Joann Keliinohomoku's An Anthropologist Looks at Ballet as a Form of Ethnic Dance (1970) - "forms of dance [that] reflect the cultural traditions within which they developed."

Ballet: Ballet's origins grew out of the Renaissance court cultures of Italy and France. Dancers would perform at the royal courts - and then invite the audience members to participate. Students will learn some French vocabulary, practice ballet positions, and gain a deeper understanding of the techniques that define ballet today.

Modern: Students will develop their relationship to the floor through codified grounding techniques. Modern dance often involves flexed feet, torso contractions, and floorwork. Come explore all the shapes we can make (aligned, tilted, contracted) with our own unique bodies!

Contemporary: This new style of dance is derived from the meaning: "with the times." Contemporary can be anything from the time period we are currently living in. Oftentimes, it is influenced heavily by modern, jazz, and ballet. Students can expect to learn to express themselves to contemporary music and consider new ways of moving in this class.

Irish Dance: Students will learn about some of the history of Irish dance and practice introductory Irish dance techniques as well as learn the elements of a "step" or "steps." The class will put these steps together in sequence to traditional music and perform them together in groups. This high energy class is a great fit for anyone interested in rhythm and timing.

Hip Hop: Students will warm up, learn the 4 pillars of hip hop, and try this popular street style of dance that includes isolations, popping/locking, breaking, wacking, vogueing and more. Dancers will gain strength, coordination and an increased sense of rhythm and confidence through movement.

Jazz: Students will learn basic steps of jazz dance while building strength, flexibility, and coordination. They will practice various turns, kicks, and leaps. This class is an excellent way for students to express themselves. We use fun, popular and age appropriate music.

Folk Dance: Learn a variety of folk dances from around the world (or a folk-dance inspired movement class depending on age). These classes are a great way expose students to other cultures, build community, and work together as a group while learning a dance from a different part of the world.

West African (includes accompanist) - limited availability (extra $300/hour): Students will learn a variety of dances, rhythms and histories from multiple West African cultures. This workshop includes movement, singing, rhythm, and cultural attire.

Polynesian Dance (Hula, Tahitian, Haka, Poi): The rhythmic dances of the Polynesian Islands (Hawaii, Tahiti, New Zealand, Samoa) incorporate intricate dance movements set to the sounds of traditional Polynesian music. Although the islands of Polynesia may share some similarities, each island and their dance style is unique and beloved by its specific culture. In this class, students will focus on one style's movements as they also learn about the meaning and cultural significance of the dance.

Brazilian Dance (includes accompanist) - limited availability (extra $160/hour): Introduction to Brazilian music, history and culture. Students will experience the joy and high energy of Brazilian Samba music exploring a variety of song and dance from different regions of Brazil and the correlation to the yearly festival Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. We will learn sambe school traditions and Afro-Bahian songs and dances from Salvador da Bahia, Brazil.

Flamenco - limited availability: In this class, students will get a taste of the highly expressive Spanish dance form that is characterized by hand clapping, percussive footwork, and intricate movements.

I Like Me: This workshop addresses individuality and self-esteem through group discussion and movement exploration. While experiencing something new and creating their own movement, youth are able to make real-world connections and take ownership of their personal strength.

Folk Dance: Learn a variety of folk dances from around the world (or a folk-dance inspired movement class depending on age). These classes are a great way to expose students to other cultures, build community, and work together as a group while learning a dance from a different part of the world.

Blues Dance (limited availability): Students will learn about a family of historical and modern dances done to blues music. This style of dance encompasses a multitude of steps, patterns, intricate body movements, and systems of connection. Rooted in African movement, blues dance places a high value on improvisation, rhythm, polyrhythm, and solo movements.

West African (includes accompanist): limited availability (extra $300/hour): Students will learn a variety of dances, rhythms and histories from multiple West African cultures. This workshop includes movement, singing, rhythm, and cultural attire.

Ballet Heroes: In this workshop, participants will explore the performing art form of ballet and the heroes within the ballet world. Do you know who Misty Copeland is or Maria Tallchief? Have you ever tried a plie or tendue? We will explore ballet heroes, movement, and more in this class.

Importance of Movement (adults/older adults): "All human beings first learn through movement. Movement must be an integral component of the learning process throughout the lifespan." - Virginia Wilmerding, Ph.D.. Join us in this exploration of why movement is important through the lens of dance and its unique benefits. In this customizable workshop, the focus of class may include movement as injury prevention, a daily practice in a healthy lifestyle, or a vessel for brain and body connection.

BrainDance (adult/older adults/teachers): This workshop can be educational and experiental or requested as a training to help teachers learn how to use BrainDance in the classroom. The BrainDance, developed by Anne Green Gilbert of the Creative Dance Center in Seattle, is a sequential and holistic exercise framework that uses movement patterns to integrate reflexes into our bodies and remap or strengthen our neurological system. It's adaptable for any age or ability. Learn how BrainDance can help improve focus, mindfulness, energy, behavior, flexibility, and cognition.

Movement for Mindfulness (adult/older adults/students): In this workshop we'll briefly discuss the importance of mindfulness and how it serves us, first through a lens of neuroscience. Then we'll dive into grounding techniques and cover strategies for using movement as a form of mindfulness. Interests of and questions from the participants can shape and inform the program.

Reconnecting with Rhythm: This workshop promotes social-emotional well being among youth and helps reintroduce them to social and educational settings after an isolating year. Students will get their bodies moving, brains engaged, and have plenty of opportunities for social interaction and reflection. The goal of this workshop is to help students process the challenging year we are leaving behind and regain a sense of trust and engagement in the community.