SPRING Class Offerings (coming soon):
Where:
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: SSD MOVES-Open Dance Movement: Brief warm up with center exercises/combinations! BEG/INT LEVEL SSD FITNESS-Garuda Pilates/Yoga Matwork: Please bring your own pilates/yoga mat or towel to class! Join us online! Matwork class available via Zoom. SIGN UP for class to the left. $10 Venmo/Cash per class at door or purchase online Sign up for class is recommended. If joining online, sign up is required to email Zoom link!SS |
CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:
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!
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!
Private & Private Group Lessons:
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!
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
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 |