Contemporary Warm-Up & Stretch
***WEEKLY CLASS CURRENTLY ON HOLD***
Instructor: Joyce Lien Kushner
CLASS DESCRIPTION
Take time for a little self-care! This class will guide participants through warm-up exercises rooted in contemporary dance and somatic movement practices. We will tap into both improvisational and structured movement in order to heat up the body and juice up the joints...get those synovial fluids flowing! Then we'll delve into exercises that will help elongate and strengthen various muscle groups, allowing us to find a deeper, wider, more expansive range of motion.
Much of this class will have us on the floor. A yoga mat is recommended (not required), as well as bare feet or socks with grips (no outdoor shoes).
Beg Modern: Graham Technique
TUESDAYS 12-1:30PM
Instructor: Joyce Lien Kushner
CLASS DESCRIPTION
This beginning level modern dance class is rooted in Graham technique. Class begins with a short warm-up to help lengthen and ground our bodies. We then start technique on the floor, where we introduce and train in classic Graham floor exercises - bounces, breathings, spirals in 3s & 6s, seated contractions, deep stretches, turns around the back, pleadings, etc. Transitioning to standing, we move to center work - plies, brushes, changes around the ankle, adagio, etc. As time allows, we'll end with exercises and phrases across the floor - triplets, prances, jumps, etc. We focus primarily on technique exercises, developing strength and deeper understanding of Graham technique, which has its own unique movement language.
This class is geared towards both beginning dancers and more experienced dancers who are new to Graham technique.
*Recommendation - If you have difficulty sitting on the floor with your back straight up and legs extended out in front, we recommend that you bring a yoga mat or towel/blanket. These items may be folded and placed under the seat for floor exercise modifications.
ABOUT GRAHAM TECHNIQUE
Martha Graham is often considered the mother of American modern dance. Although there were several others before her who helped pioneer the dance genre, Graham was one of the first to codify her technique into a language that could be taught with consistency. It has been passed on through generations of dancers, allowing Graham Technique to remain strong and alive today. Built on the contraction, release, high arch, spiral, and tilt, Graham Technique not only has a distinct and recognizable aesthetic, it also has deep emotional resonance. In her works, Graham always delved into the recesses of our hearts and souls to find both the darkness and the light. Her movements bring to the surface what resides deep inside us. A consistent and thoughtful Graham practice will not only transform and strengthen the body, but it will also enliven the mind, and liberate the soul.
"Dance is a song of the body. Either of joy or pain." - Martha Graham
Int Modern: Graham Technique
THURSDAYS 12-1:30PM
Instructor: Joyce Lien Kushner
CLASS DESCRIPTION
This intermediate level modern dance class is rooted in Graham technique, developing and adding to the core exercises introduced in the beginning level class. We start with a short warm-up to help lengthen and ground our bodies. We then move to floor technique - bounces/breathings, spirals in 3s & 6s, seated contractions, deep stretches, turns around the back, pleadings, etc. Transitioning to standing, we move to center work - plies, brushes, changes around the ankle, adagio, etc. As time allows, we'll end with exercises and phrases across the floor - triplets, prances, jumps, etc. We focus primarily on technique exercises, developing strength and deeper understanding of Graham technique, which has its own unique movement language.
This class will move at a quicker pace, assuming some familiarity and knowledge of the classic Graham exercises.
*Recommendation - If you have difficulty sitting on the floor with your back straight up and legs extended out in front, we recommend that you bring a yoga mat or towel/blanket. These items may be folded and placed under the seat for floor exercise modifications.
ABOUT GRAHAM TECHNIQUE
Martha Graham is often considered the mother of American modern dance. Although there were several others before her who helped pioneer the dance genre, Graham was one of the first to codify her technique into a language that could be taught with consistency. It has been passed on through generations of dancers, allowing Graham Technique to remain strong and alive today. Built on the contraction, release, high arch, spiral, and tilt, Graham Technique not only has a distinct and recognizable aesthetic, it also has deep emotional resonance. In her works, Graham always delved into the recesses of our hearts and souls to find both the darkness and the light. Her movements bring to the surface what resides deep inside us. A consistent and thoughtful Graham practice will not only transform and strengthen the body, but it will also enliven the mind, and liberate the soul.
"Dance is a song of the body. Either of joy or pain." - Martha Graham
Beg Contemporary: Floorwork Technique
MONDAYS 6:30-8PM
Instructor: Joyce Lien Kushner
CLASS DESCRIPTION
This beginning level contemporary dance class will focus on floorwork technique. We will get comfortable with pushing, pulling, rolling, sliding on the floor. We will safely build strength and ease in transitioning to and from the different vertical levels (upright, mid-level, floor). We will learn how to bear weight on body parts other than just our feet. We will discover new pathways of sequencing through the body, find new ways to initiate movement, and develop seamless transitions within phrasework.
Class is geared towards both beginning level dancers and more experienced dancers new to contemporary floorwork.
*Recommendation - Pants or leg coverings are highly recommended, as well as something to cover shoulders. Knee pads are optional.
Beg Contemporary: Halo-Halo Movement
***CURRENTLY ON HOLD***
Instructor: Jade Prime
CLASS DESCRIPTION
In the Filipino tradition, halo-halo is a nostalgic dessert which translates directly to “mix-mix.” In this contemporary dance class, Jade Prime offers her own “mix” of movement informed by her years performing and choreographing with MOMIX, directed by Moses Pendleton.The whimsical yet, athletic dance company is known for their mind-blowing illusions and spectacular props. Join Jade in uncovering your own movement flavors, mixing technique, curiosity, and magic.
Sign up for Beg Contemporary: Halo-Halo Movement (coming soon)
Int Contemporary + Floorwork
WEDNESDAYS 12:30-2PM
Instructor: Joyce Lien Kushner
CLASS DESCRIPTION
This intermediate level contemporary dance class draws from various techniques, including release technique, Countertechnique, Limon, Cunningham, improvisation, along with some somatic movement ideas. Floorwork is heavily incorporated and geared towards dancers with some experience. Foundational elements of floorwork will be reviewed, but the pace will move quicker than the Beg Contemporary: Floorwork Technique class.
*Recommendation - Pants or leg coverings are highly recommended, as well as something to cover shoulders. Knee pads are optional.
First Fridays - FREE Dance Class
FIRST FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH
5PM-6:30PM
Instructor: Joyce LIen Kushner
We're hosting FREE dance class for First Fridays at ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station!!!
This is a great opportunity to try out our offerings. Classes will be geared towards teens and adults. Each month will feature a different class. Check out our spring schedule below (*subject to change):
February (2/7) - Beg Modern: Graham Technique
March (3/7) - Beg Contemporary: Floorwork Technique
April (4/4)- Beg Modern: Graham Technique
May (5/2) - Beg Contemporary: Floorwork Technique
June (6/6) - Beg Modern: Graham Technique
***Class is FREE. However, please sign-up as space is limited. We'd hate to turn anyone away for lack of space!