Class Descriptions

Monday - Friday Classes

Late sign-ups and drop-ins accepted at class locations.

8:00 - 9:00 am

Yoga with Erin Ehlers
The SPACE directions

Begin your day of dance and music with some gentle stretches, deep breathing and relaxation techniques. Note: please bring your own mat. It is also recommended that students bring a towel for the back of the head.

9:15-10:30 am

Ethno-Haitian Dance CANCELED

Middle Eastern Dance   (Multi-level)
The SPACE directions
Sharon Arslanian

Middle Eastern (or Belly) Dance traditionally functions as a form of social dance and/or entertainment. Energize your body, mind, and spirit through the practice of the basic movements which include slow curving torso isolations and undulations, simple rhythmic step patterns, smooth hip circles and percussive accents, and fast shimmies. Sharon will lead us in dancing to a variety of traditional Arabic music or Arabic-influenced music. Wear loose clothes; avoid jeans, shorts, leotards, and tight waistbands! If you can, bring a long scarf to tie around your hips. Men are welcome, too.

Tap Technique  (Intermediate)
SRT2/Grange directions
Brenda Bufalino

"Dancing from the heart"
That's where the beat is the strongest. In class we will work on technique and Bufalino's Double Time exercises inside a Bebop routine. We will also work on shading and nuance, expressing the emotional as well as technical aspects of tap dance.

10:45-noon

Body Music Workshop
Beginner level
The SPACE directions
Keith Terry

Using the oldest instrument on the planet -- the human body -- we will clap, slap, snap, step and vocalize our way through some very fun and funky, original and traditional rhythmic music. BODY MUSIC, also known as body percussion, is an effective way of internalizing rhythmic work, which enhances the development of time, timing, phrasing, listening skills, independence, coordination and ensemble awareness. It is a useful tool for musicians, dancers and movers of all kinds, actors, DJs and film editors -- anyone interested in improving their rhythmic skills. Wear comfortable clothing and clean sneakers or jazz shoes. No previous experience necessary.

Tap Repertory  (Advanced)
SRT2/Grange directions
Brenda Bufalino

Continuing the exploration of the music of Charles Mingus "Meditation on Integration." This has already been shown as a work in progress, and includes phrases in many time signatures. Perfect for counter-pointe.

12:30-1:45

Body Music for Musicians & Dancers  
Intermediate level
The SPACE directions
Keith Terry

See general description above. Students with previous exposure to body music will get the most from this class.

"Once upon a time like there was this guy on stage and he had sparklers coming out of his head ... it was you. You're very good at tap dancing." -- Meaghan, 6 and Rebecca, 10, Australia

Tap Repertoire   (Intermediate)
SRT2/Grange directions
Josh Hilberman

The only guest artist who's been with us longer than the festival itself, Josh managed to find us even though we moved the office. Most likely, he'll teach something from his groovy and eclectic repertoire, but don't be surprised if the king of improv choreographs a piece on the fly. Whatever he decides, this funky rhythm-meister's off-beat humor and relaxed teaching style create a fun and supportive class.

2:00-3:15

Percussive Dance (Intermediate)
The SPACE directions
Sandy Silva

Description coming.

Tap Repertoire   (Advanced)
SRT2/Grange directions
Josh Hilberman

See description above!

African Drumming   (Multi-level)
Connie Bean Center Gym
Sekou Sylla
See African dance description below.

3:30-4:45

Cajon & other Latin Percussion
The SPACE directions
Jorge Perez-Albela

The cajon (box in Spanish), which is traditionally used in Cuban and Peruvian folk music, has lately been gaining acceptance in the world music community for its versatility.

The classes will focus on many aspects that will give the students a solid foundation in the study of this unique instrument. Some topics include:

• Basic technique, proper posture, various sounds.
• Understanding the South American 6/8 rhythms.
• Musical vocabulary from the coast of Peru, where this instrument originally developed. Styles include: Festejo, Marinera, Lando, Peruvian Waltz, etc. Other topics include the study of Flamenco styles such as Rumba and Bulerias.
• Further exploration of the instrument in contemporary settings, such as Funk, R∧B, etc.
• Improvisation will be incorporated in some of the classes.

Jazz Vocals, Inside and Out
SRT2/Grange directions
Jay Clayton

Jay shares her vocal diversity through an exploration of the jazz standards, including a practice approach to vocal improvisation.

African Dance   (Multi-level)
Connie Bean Center Gym
Marilyn Middleton-Sylla

The Bamidele Dancers and Drummers (Artistic Director Marilyn-Middleton Sylla) return with their ever inspiring and joyful African dance and drumming classes! You don't want to miss their classes... great for the mind, body and soul!

The drumming class will cover djembe hand drumming and djun djun stick drumming. The curriculum will be designed for a mix of levels. Drum rentals are available again this year - reserve on the registration form ($25 for the week).