WINTER WORKSHOPS 2009

BHANGRA

Sundays, 12:00-1:30pm

Bhangra is a harvest dance originally from the state of Punjab in the northwest corner of India and Pakistan and traditionally danced by men only. As people continue to cross oceans and cultures, bhangra music and dance ceaselessly evolves; influences of hip hop, reggae and many other genres of music inspire the artists who create this new bhangra music and dance. Today bhangra is danced mostly at weddings and celebrations by both men and women.

 

Joti Singh teaches Bhangra all over the San Francisco Bay Area. She also teaches, studies, and performs West African dance from Guinea. Joti has traveled to Guinea several times to study with Master Dancer Moustapha Bangoura and other members of Les Ballets Africains. She has performed throughout the Bay Area, including at UC Berkeley's Zellerbach Hall and on ABC TV's program "View from the Bay." Joti has participated in the Alliance for California Traditional Arts' (ACTA) Apprenticeship program with Alseny Soumah and recently received a grant from the organization to study with Youssouf Koumbassa. Joti founded Duniya Dance Company in April 2007. Joti, with Duniya Dance Company, was an Artist in Residence at CounterPULSE during the summer of 2008 culminating in the show Dhoom Dhamaka! She holds an M.A. in South Asian Studies from UC Berkeley.

 

  

CLOGGING

Sundays, 3:30-5:30pm

Formation Clogging resurfaced as a social dance where people tapped away in square sets of four. The first few minutes of class will focus on step work at the beginning level (intermediate, if no new beginners are in attendance). The middle portion will workshop formation skills, such as traveling and partnering. The final section of class will work on specific dances performed in formation. All classes are very tap friendly for those interesting in learning the roots of tap dance.

 

The Barbary Coast Cloggers (www.barbarycoast.org) are a non-profit organization founded in 1981 and have performed all across North America at world fairs, national clogging events, the San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival, including performances with Nancy Sinatra and right before bluegrass legend Earl Scruggs!

Instructors: Matt Ellinger has been performing with the company since 1991 and has been serving as Artistic Director since 1999.  Matt has studied percussive dance forms since childhood and grew up to complete a Master's in Education.   Ian Enriquez has been performing with the company since 2004 after completing his studies in dance, with a focus on the influence of African dance.  Prior to joining the group, he performed with dance ensembles in the Philippines, England, and Oberlin, Ohio.

 

FLAMENCO DANCE COMPOSITION

Saturdays, 4:00-5:30pm

In this unique and challenging workshop Maestra Sena will guide experienced Flamenco dancers through a compositional collaboration using traditional musical form and specific movement patterns of Flamenco dance.  Repertoire will be decided on the first day of class.

**Minimum 2 years prior Flamenco Dance experience required.

 

INTRO TO FLAMENCO DANCE

Sundays, 6:00-7:30pm

Have you always dreamed of dipping your toes into Flamenco? This ABSOLUTE BEGINNER class is designed to introduce the novice to the basic elements of Flamenco music and dance in a fun, nurturing environment featuring technique and simple combinations. Contact Maestra Sena for more info.

 

*Character/Flamenco/Hard-soled-closed-toe shoes required.

  

Danica Sena is a choreographer/performer who is internationally recognized for her extraordinary energy and artistry.  Her Mediterranean roots and an undying passion for knowledge has led her on a decade-long journey to master the art of Flamenco/Spanish Dance and Culture,  and to the development of a unique methodology that has lauded her superior as an instructor of both youth and adults.  Along with her complete and eclectic dance training she is a consummate singer, musician (piano, flute, violin) and actor and her original choreographies have been performed throughout the U.S., Spain, Mexico, Japan and the Czech Republic.  In 1996 she founded the International Ago Arena Dance Festival in Ugata, Japan which received critical acclaim and is still active today. As a performer she has shared the stage with Ojos de Brujo, Noche Flamenca and renowned director John Mauceri at the Hollywood Bowl, Larry Vuckovich, Carmela Greco, Deepak Chopra, Compañia Rafael Aguilar, Soul Force, Rosa Montoya Bailes Flamencos, Ana Gonzalez, Daniel Doña (Baile Nacional de España,"Chanta la Mui")and La Tania.  Ms. Sena brings to her students a dedication to excellence while maintaining freshness and sincere joy in the learning process.  She is proud to be on faculty at ODC/Rhythm & Motion and currently teaches both Flamenco and Fusion Rhythms Dance Workout.

 

 

HOUSE DANCE

Saturdays, 3:30-5:00pm

House Dance is an umbrella term referring to underground club styles originating in Chicago and NYC. House Dance is done to House Music. This workshop will introduce students to core movement styles including jacking, NYC footwork, and lofting. Jacking, the original style of house dance, comes from Chicago and incorporates body undulations akin to African dance. NYC footwork originated in the disco era of the NYC underground dance scene and has borrowed influences from, lindy, tap, hustle step, salsa and many other dance scenes. Lofting, the oldest of the house styles, includes soft sensual movements often performed on the floor. Come get your feet wet in House Dance so next time you’re in the club you can cut loose and bust a move!

 

fLO-Ology Dance Company is composed of long-time “freestyle” dancers from around the nation, including choreographers Justin “TeN of Quad” Alladin and Sam “Odie” Kim. As artists of different dance backgrounds, they are innovators in creating impressive urban dance choreography entertainment. fLO-Ology has performed extensively in the Bay Area, including at the Hip Hop Dance Fest.

 

 

MEXICAN FOLKLORIC

Sundays, 4:30-6:00pm

In this introductory class, students will be transported to the colorful, energetic and expressive world of Mexican folk culture.  Students will learn about the traditional dance and music from Mexico along with its varied footwork accompaniment.

Note: Character shoes or hard-soled shoes recommended.

Norberto Martínez is a native of Yucatán peninsula, México with over 10 years experience internationally as dance instructor, choreographer and performer.    He is founder/artistic director of Folklórico Atlatonín and collaborates regularly with dance companies of all styles throughout the Bay Area.

 

SALSA RUEDA

Sundays

12:00– 1:30 pm: Women’s Salsa

1:30– 3:00 pm: Intermediate Salsa

3:00– 4:30 pm: Advanced Salsa

Sidney’s class teaches Miami-style Salsa and Havana-style Casino moves. Each class addresses three distinct levels (i.e. Beg 1, 2, & 3) taught simultaneously by three instructors. See the curricula on www.SalsaRueda.com to find your level (or see an instructor).

 

Sidney Weaverling has studied Salsa Rueda, and Cuban movement in Cuba, Miami, and the Bay Area. She currently teaches Cuban-style movement, Salsa, and Rueda in Santa Cruz and the Bay Area. For more information about Sidney’s classes email sidweaverling@yahoo.com

 

 

SAMBA

Sundays, 2:00-3:30pm

This is an energetic and aerobic samba class incorporating several styles of Brazilian dance: Rio (Carnaval) samba, Samba Axe' (from Bahia which includes learning fun dance routines to up tempo-songs), Samba Reggae (Afro-Brazilian influences), and Frevo (a fast paced dance originating from Pernambuco). All levels welcome!

Raffaella has been a professional Brazilian dance performer since 1998. Raffaella’s dance training and experience includes performing professionally with numerous Brazilian dance companies in the Bay Area and performing both locally and internationally both in Europe and Brazil. She has performed in numerous types of events including the SF Carnaval Ball and many SF Carnaval Parades. In 2004, she became co-founder of Sambamora Dance Company which offers dance classes, performances and costume design in the Bay Area. Raffaella’s samba class was also awarded best of the bay in 2004. She is currently teaching samba workshops through ODC/ Rhythm and Motion and UCSF Bakar Fitness Center . She also teaches youth samba classes at Out Of Site Youth Arts Center.

 

 

TAI CHI SWORD with Liping Zhu & John Gruenwald

Sundays, 6:00-7:30pm

In this workshop, we will study Taoist Master Yu Anren’s family tradition of Taiyi Riding the Wind Sword, which is the brother form of Master Yu’s Swimming Dragon Chuan. Originated from Wudang mountain in China, this sword form is very rare and uniquely beautiful and energetic.  No previous experience necessary.  No drop-ins after the 3rd week of the class.

 

Note: You will need to bring your own Taichi sword.

 

Liping Julia Zhu is a certified Qigong/Taichi instructor from China and a disciple of Taoist Master Yu Anren. She was a gold medalist in the 1996 International Martial Arts Tournament. She is the Qigong instructor at the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, a licensed acupuncturist, and a Zen student, currently residing at San Francisco Zen Center.  More at www.qidragon.com

 

 

  

TRIBAL BELLY

Saturdays, 2:30-4:00pm

 

Jill Parker and UltraGypsy’s theatrical performances have entranced audiences all over the world. Our skilled and versatile dancers perform and teach across the country at a variety of nightclubs and dance events. Jill Parker has over a decade of experience as an instructor, and has trained many of California’s top belly dancers. For more information visit www.ultragypsy.com.

 

 

 

UNDERGROUND AESTHETICS

Sundays, 6:30-8:00pm

Underground Aesthetics includes house dance footwork and athletic "lofting" style floor movement. House is a street dance style that is influenced by capoeira, tap, salsa, and dances of the African Diaspora.  Klaymoon's choreography incorporates other dance styles including popping, waaking, punking, b-girl, and modern. The class
balances choreography and technique with the raw free style energy that is inherent in street dance.  It is an inclusive and supportive atmosphere for people to cultivate in this unique underground form. Come celebrate who you are in movement and get a work out.  All levels
are welcome.

Nicole Klaymoon received a B.A. in dance from UCLA. Her one-woman
show, The Sixth Vowel, combines underground dance styles with
spoken-word and theater.  She has toured her solo show to various
festivals around the world.  Some of which include, Hip-Hop Theater
Festival New York and DC, Miami Project Hip-Hop, Illadelph Legends of
Hip-Hop Festival in Philadelphia, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and the
Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland. Klaymoon has also danced in
works directed by Rennie Harris, Marc Bamuthi-Joseph, Kamilah Forbes,
and Meredith Monk.

 

 

 

 

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SPRING PERFORMANCE WORKSHOPS 2009

Info coming soon!

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 SUMMER WORKSHOPS 2009

Info coming soon!