ONLINE Patreon Membership Info below! Get your class at your own time…
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Fall 2024 Class ScheduleWhere:
HOPE Academy Dance Studio* East Liberty Presbyterian Church 116 S Highland Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15206 *Enter through side door off of S. Highland Ave. Sign in as you enter. Proceed straight past guard towards sanctuary. Make a left down the hallway. Make a right down the stairs and the dance studio is at the bottom. There is no allotted parking lot for this building, street parking/paid parking is available.* When: DANCE TECHNIQUE Tuesdays, 9am-10:15am Intermediate/Advanced Mover: Full body warm-up, progressing to standing center exercises, and a center/across the floor combination. Elements of improvisation, Graham technique, pilates/yoga, and release technique incorporated. Join us online! Class available via Zoom. REQUIRED SIGN UP for class to left. $15 Venmo/Cash per class at door $45 4-Class Card Sign up for class is recommended. If joining online, sign up is required to email Zoom link! Online Sign Up Directions: 1. Please register for class to the left. Registration will close ten minutes prior to start of class (in-person walk-ins still open) 2. Please pay for class via Venmo. @shana-simmons-dance -If other payment is needed (check, online transaction, please email shanasimmonsdance@gmail.com in advance) 3. Zoom link will be emailed to you ten minutes prior to class start! Make sure you have enough space to move in (Int/Adv will require more space) |
CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:
SSD MOVES-Dance Technique:
Simmons draws from her Garuda yoga/pilates training to help warm up the body, processing stabilization in the legs and core strength. Floor exercises based on Graham technique and release dance loosen up the body to prepare for standing work.
Center work with plies, tendues, Limón swings, drop swings, and fast shifting exercises challenge the mind and body. We round class out with either a traveling combination that builds upon itself or a center combination phrase.
Come work on a little technique, get that SSD style in your body, and leave feeling full body goodness!
Center work with plies, tendues, Limón swings, drop swings, and fast shifting exercises challenge the mind and body. We round class out with either a traveling combination that builds upon itself or a center combination phrase.
Come work on a little technique, get that SSD style in your body, and leave feeling full body goodness!
SSD MOVES-Intro to Dance Class
Intro to Dance is an open class for all levels and great for beginners! This class focuses on the basics of rhythm, coordination, stretch, and strengthening.
Class begins with a follow along warm up including stretching and core work through a blend of yoga, pilates, and simple exercises (reaches, spine roll down). Following the warm-up, class progresses to basic dance technique exercises: balancing, footwork, pliés, weight shifts. After our bodies feel like we're ready to move, we will travel across the floor in coordination sequences and finish with a center combination, encouraging our muscle memory and having fun with group performance vibes. An open dance party may or may not ensue!
Class begins with a follow along warm up including stretching and core work through a blend of yoga, pilates, and simple exercises (reaches, spine roll down). Following the warm-up, class progresses to basic dance technique exercises: balancing, footwork, pliés, weight shifts. After our bodies feel like we're ready to move, we will travel across the floor in coordination sequences and finish with a center combination, encouraging our muscle memory and having fun with group performance vibes. An open dance party may or may not ensue!
SSD MOVES-OPEN Dance Class
OPEN dance classes focus on basic dance exercises and fun movement flow. Set to fun and inspirational music, these classes are perfect for anyone wanting to try a dance class, but without the pressure of how they look, expectations of technique and intimidation.
Release style is focused on ease of movement and fluidity. Aiming to move with the least amount of tension possible, dancers move through space with efficiency. The dancer-floor connection is really important. These classes are for experienced movers, or intermediate to advanced dancers.
Graham Technique is one of the foundational modern dance forms focusing on using the abdominals and core support for moving through contraction and releasing the spine into extension (sort of an arch position). We work classic ballet lines, so it's great for balance, working on tilts, and classic exercises. This technique is peppered into the release style classes and is geared towards the experienced mover, or intermediate to advanced dancers.
Release style is focused on ease of movement and fluidity. Aiming to move with the least amount of tension possible, dancers move through space with efficiency. The dancer-floor connection is really important. These classes are for experienced movers, or intermediate to advanced dancers.
Graham Technique is one of the foundational modern dance forms focusing on using the abdominals and core support for moving through contraction and releasing the spine into extension (sort of an arch position). We work classic ballet lines, so it's great for balance, working on tilts, and classic exercises. This technique is peppered into the release style classes and is geared towards the experienced mover, or intermediate to advanced dancers.
SSD FITNESS-Matwork Class:
Pilates is a method developed by Joseph Pilates that works your core (abs, lower back, hips, thighs, glutes, and lats) and targets muscle groups to develop a lean look and rehabilitate the body. Say goodby to crunches! Instead use Pilates to deeply work all 4 layers of your abs. Oh, you didn't know there were 4 layers?! You need understanding of the core and how to work through stretch and stabilization for strong functional movement, and spinal health. We've got you!
Yoga/Stretch is our own blend of yoga poses and targeted stretching techniques. In this class we will use therabands and matwork to open up the hips, hamstrings, shoulders and full body.
Garuda is a style of exercise based out of London, UK, and developed by James D'Silva. The routines and exercises are limitless and work every area of your body with a focus on bringing your mind back into exercise while making you the leanest and most flexible you have ever been.
CHAIR (seated) classes + Standing Mat Work available in Garuda style!
Yoga/Stretch is our own blend of yoga poses and targeted stretching techniques. In this class we will use therabands and matwork to open up the hips, hamstrings, shoulders and full body.
Garuda is a style of exercise based out of London, UK, and developed by James D'Silva. The routines and exercises are limitless and work every area of your body with a focus on bringing your mind back into exercise while making you the leanest and most flexible you have ever been.
CHAIR (seated) classes + Standing Mat Work available in Garuda style!
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Patreon Membership Program:
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What IS Patreon?
Patreon is an outside platform that offers creators of all kinds to show their work for minimal pricing... So, say instead of paying for each class individually, you subscribe to the program and receive recorded content which you can do at your leisure! It's also great for sneak peeks into the artistic process, private Q & A's, and content that isn't available to the general public.
Basically, it's a way to support the company AND you get content!
What can I find in the SSD Online Movement Studio?
This online studio is full of unique movement offerings for every level of mover:
-Intro to Dance Class
-Beginner Garuda matwork
-Garuda chair classes
-Beginner Contemporary Dance class
-Int/Adv Contemporary Dance class
You don't need a ton of space in your house or specialized equipment. In each video we will engage with you, educate you, help attain your fitness or dance goals, all while providing fun class experiences. These classes are therapeutic for not only your body, but your soul!
Check out our Fitness Tiers which provide exercises in Pilates, Yoga Stretch, and Garuda Technique (more details listed in the tiers). We offer Dance Technique classes for all levels in our Dance Tier.
If you are interested in working together one-on-one in a small private group of your friends or family members (online or in person!), please email shanasimmonsdance@gmail.com to book (discounts available as a high level tier subscriber!)
Tier Options:
-FITNESS LIBRARY
This tier gives you on-demand access to our library of recorded virtual classes and exercises. Focusing on Pilates Mat Work, Yoga/Stretch Techniques and Sequences, and Garuda Technique, this Tier is great if you want a thorough, full body work out on your own schedule!
Classes available for Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced levels, with intro/taster videos so you can be sure to work yourself out the right way. Don't worry, no matter your level, YOU WILL SWEAT !
-DANCE TECHNIQUE LIBRARY
This tier is access to our library of both recorded virtual live classes and pre-recorded dance exercises! Focusing on contemporary dance styles, this tier is great if you want a variety of movement sequences incorporating release style dance, Graham contractions and core work, classic lines, balancing, floor work and fun flow!
Our dance technique tier offers all levels of classes: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced with intro/taster videos so you can be sure to work yourself out the right way. This library will always be available for you to do on your own time, whenever you're ready.
-ALL STUDIO ACCESSThis tier is the ALL-ACCESS pass to all of our offered libraries PLUS all of our LIVE online classes + ALL STUDIO ACCESS patrons receive a $2 discount to in-person classes!
This is great for families that have different goals or dancers who want to cross train in a variety of styles and focuses.
FITNESS: Pilates Mat Work, Yoga/Stretch Techniques and Sequences, and Garuda Technique
CONTEMPORARY DANCE STYLES: a variety of movement sequences incorporating release style dance, Graham contractions and core work, classic lines, balancing, floor work and fun flow!
INTRO TO DANCE: all levels welcome, great for beginners, this up-beat class helps with coordination, strength/flexibility, and musicality.
Alignment, strength, flexibility, control and expressive quality are all addressed, with detailed attention given to a variety of sought-after skills.
Patreon is an outside platform that offers creators of all kinds to show their work for minimal pricing... So, say instead of paying for each class individually, you subscribe to the program and receive recorded content which you can do at your leisure! It's also great for sneak peeks into the artistic process, private Q & A's, and content that isn't available to the general public.
Basically, it's a way to support the company AND you get content!
What can I find in the SSD Online Movement Studio?
This online studio is full of unique movement offerings for every level of mover:
-Intro to Dance Class
-Beginner Garuda matwork
-Garuda chair classes
-Beginner Contemporary Dance class
-Int/Adv Contemporary Dance class
You don't need a ton of space in your house or specialized equipment. In each video we will engage with you, educate you, help attain your fitness or dance goals, all while providing fun class experiences. These classes are therapeutic for not only your body, but your soul!
Check out our Fitness Tiers which provide exercises in Pilates, Yoga Stretch, and Garuda Technique (more details listed in the tiers). We offer Dance Technique classes for all levels in our Dance Tier.
If you are interested in working together one-on-one in a small private group of your friends or family members (online or in person!), please email shanasimmonsdance@gmail.com to book (discounts available as a high level tier subscriber!)
Tier Options:
-FITNESS LIBRARY
This tier gives you on-demand access to our library of recorded virtual classes and exercises. Focusing on Pilates Mat Work, Yoga/Stretch Techniques and Sequences, and Garuda Technique, this Tier is great if you want a thorough, full body work out on your own schedule!
Classes available for Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced levels, with intro/taster videos so you can be sure to work yourself out the right way. Don't worry, no matter your level, YOU WILL SWEAT !
-DANCE TECHNIQUE LIBRARY
This tier is access to our library of both recorded virtual live classes and pre-recorded dance exercises! Focusing on contemporary dance styles, this tier is great if you want a variety of movement sequences incorporating release style dance, Graham contractions and core work, classic lines, balancing, floor work and fun flow!
Our dance technique tier offers all levels of classes: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced with intro/taster videos so you can be sure to work yourself out the right way. This library will always be available for you to do on your own time, whenever you're ready.
-ALL STUDIO ACCESSThis tier is the ALL-ACCESS pass to all of our offered libraries PLUS all of our LIVE online classes + ALL STUDIO ACCESS patrons receive a $2 discount to in-person classes!
This is great for families that have different goals or dancers who want to cross train in a variety of styles and focuses.
FITNESS: Pilates Mat Work, Yoga/Stretch Techniques and Sequences, and Garuda Technique
CONTEMPORARY DANCE STYLES: a variety of movement sequences incorporating release style dance, Graham contractions and core work, classic lines, balancing, floor work and fun flow!
INTRO TO DANCE: all levels welcome, great for beginners, this up-beat class helps with coordination, strength/flexibility, and musicality.
Alignment, strength, flexibility, control and expressive quality are all addressed, with detailed attention given to a variety of sought-after skills.
BECOME A MEMBER TODAY!
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Creative Performance Workshop
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12-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 shanasimmonsdance@gmail.com 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. |
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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!