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SSD Company Classes are BACK!
Starting Sunday, January 18! Intermediate/Advanced Level 9:30am - 11am | $12 Online Pay/Sign up OR Door Only: Venmo (preferred)/Cash Registration for class is recommended East Liberty Presbyterian Church (Gym) *the FIRST Sunday of everyone month we will be in the dance studio* 116 S Highland Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15206 GYM DIRECTIONS: Enter through side door off of S. Highland Ave. Take the staircase to the right of the guard (when looking at the desk) down TWO LEVELS to the basement level. The gym door is directly at the bottom of the staircase. DANCE STUDIO DIRECTIONS: Enter through the side door off of S. Highland Ave. Take the staircase to the right of the guard (when looking at the desk) down ONE LEVEL. As you're walking down the stairs, walk to the wall and make a right down the corridor. The dance studio will be on your left directly opposite the water fountain. |
2026 Company Class Offerings
Full body warm-up, progressing to standing center exercises, and a center/across the floor combination. Rotating teachers come with different influences and styles, please check the schedule and see below for more details!
Modern with Madisyn Montgomery
February 15 | April 19
Explore a mixture of Horton Technique, Countertechnique, and contemporary styles.
Musical Theatre Jazz with Tyler Anderson
February 8 | March 29
Learn an upbeat, dynamic combination with equal parts physicality and theatricality.
Modern with Shana Simmons
January 18 | March 15 | May 3
Embody components of Graham Technique, Cunningham Technique, and other foundational movements.
Ballet with Autumn B-C
January 25 | March 22
Sharpen your skills at the barre and across the floor with a contemporary twist.
Contemporary with Brittany Nettles
February 1 | April 12
Connect your mind and body while expanding your practice and engaging in floor work.
Ballet/Jazz with Nicole Jones
March 8 | April 26
Challenge your pick-up skills and technical levels through barre and combinations.
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Creative Performance Workshop
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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 teachers and 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.
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!