//Class Descriptions//
BALLET | MODERN/CONTEMPORARY | YOGA AND SOMATICS | HIP HOP
Intro to Dance w/ Ricki Mason: Are you interested in dance but not sure where to start? Have you taken a beginning ballet or modern class and wondered if there was a MORE beginning level? Are you intimidated to drop into an ongoing class? This 5 week series is for you! Learn basic dance vocabulary used in Velocity’s ongoing ballet and modern classes with other students who have no previous dance experience. You will learn basic dance technique while developing body awareness and comfort dancing in a group. We will also examine tactics for remember choreography as each class culminates with a simple dance phrase. Moving to music is fun and the more you know about using your body, the more fun it is! This class will prepare you to join any beginning level dance class at Velocity.Email CherdonnaLou@gmail.com for more info. Upcoming start dates: September 7
BALLET
Beginning Ballet w/ Ricki Mason: This class is appropriate for students with little or no ballet training. Ricki takes an eclectic approach to ballet technique, using a variety of contemporary music styles to inspire dance that feels great. Following a traditional ballet class format, we will begin developing alignment and articulation at the barre, and then move into the center of the room for yummy adagios, quick twitch petite allegros, earthy waltzes, and big glamorous jumps. Ricki integrates an intelligent approach to body mechanics with a theatrical sense of musicality, making this the perfect class for actors, social dancers, burlesque performers, and people who think moving around to music is fun.
Beginning Ballet w/ Ellie Sandstrom: This class is for those that are new to Ballet, those who have distanced themselves from the technique and those that come to class weekly! This class always has a great, multi-dimensional vibe about it, created by the people who attend — join us for a fantastic work out! Ellie stays true to the regime of the “learned discipline” of a Ballet class, whether it’s at the barre, in the center or moving across the floor. As a teacher, she enjoys finding the balance of the strict, ‘set’ exercises found in Ballet technique and the emotional realities of the ever-changing, adult day. By blending the physical body with the mind, the heart and the soul, it is possible to create an emotional, strong, energized and well-balanced dancer. Everyone is welcome in this safe environment of physical challenge. The amazing Jim Kent joins the class live on the piano each week.
Intermediate Ballet for Contemporary Dancers w/ Rosa Vissers: This intermediate ballet class is ideal for dancers with prior ballet experience or contemporary dancers who would like to further develop their ballet chops. It is also a great class if you have taken a break and would like to return to dance. Drawing on both classical and contemporary ballet traditions, Rosa offers a dynamic, lighthearted class, with an emphasis on developing precision, musicality, creativity, and strength. We will expand and fine-tune our ballet vocabulary at the barre and in the center (mais oui!), explore dynamic alignment principles and simply enjoy moving with clarity and freedom. Rosa’s no-nonsense approach to dance encourages you to work smart and hard within the framework of the ballet tradition. If you enjoy an energetic class, with exercises ranging from quick to fast, small and controlled, to large, sweeping combos–this class is for you.
Intermediate Ballet for Modern Dancers w/ Mark Haim: Ground your modern and release with fluency in classical technique. This class works for advanced dancers as well as dancers with a good working knowledge of ballet. It can also be a recovery program for those with unpleasant past experiences in ballet. Here, we dance first, perfect ourselves second. Or maybe even third. We dance to a variety of music– classical, contemporary, solo instrumental, orchestral- and have a great time working on musicality, fluidity, phrasing, and, of course, placement.
Advanced Ballet w/ Karn Junkinsmith: Class will have an emphasis on musicality, anatomically based alignment, and joyful expression of contemporary and classical balletic forms. The class begins with a yoga derived stretching sequence on the floor. Barre work encourages clarity of focus and purity of ‘line’ during the vigorous warming and strengthening exercises. Center work is devoted to learning and representing fluid and original dance passages, which are passionately accompanied on pianoforte by Jeffrey Junkinsmith. Class finishes with grand allegro or turns. Relaxed attire and levity are welcome. Children are invited to observe and/or amuse themselves quietly on the side.
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MODERN/CONTEMPORARY
Beginning Modern w/ Jody Kuehner: The philosophy of this class is that every human is an exciting and individual mover regardless of your level. Class will be a mix of feel-good movement and dance technique.The first half of class is structured expressive improvisational movement practice (follow along) and stretching to warm up your body and increase strength, flexibility and give each dancer space to express themselves. Jody will bring awareness to all parts of the body by leading movement through images. The second 45 minutes of class will include some specific technique ideas moving across the floor and a hearty dance phrase to finish out the class.
Beginning Modern w/ Ricki Mason: This class is appropriate for students with little or no dance training. This contemporary dance class is built on the fundamental principal that moving your body to music feels good. Class begins with a simple warm up to improve alignment, build strength, and access each student’s range and flexibility. We will continue to experience our expressive and communicative bodies in lush movement across the floor and center phrase material that is unique to Ricki’s eclectic style. Ricki integrates an intelligent approach to body mechanics with a theatrical sense of musicality, making this the perfect class for actors, social dancers, burlesque performers, and people who think moving around to music is fun.
Beginning Modern w/ Shirley Jenkins teaches students how to move in an anatomically correct way while encouraging their dancing spirits. Her movement is lyrical, rhythmic, romantic, sensual and musical while teaching one to have a strong center. Attention is given to pelvic stabilization and core strengthening while she guides you through a well-crafted dance technique class filled with creative imagery and inspiring music. Throughout her 36 years as a professional choreographer/performer/instructor, Shirley has developed her own artistic voice, inspired by Modern Masters and her knowledge of somatic work. Her priority is to help train dancers to understand sound technique; how to plié without hurting the knees but instead increase support to the joints, how to dance with your torso without injuring your lower back but instead strengthen the spinal and abdominal muscles, how to stretch to increase range of motion and how to understand good form as you move. You will learn how to dance fluidly with an expressive, poetic spirit. The environment is generous and welcoming for all.
Intermediate Contemporary Technique w/ Amy O’Neal: A thorough and focused class for the curious tapping into the body’s innate stability and rhythmic patterns. A simple and effective warm-up to build strength is followed by phrase work focusing on musicality, attention to detail, and unexpected choices in timing. Over the years, Amy has been inspired by the teaching methods of David Zambrano, Frey Faust, Emio Greco, David Dorfman, Kathleen Hermesdorf, Wade Madsen, Yoga, Pilates, and most recently, Russian Kettlebells. Find the maximum potential of dynamic movement and balance through oppositional forces of energy that we consciously direct physically by using our imagination and not being afraid to play.
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Intermediate Modern w/ Ellie Sandstrom: By finding the form of our deepest breath to following it’s flow for movement potential, this class asks the students to safely let go and enjoy the journey through their bodies. Classes usually begin with breathing exercises, solo or partner “discoveries”, small improvisational scores and body work. Core strengthening exercises inspired by Graham technique, Cunningham technique, Ballet, Jazz, Pilates, Yoga, Tai Chi, Hip Hop and even Jane Fonda- help the students find support from their center of gravity. Using these grounding tools from various techniques, class builds along with the challenge- mentally and physically, ending with juicy, full bodied movement phrases that remind the students to let go in order to find the flow. Come have fun in this safe environment of body/mind connection
Intermediate Modern w/ Maya Soto: Explores rhythm and dynamics inspired by a wide range of movement styles and genres. Class starts on the floor with breath; connecting to the core and building strength. Drawing heavily on release, flow and momentum, dancers are challenged to shift weight quickly, isolate body parts and move bigger, stronger and faster. This class is geared toward dancers with a solid movement background and understanding of alignment principals. Emphasis is placed on finding a unique voice through exciting movement combinations.
Intermediate/Advanced Modern w/ Mark Haim: This class is for anyone interested in working on their placement, articulation, awareness of 3D space, phrasing and personal expression. We start on the floor, stand up and do center excercises, and then move out in space in longer, more choreographic phrase material. The music goes from classical to world to pop. Release, momentum, gravity, ease, natural alignment– they’re all in there!
Advanced Contemporary Practice w/ KT Niehoff: The intellectual goal of this class is to cultivate unique artists interested in artistic dialogue. The physical goals are maximum joint range of motion, rebounding in relationship to gravity, and the investigation of directional energy’s correlation to expansion, counter tension, momentum and torque. We practice the balance of having an inner dialogue with the biology while maintaining an external awareness, and contextualize the political, personal and artistic meaning behind *why* we move, to find a deeper resonance *when*we move.
Advanced Contemporary Technique w/ Amy O’Neal: Similar to Slow Intermediate Contemporary Technique, just revved up 100% for those up for the challenge! A thorough and focused class for the curious tapping into the body’s innate stability and rhythmic patterns. A simple and effective warm-up to build strength is followed by phrase work focusing on musicality, attention to detail, and unexpected choices in timing. Over the years, Amy has been inspired by the teaching methods of David Zambrano, Frey Faust, Emio Greco, David Dorfman, Kathleen Hermesdorf, Wade Madsen, Yoga, Pilates, and most recently, Russian Kettlebells. Find the maximum potential of dynamic movement and balance through oppositional forces of energy that we consciously direct physically by using our imagination and not being afraid to play.
Advanced Contemporary w/ Catherine Cabeen: Cabeen teaches a technique class that focuses on intelligent body mechanics and expressive versatility. By incorporating exercises from yoga, the Graham technique and Contact Improvisation, the class stresses alignment, strength and openness of the body. By interweaving improvisation and classical techniques, Cabeen’s class pushes dancers to reevaluate both the level at which they are dancing and why. Through a blending of everyday gestures and ecstatic lines, the class explores dance as a language of movement that speaks to all. This class is designed to train dancers to be versatile, honest, virtuosic and intelligent.
Advanced Modern w/ Wade Madsen: In Wade’s Advanced Modern class students learn to develop keener awareness of their bodies, beginning on the floor with subtle movements of the pelvis and moving into core strength and full body connections. When the class moves to standing, it follows a vigorous and recurring movement structure for spinal mobility and strength. Ongoing standing exercises set the class in motion. Wades class addresses strength, stamina, and flexibility and finds its roots in momentum and multiple articulations. The final combinations, challenge the mind and the body, and develop students’ endurance. Advanced dancers have been training in Wade’s class for more than a decade and a half, keeping the level high and providing opportunities for peers to push one another in a supportive environment.
Timeless Modern w/ Shirley Jenkins: For the ‘Forever Dancing Spirit’, Shirley designed her class after/during recovery from cancer, back surgery and hip replacement. Throughout her distinguished 36+ year dance career, Shirley has developed her own artistic voice, inspired by modern dance masters and the knowledge of somatics. Her movement is lyrical, rhythmic, romantic, sensual and musical. Attention is given to pelvic stabilization and core strengthening while she guides you through a well-crafted dance experience. This class is popular with artists who danced professionally for many years, or are returning to dance after many years of hiatus. The level is Intermediate with an advanced understanding of quality and form. All are welcome.
Dance w/ Elia Mrak: This is a professional contemporary class for all movement backgrounds. Fusing movements from dance, martial arts, theater and running, we begin by playing physical games. This sparks all the senses in our body, including our voice, our touch, our reflexes and our communication- both physical and verbal. We progress throughout the class, adding complexity and dimensionality to the movements by building physical verses. In these verses, we learn how to dissolve instantly into the floor and fly through the air; how to roll, jump. and share the weight of another. We learn how to be in command of our bodies in any moment and thus change our movement qualities from sharp to soft, from raw to refined, and from humorous to dramatic. Using different music from around the world, we blend our phrases into a group composition, and develop a common physicality with which to create and play. By the end of class, we have passed through composition, improvisation, technique and performance creation. And we have fun.
Movement for Actors w/ Louis Gervais: Bring your creative body on stage with you. In this class, we will explore the range of physical expression through improvisation. Moving from animal, alien and energetic bodies, we open up new aspects of ourselves as performers. Internalizing images and mime work will encourage the creation of believable objects and action. Becoming aware of the power of focus, speed and placement of your body in space brings new awareness to the stage. We learn best while at play and this class will keep things fun and in motion. We’ll draw from Butoh, Viewpoints, Alexander Technique and Laban Movement Analysis, as well as Theatre Sports, Modern Dance and Somatics. Open up with some stretching. Breathe deep. Warm up your voice and get your creativity flowing. This class will enhance your creative physical palette and help you present yourself in the best light whenever you are before an audience.
INVESTIGATIVE MOVEMENT PRACTICES (IMP)
Dance Church: A multi-faceted approach to technique w/ Kate Wallich Inspired by the practices of Ohad Naharin, William Forsythe, Crystal Pite, and Zoe Scofield among many others, this class is tailored not only for the highly trained dancer but also to those who have little or no training. Based on a series of images and metaphors, the class is lead in and out of various states of movement focusing on the qualitative and dynamic research of the body. While we attempt to push beyond aesthetics, we are also able to bring awareness to our habitual bodies, noticing without judgment how we move as individuals and within a group. The class culminates into an hour and fifteen minutes of listening, exploring, acknowledging, and grooving.
The How: Marrying Expression and Function w/ Amy O’Neal: As moving bodies, we have a wide range of choices: spin, walk, jump, twist, spiral, fall, lift, push, kick, flip, slide, etc…. How we move not only makes us unique, but can make or break our longevity both as dance expressionists and humans in transport. Using improvisational techniques, we will experiment with rhythm, state, and aesthetic to deepen our awareness of why we make the movement choices we do (expression) in order to finess the how (function). The result? Clearer and more informed expression of mind, heart, and body, whether your intention is to communicate to an audience, the universe, or yourself. This class is intended for those looking to bring more awareness to their dance practice, whatever it may be.
Moving Into Ition w/ Amelia Reeber In this series, we will get a taste for investigating and experiencing intuitive processes. Through movement, listening, and other means, we’ll dialogue with the bodymind, spirit, and soul. We’ll look at how we receive information and what to do with it. Through the examination of limitation/conflict, the act of observation, and witnessing each other, we’ll foster the potential for transformation. We’ll clarify what/how we’re performing and work to expand it. We will energize the space in ensemble work. Through our dancing bodymind, openness and attention, we can access self-knowledge, our Dream, and the Sacred. Bring a journal.
YOGA & SOMATICS
Sunrise Yoga w/ Laura Prudhomme: Wake up with this sweet morning flow. We will focus on pranayama (breath), asana (movement) and dhyana (meditation) to light up our senses and ready ourselves for a new day.
Vinyasa Yoga w/ Catherine Cabeen: This All- Levels vinyasa yoga class connects the body and mind through focus on the breath. This union is the base for incorporating interest, compassion and patience into all of the relationships in your life. Yoga is a practice that teaches us to do our best everyday, with the understanding that every day is different.
Yoga w/ Douglas Ridings: According to the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, yoga is a state of mental steadiness. This is potentially more accessible if the physical body is also stable as well as comfortable, and the breath is long and smooth. As a practitioner and teacher I employ a wide variety of Hatha and Tantrik Yoga techniques and also draw heavily from my background as a dancer in the construction of dynamic vinyasa and as a source of coordination and concentration practices. The developmental effect of this practice is intended to be the cultivation of Sattva Guna (a quality of mind which is balanced and illuminated).
Yoga Behind Bars w/ Gwendolyn Payton: Join us for a rewarding and challenging condioning-infused yoga class. Build strength, flexibility, balance, coordination and agility, while gaining focus and clarity. We provide individualized attention that focuses on correct alignment and personal growth. All proceeds from this class go to benefit Yoga Behind Bars: www.yogabehindbars.com.
Feldenkrais® Awareness Through Movement® w/ Lila:
The Feldenkrais Method® is a subtle and powerful system of neuromuscular re-education that evokes changes in muscular tone, flexibility, coordination, attention, and the comfort and efficiency of movement. Remind yourself of the brilliant and effortless ways your body is designed to move. It’s scientific and sumptuous! Great for all levels of experience, dancers and non-dancers.
GYROKINESIS® is a system of exercises which focus on 3-dimensional, fluid, and full-body movement. Incorporating aspects of yoga, dance, and tai-chi, the system uses intentional breath and coordinated movement patterns to build strength, flexibility, and alignment. The class begins with mobilizing the spine while seated on chairs or stools and develops into stabilization work on the floor. We will use movement to re-educate the body; bringing it into awareness, power, and efficiency. This class is appropriate for all levels, regardless of experience or dance training. Please bring your own yoga mat.
Beginning Odissi/Orissi Dance w/ Ratna Roy: Orissi is a classical dance style from Eastern India. Tracing its origins to 2nd century BC, Orissi combines dance and theatre. The Beginning class focuses on the grammar and vocabulary of the dance through exercises, footwork, eye-chin-neck coordinations, and hand gestures (mudras). It works with the total body, including facial expressions.
Surrender Dance is a class for all skill levels that aims to bring women together in community. Each week we dance to a different style, rotating between jazz, hip-hop, ballet, bollywood and modern dance. We hope to drive toward wellness for women from all backgrounds, building community through healthy relationships and having fun together. There is a $10 suggested donation per class and all proceeds go directly to non-profit organizations that work with women and girls involved in sex trafficking in Seattle. Past quarterly donations have gone to: Shared Hope International, The Bridge Program and Seattle Against Slavery. Following each class we gather for happy hour at a nearby business. This is an easy way to get to know your neighbors, learn more about the other women attending class and support a business in our community. Join us for class and we will let you know where we’re headed for happy hour!
Zumba w/ Melanie Skinner: Workout…Join the party! Zumba fitness class is a very exciting dance party atmosphere full of Latin and international music. You’ll forget you’re working out with the sexy but simple moves, to dance music like Cha Cha, Salsa, Reggaeton, Rumba and more. Best of all, you don’t need any previous dance experience! It’s fun and effective, using interval training combining fast and slow rhythms for an aerobic workout while at the same time targeting your legs, abs, gluts and arms. Our workout is “watch and follow”. The moves are repeated often enough for you to catch on and they’re not complicated. We repeat routines week after week with additions every now and again to spice things up even more!
HIP HOP
Bottom Heavy Funk w/ Amy O’Neal: A non-intimidating approach to hip-hop, street, and club dance. This class will begin with an integrated warm-up coming from modern dance, yoga, and jazz to build strength and ground the individual. Simple exercises in body isolation and rhythm will prepare us for funked-out, bottom heavy, full-bodied, and intricate movement set to and completely inspired by hip-hop, soul, funk, and R&B music. This is an open class and will be geared toward the level of the majority of participants. Come prepared to be yourself, have fun, and get down and dirty.
Hip Hop for Contemporary Dancers w/ Markeith: This class is geared towards the already body-concious mover. You will learn breakdancing, popping and krumping techniques and discover how to train, access and strengthen the fast twitch muscles used in hip hop. Dress comfortably with a good pair of street shoes. Get ready to sweat and get your groove on.
Hip Hop w/ Jaret Hughes: Learn to move and groove with just the basics. Learn today’s hottest Hip Hop moves with an occassional old skool flare including progressions across the floor. This high energy, intense class is sure to get you movin and groovin and not to mention…SWEATIN!!!! Dress comfortably in non-restrictive clothing and sneakers.
Teen Hip Hop w/ Maya Soto: Bring your sneakers! You will need them as you try out a variety of hip hop styles including new trends and old school funk. This high energy class starts with strength work, stretching, isolations and lots of footwork. Fun, fast-paced combinations will really get you moving as we progress across the floor. Class will finish with a fun upbeat combination inspiring dancers to let loose and leave it all on the dance floor. Learn to work collaboratively through choreography. Create your own moves, share them with a friend, and build a dance. In this class, dancers discover their own unique voice through exciting choreography and the chance to get creative.