|
SLIGHT CLASS TIME CHANGE FOR 8/13 & 8/20
|
CLASS DETAILS:
When: July 2-August 20, 2024
Intermediate/Advanced
Tuesdays, 5:15-6:30pm
This class is taught at a faster pace for movers that have trained in some form of dance before. Modifications may be given, but the expectation is that you should know your limits and function within them. The pace will push you and challenge your body through technique and stylistic experiences.
Open Level
Tuesdays, 6:30-7:45pm
This class is taught at a slower pace for all levels of movers. Some movement background is helpful, but not required. The class will move at the general overall level of the movers, modifications will be given to help with particular movements. The class experience will emphasize feeling good about your body moving through space in a particular style.
Intermediate/Advanced
Tuesdays, 5:15-6:30pm
This class is taught at a faster pace for movers that have trained in some form of dance before. Modifications may be given, but the expectation is that you should know your limits and function within them. The pace will push you and challenge your body through technique and stylistic experiences.
Open Level
Tuesdays, 6:30-7:45pm
This class is taught at a slower pace for all levels of movers. Some movement background is helpful, but not required. The class will move at the general overall level of the movers, modifications will be given to help with particular movements. The class experience will emphasize feeling good about your body moving through space in a particular style.
SCHEDULE OF EDUCATORS:
Full Class Descriptions
July 2: Brittany Nettles - Contemporary
Nettles' classes focus heavily on release technique exercises, building to large floor work phrases. Students will find ways to move efficiently in and out of the floor, release unnecessary tension, and ride the rollercoaster of momentum throughout the class. Nettles has trained in a variety of modern techniques that inform their teaching style, including exercises that explore contraction and release, side body stretches, drop swings, weight shift, and more. Nettles' warm up may include anything from improvisational practices to yoga work. Be prepared with long sleeves, knee pads, or whatever you need to get grooving across the floor!
July 9: Jennifer Keller - Modern/Contemporary
This class will invite dancers to make personal choices about their movement dynamics within choreographed and improvisational frameworks. The use of breath, weight, release and support will aid dancers throughout this sensory experience.
July 16: Jesse Factor - Modern/Graham Technique
Working with concepts of contraction/release, spiral of the body on its axis, and shift of weight, experience classic Graham movement vocabulary in ways that prioritize use of breath, opposition, and concepts of ease and efficiency. Let the body yield and radiate!
July 23: Ebony Cunningham - Contemporary
Ebony Cunningham is a graduate of Point Park University and has had training in Jazz, Modern—including Horton, Limón, and Graham techniques, street jazz, and contemporary dance style’s. As a result Ebony brings a rich diversity of dance influences to their classes. Ebony’s classes are characterized by their fluidity and grounded nature, emphasizing weight shifting and musicality. Each class begins with a gentle warm-up to prepare the body and mind, fostering a sense of presence and mindfulness throughout the practice. Ebony's teaching approach encourages dancers to explore their artistic expression, prioritizing thoughtful movement choices over technical perfection. The class concludes in a combination that allows students to integrate the techniques and concepts explored during the session. Music selection is eclectic, ranging from popular tunes to Indie, rock, and synth wave, creating a diverse and stimulating environment for creative exploration.
July 30: Madisyn Montgomery - Modern/Contemporary
Classes are physical, utilizing anatomical structure as references and tools in order to allow the dancer to move fully and freely while maintaining technique. Madisyn trained heavily in Cunningham and Countertechnique which her classes draw inspiration from. Starting with a simple foundation involving light stretching and exercises to warm up the body, dancers will focus on specific elements throughout the class leading them into a larger combination. Madisyn uses popular music including rap and moves the class at a comfortable pace.
August 6: Jamie Erin Murphy - Contemporary
Jamie's class approaches modern dance from an anatomical viewpoint that will get you moving! Through floor, standing and traveling exercises, you will explore phrase work in both a technical and functional way. Classes are open to all bodies and modifications can be made to fit your needs.
August 13: Anthony Alterio - Contemporary Jazz
Alterio’s idiosyncratic movement showcases various styles of Jazz and Commercial Street Styles that involve smooth, sharp, and sensual movement. With a driving force of fierceness his classes encourage the dancer to find their inner ferocious beast mode in order to build confidence not just in movement but to their inner voice. He encourages all dancers to use what they have in the moment to become not just stronger dancers technically, but more dynamic movers and humans. Alterio graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder with a B.A. in Dance and Psychology, as well as a M.F.A. from The University of Michigan.
August 20: Nicole Jones - Jazz
Nicole's classes and choreography are a true blend of what "jazz" is being seen as today - terminology and class structure based in classical jazz, modern, ballet with a little street, funk, and theater stylings sprinkled in! Class flows from cardio warm-up, to deep stretching and strength training, followed by short exercises in center and progressions across the floor. Performance quality is a key focus and a short jazz combination culminates the class to celebrate moving and encourage everyone to find their flair!
Nettles' classes focus heavily on release technique exercises, building to large floor work phrases. Students will find ways to move efficiently in and out of the floor, release unnecessary tension, and ride the rollercoaster of momentum throughout the class. Nettles has trained in a variety of modern techniques that inform their teaching style, including exercises that explore contraction and release, side body stretches, drop swings, weight shift, and more. Nettles' warm up may include anything from improvisational practices to yoga work. Be prepared with long sleeves, knee pads, or whatever you need to get grooving across the floor!
July 9: Jennifer Keller - Modern/Contemporary
This class will invite dancers to make personal choices about their movement dynamics within choreographed and improvisational frameworks. The use of breath, weight, release and support will aid dancers throughout this sensory experience.
July 16: Jesse Factor - Modern/Graham Technique
Working with concepts of contraction/release, spiral of the body on its axis, and shift of weight, experience classic Graham movement vocabulary in ways that prioritize use of breath, opposition, and concepts of ease and efficiency. Let the body yield and radiate!
July 23: Ebony Cunningham - Contemporary
Ebony Cunningham is a graduate of Point Park University and has had training in Jazz, Modern—including Horton, Limón, and Graham techniques, street jazz, and contemporary dance style’s. As a result Ebony brings a rich diversity of dance influences to their classes. Ebony’s classes are characterized by their fluidity and grounded nature, emphasizing weight shifting and musicality. Each class begins with a gentle warm-up to prepare the body and mind, fostering a sense of presence and mindfulness throughout the practice. Ebony's teaching approach encourages dancers to explore their artistic expression, prioritizing thoughtful movement choices over technical perfection. The class concludes in a combination that allows students to integrate the techniques and concepts explored during the session. Music selection is eclectic, ranging from popular tunes to Indie, rock, and synth wave, creating a diverse and stimulating environment for creative exploration.
July 30: Madisyn Montgomery - Modern/Contemporary
Classes are physical, utilizing anatomical structure as references and tools in order to allow the dancer to move fully and freely while maintaining technique. Madisyn trained heavily in Cunningham and Countertechnique which her classes draw inspiration from. Starting with a simple foundation involving light stretching and exercises to warm up the body, dancers will focus on specific elements throughout the class leading them into a larger combination. Madisyn uses popular music including rap and moves the class at a comfortable pace.
August 6: Jamie Erin Murphy - Contemporary
Jamie's class approaches modern dance from an anatomical viewpoint that will get you moving! Through floor, standing and traveling exercises, you will explore phrase work in both a technical and functional way. Classes are open to all bodies and modifications can be made to fit your needs.
August 13: Anthony Alterio - Contemporary Jazz
Alterio’s idiosyncratic movement showcases various styles of Jazz and Commercial Street Styles that involve smooth, sharp, and sensual movement. With a driving force of fierceness his classes encourage the dancer to find their inner ferocious beast mode in order to build confidence not just in movement but to their inner voice. He encourages all dancers to use what they have in the moment to become not just stronger dancers technically, but more dynamic movers and humans. Alterio graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder with a B.A. in Dance and Psychology, as well as a M.F.A. from The University of Michigan.
August 20: Nicole Jones - Jazz
Nicole's classes and choreography are a true blend of what "jazz" is being seen as today - terminology and class structure based in classical jazz, modern, ballet with a little street, funk, and theater stylings sprinkled in! Class flows from cardio warm-up, to deep stretching and strength training, followed by short exercises in center and progressions across the floor. Performance quality is a key focus and a short jazz combination culminates the class to celebrate moving and encourage everyone to find their flair!
|
|
|
Creative Performance Workshop
|
9-week workshop experience with Shana Simmons
~Want to dust off those dancin' shoes and express yourself on stage to a receptive, welcoming audience?
~Nervous about the idea of performing, but really want to put your thoughts and emotions into an artistic creation?
~Want to reassess who you are as a dancer or artist?
- Want mentorship through the process of creating your next piece or shaping your idea into a polished work?
~Just want a great performance opportunity?
This workshop is for you!
~Want to dust off those dancin' shoes and express yourself on stage to a receptive, welcoming audience?
~Nervous about the idea of performing, but really want to put your thoughts and emotions into an artistic creation?
~Want to reassess who you are as a dancer or artist?
- Want mentorship through the process of creating your next piece or shaping your idea into a polished work?
~Just want a great performance opportunity?
This workshop is for you!
Youth Educational ProgrammingAs part of Shana Simmons Dance's mission, education plays a vital role in how we approach dance, lifestyles and healthy living. We are dedicated to encouraging movement for health in all bodies. We offer experienced teachers with movement education training and backgrounds to facilitate all levels of movers.
For more information and to express interest email [email protected] SSD is currently in partnership with HOPE Academy. Simmons and teachers facilitate a Music & Dance class on Wednesdays for grades 1-6. Visit HOPE Academy's web page for sign ups. |
|
Pittsburgh Dance Institute
In-School, 1-weekly class per 4th grade class, Sept-May
Based off of the National Dance Institute's in-school program, it has been a desire of Simmons to start a similar structure providing every fourth grade class in a school with movement and music classes. Students work with three artistic teachers for a 45-minute class period (this is adjustable) once a week from September through May. Students move through a general warm up with a live musician and begin to learn steps and sequences from Day 1. Two co-teachers help assist and lead classes, keeping children engaged and excited.
The children have two performances throughout the year, a mid-year performance for the rest of the school (typically held in a gym or theater at the school) and an End of Year performance, focused on a specific theme. These shows are artistically created with story lines, new music, and each class has their own dance representing different elements of the story. During Simmons' time at NDI in New York City, past themes were Albert Einstein, Mexico, Africa, and A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare. Students learn about the themes during the classes as well as the movement portion of class.
The children have two performances throughout the year, a mid-year performance for the rest of the school (typically held in a gym or theater at the school) and an End of Year performance, focused on a specific theme. These shows are artistically created with story lines, new music, and each class has their own dance representing different elements of the story. During Simmons' time at NDI in New York City, past themes were Albert Einstein, Mexico, Africa, and A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare. Students learn about the themes during the classes as well as the movement portion of class.
VDEP After School
After School, 1-2 weekly classes, 9-week program
The Virtual Dance Exchange Project(VDEP) was a 2021 initiative that incorporated new technologies and a 4-person collaboration of creative minds to produce new dance works filmed in 360-degree technology, community outreach experiences in VR and dance classes, and a 3-part online speaker workshop series generating conversation about race and dance, education and dance post-pandemic, and the intersection of technology and the arts through the lens of accessibility.
The VDEP after-school program targets 4th-12th grades (with different appropriate age groupings) and takes students through both a 45minute dance/music class and a 45minute new technology course. Through this 9-week process, students will study specific elements of emerging technologies and create a dance work utilizing these technologies. For example, students will study different perspectives on how to watch dance from different positions, discuss how their view changes what they see, and then learn about filming in 360-degree technology. How the camera works, what the experience feels like to be immersed via headset, etc. Students and teachers will work together to create a piece to be filmed and uploaded to YouTube. This can be accessible for parents and friends to watch at their leisure.
The VDEP after-school program targets 4th-12th grades (with different appropriate age groupings) and takes students through both a 45minute dance/music class and a 45minute new technology course. Through this 9-week process, students will study specific elements of emerging technologies and create a dance work utilizing these technologies. For example, students will study different perspectives on how to watch dance from different positions, discuss how their view changes what they see, and then learn about filming in 360-degree technology. How the camera works, what the experience feels like to be immersed via headset, etc. Students and teachers will work together to create a piece to be filmed and uploaded to YouTube. This can be accessible for parents and friends to watch at their leisure.
Private & Private Group Lessons:
Current Private Lesson Offerings:
Modern Dance Technique & Performance Coaching
Movement for Musicians
Intro to Dance
Wedding Dance & Choreography
Modern Dance Technique & Performance Coaching
Movement for Musicians
Intro to Dance
Wedding Dance & Choreography
Interested in learning in a one-to-one environment? Book a uniquely tailored private lesson today! OR gather a small group together and tailor your own class environment!
Simmons didn't begin dance training until the age of 18. Her love of studying the body and how it moves began at Elon College when she was thinking she'd be a Communications Major. She soon discovered she was born to dance and began training at Point Park University through their Conservatory Dance Department. From New York City to London and back to Pittsburgh, Simmons has trained in the Graham technique, release style dance from Alexandra Beller, David Dorfman and others, and studied choreography, analysis of movement and Cunningham technique during her London years. With a variety of styles under her belt and progressing from knowing nothing about movement to being a professional performer, her experiences have given her the ability to suite your specific needs and meet you where you are.
Whether you're a musician wanting to know more about movement and how it can aid your performance skills, a dancer that wants to increase performance ability, or a beginner who is uncomfortable going to a dance class, Simmons can tailor a program to get your where you want to be!
Simmons didn't begin dance training until the age of 18. Her love of studying the body and how it moves began at Elon College when she was thinking she'd be a Communications Major. She soon discovered she was born to dance and began training at Point Park University through their Conservatory Dance Department. From New York City to London and back to Pittsburgh, Simmons has trained in the Graham technique, release style dance from Alexandra Beller, David Dorfman and others, and studied choreography, analysis of movement and Cunningham technique during her London years. With a variety of styles under her belt and progressing from knowing nothing about movement to being a professional performer, her experiences have given her the ability to suite your specific needs and meet you where you are.
Whether you're a musician wanting to know more about movement and how it can aid your performance skills, a dancer that wants to increase performance ability, or a beginner who is uncomfortable going to a dance class, Simmons can tailor a program to get your where you want to be!