate levels. Private lessons are also available (speak to teacher directly).
Sabar dance originated from Senegal, West Africa. It is danced up off the ground with much twisting of the hips and large arm movements. The dances often depict scenes from ritual and social life, such as special celebrations, festivals and ceremonies. The Sabar drum is used in this class as rhythm and movement are inextricably linked.
Cuban Salsa is a partner dance that is a combination of Rumba and Son. In this class, Ramon introduces the basic footwork, style and musicality of Salsa before moving on to more complicated turns and patterns and what it means to lead/follow. You do not need to bring your own partner. Wear anything that you feel comfortable moving in - from heels to sneakers to jazz shoes!
This class expands on the steps, turns, hand placement and transitions taught in beginning Salsa as well as talking about the dancer's relationship with the clave. Alain then goes on to teach other Cuban popular dances, including Mambo, Cha Cha Cha, Son, Rueda de Casino, and Rumba. Alain starts with a warm-up that helps loosen the body so that one has more mobility while doing this Cuban style.
Sometimes referred to as Rueda de Casino, this is a particular type of Cuban Salsa where the couples dance in a circle. It was developed in Havana, Cuba in the 1960s by the famous group Guaracheros de Regla. Everyone dancing in a Rueda will do the same moves in response to the caller's commands, switching partners frequently. Prerequisite: A solid foundation in Cuban Salsa.
This class will give you a hot, fun-filled, energetic workout while learning Salsa dance patterns that you can do alone or with a partner. The dancing is fast moving but not difficult to learn. Sidney is also always good to throw in a little Rumba and Samba to switch things up. Learn Salsa footwork and listen to the best Salsa dance music while exercising!
This class teaches you the traditional dances and songs of Guinea, including dances that are performed in celebration of weddings and births. Expect a high-energy class in which you will experience the interlocking of rhythm and movement. As an instructor, Alseny brings a fresh new flavor to the art of dance as well as cultural enrichment by teaching and promoting the Dance and Drum Culture of Guinea. His style is revered by his students and audience members as electrifying, yielding energetic performances and creative choreographies. His leadership and community appeal is an asset to African Dance and Drum Cultural communities locally and internationally.
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