Dance and Nia
Ballet
Ballet is a classical dance form that promotes grace, confidence and musicality. It strengthens the core and promotes balance, flexibility and alignment. It can be learned and enjoyed at any age and benefits both beginning students and those with more experience. Beginning II students should have had at least six months to a year of training at the Beginning I level. Ages 11 and up.
Ballet Fit/Power Barre - NEW!
Current trends emphasizes the beneifts of ballet exercise. This class uses movements and principles from classical ballet and its movements and principles to build strength and power in all your major muscle groups while also increasing your flexibility and range of motion. We will do mat, barre and standing exercises taken not only from classical ballet, but also modern dance, pilates and other disciplines. No previous dance experience is necessay. Please come with bare feet or wear socks or ballet slippers. Age 14 and up.
Beledi Dance
Expand your world view of movement with this popular dance of the Middle East (also known as “belly dance’ or Oriental Dance). Students new to this fitness-enhancing style will be dancing to rhythmic percussion and eastern melodies from the very first class. Level I-II presents basic movements and steps, short choreographies and use of the veil. Dancers in Level III continue with more advanced technique and choreography and begin working with finger cymbals. A veil of sheer fabric (3 yards long by 45 inches wide) is required, but some veils are available for class use. Before advancing to Level III, students should have attended prior sessions of Levels I-II. Ages 15 and up.
NIA
Get in shape and move to great music in this unique fitness-promoting class. NIA integrates concepts from dance, martial ways, and various healing arts (e.g. Feldenkrais® and yoga) to provide cardiovascular conditioning (low impact), flexibility, strength and balance. And it's fun! Participants move naturally and fluidly to music in a workout that is readily adapted to all fitness levels. Bare feet are required unless the participant has a previous medical condition. Instructors are NIA certified. Age 15 and up.
Gentle NIA
This is a NIA class (see above) that has been modified for those who want a slower approach. This 45-minute class is gentle, kind to the joints and appropriate for all fitness levels, especially if you're just starting a fitness program or rejoining after a hiatus. And it's fun! Movements are done naturally to great music, and many can be performed while seated.
BollyFit (R) blends an excellent and intense fitness workout with Indian dance styles like Bollywood and bhangra to create a fun, energizing class with a party-like atmosphere that will give you your exercise for the day. The program had its early roots at the Y and we welcome its return.
Swing Dance
Swing Dance is a dynamic American classic that is also one of the most versatile and easy to learn. It is equally suited to traditional swing and contemporary dance music and adaptable to contemporary dance style. It can also include urban ballrooming (a local popular dance style) and the Charleston. Basic steps and technique proved fun and exercies in class and enable students to readily participate in the local dance schene. No prior experience or partner is necessary. Age 15 and up. Returning in September.
West African Dance
This beginning class is an introduction to a world of West African dance that provides an amazing full-body workout that you don't want to miss! Enjoy exciting, high energy movement and a sense of freedom that comes from celebration. This is a style built on tradition and community. It is taught by Jaclyn Morrow, who has performed with Like Water Drum and Dance and currently performs with teh Tree of LIfe Drum and Dance Society. Age 15 and up. Returning in September.
