Ballet
Ballet is the foundation of dance; every dance form uses ballet positions and vocabulary. It is imperative for all dancers and aspiring dancers to know ballet technique and terminology. Ballet is not a supplement for any other dance forms, it is the substance. If Dance were a language, ballet would be the letters that form the words. Ballet is best known for dancers with “stream-lined” bodies in Pointe shoes, with high extensions, dancing precise, graceful, ethereal movements. But don’t let that intimidate or discourage you; Ballet is for dancers at any age, with every body type, at every level of dance knowledge. It promotes the development of flexibility, long lean muscles and strength.
Chinese Classical & Folk Dance
Over 55 minority groups and 1 major group exist within the boundaries of China. Chinese Classical Dance has been influenced by Ballet and Modern dance, but its distinctiveness stems from its roots in Chinese Opera, Kung-Fu, and regional folk dances. Props, such as long silk sleeves, fans, handkerchiefs, hats, etc..., are sometimes used to add drama and intrigue. Its story lines come from Chinese Operas, History, Legends and Mythologies. We at Shin Dance wish to serve as a bridge to anyone who wishes to understand and appreciate the beauty of Chinese culture.
Adult Dance & Chinese Folk
It is never too late to start dancing! Our adult dance classes are designed to serve as an introduction to dance and movement for dancers at any age, with or without dance experience. Pursue that desire for dance you’ve had since you were young, or try it just for fun! In our biased opinion, it is the best exercises that you can participate in, because it tones your body while creating ageless beauty through body and spirit.
Zumba
Zumba® Fitness is like no other workout you will ever experience!
Zumba® Fitness was created in the mid-90’s by Colombian native Alberto “Beto” Perez, a celebrity fitness trainer and choreographer for International pop superstars. Inspired by the traditional cumbia, salsa, samba and merengue music he grew up with, Beto paired his favorite pulsating Latin rhythms with the red-hot international dance steps his clients loved and Zumba® Fitness (Spanish slang for “to move fast and have fun”) was born!
Since Beto brought Zumba® Fitness to the US in 1999, it has become one of the fastest-growing, dance-based fitness crazes in the country, with people of all ages falling in love with its infectious music, easy-to-follow dance moves, and body-beautifying benefits.
Zumba fuses hypnotic musical rhythms and tantalizing moves to create a dynamic workout system designed to be FUN and EASY TO DO!
Hip-Hop
In a dance studio, Hip-Hop refers to dance styles primarily danced to Hip-Hop music, or dance that evolved out of the Hip-Hop culture. Because of how it was formed and how it’s being practiced, it is considered a street dance. This means, with or without a formal dance background, whether or not you’ve had the resources to have been dancing since you were four, you can dance this style! Today, many classes practice elements of various Hip-Hop dances, often mixing them with more structured dance styles such as Jazz. Being such a broad genre, it gives students room to interpret the movements in various ways. Although Hip-Hop classes are fast-paced and challenging, it allows each dancer to emphasize their creative rhythmic talents.
Lyrical Dance
Lyrical Dance is a fusion of ballet and jazz techniques. Lyrical challenges choreographers and dancers to use connecting and flowing movements to interpret music and express inner emotions. This emotional expression is a critical element in Lyrical dance. Its lines are on a central axis, but often use tilts, arches, spirals, and curves as an aesthetic addition. When running, dancers lead with toes and connect with the floor with a light, airy quality. This dynamic dance form allows dancers expand their knowledge of ballet and jazz techniques, while challenging them to express their emotions and tell the music’s story.
Jazz
Jazz is the most popular dance form amongst amateur dancers. Its movements are big, exaggerated and there is typically an attitude the dancer wants to convey to the audience. Jazz emphasizes isolation, which is moving one part of the body such as the head, shoulder, or pelvis, while the rest of the body is still. It also emphasizes suspension, which is moving through a position rather than balancing. It is fast paced, so even though Jazz looks easy and fun, dancers must be in really good shape. Though both Jazz and Modern dance techniques are based on ballet, both are considered a rebellion against it.
Modern
Modern dance began in America at the end of the 19th century in rebellion and defiance against classical Ballet. Although Modern dancers are required to know Ballet, the intention of Modern Dance is to break the rules. While Ballet technique may be used, the choreographer has the freedom to use turned-in positions, flexed feet, non-traditional port de bras, etc... Some Modern technique and theory include: fall and recovery, sequential, and successional movements, chance theory, music visualization, curves, contractions, and contact improvisation. This is one of the very few dance forms danced with bare feet and dancers often strive to use the pull of gravity to make contact with the floor.
Tap
Tap Dance started during the 19th century, and is a uniquely American dance form. Tap flourished in the U.S. form 1900 to 1955, when it was the main dance style performed on Vaudeville and Broadway. Vaudeville was inexpensive entertainment before television and it employed droves of skilled tap dancers. The name “Tap Dance” comes from the tapping sounds made when the metal plates on the dancer’s shoes touch the hard floor. This lively rhythmic tapping makes the performer not just a dancer, but also a percussive musician. Some of the greatest hoofers include: Fred Astaire, Donald O’Connor, Anne Miller, Eleanor Powell, Gene Kelly, Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, and Gregory Hines. There’s something undeniably energizing and liberating about this great Americana style of dance.
Pilates
Pilates is a method of movement pioneered by Joseph Pilates in the 1930’s. It comprises of over 500 slow and controlled resistance exercises done on a mat or specialized equipments. Pilates focuses on strengthening core muscles, including the abdominals, gluteals, hip region, and lower back. It also focuses on strengthening the spine to provide relief from back problems. It helps improve posture, balance and flexibility. It also releases tension by the use of correct breathing in conjunction with the movements. It creates lean, elongated muscles, perfect for achieving a dancer’s stream-lined body.
Yoga
Yoga will strengthen and bring more flexibility to your body as well as assist in the proper function of your internal organs while digestion, immune, respiratory and circulatory systems improve as well.
You will learn more about how to relax your mind and body and how to take techniques with you to practice on your own time. You will also learn to be more familiar with where your body and mind holds tension and how to begin releasing that tension.
Here are 10 quick tips for maximizing your Yoga experience...
1) Wear comfortable, breathable clothing that allows freedom of movement. Somewhat fitting is best.
2) Please pay lots of attention to your pattern of breath while practicing yoga. This will be explained and encouraged throughout class as it is simply the most important part!
3) It is important not to eat before yoga class because we are working the insides as well as the outside. Ideally, try not to eat a couple of hours prior to class.
4) It is fine to bring water, however, try to take only small sips if you need to drink during class.
5) Please try to be on time and stay for the duration of class. If you do need to leave early please let me know before class begins.
6) Please try to avoid wearing heavy cologne or perfume as a courtesy to others who may have allergies to them.
8) Feel free to bring props such as yoga blocks and/or straps to class. These things can be helpful although not necessary. It is also recommended that you bring your own yoga mat.
9) Keep in mind that this class is for YOU! So have fun with the poses, rest whenever you need to, go at your own pace and never do anything that does not feel comfortable. We are all works in progress-SMILE and never be discouraged!
10) Thank you for being here and let me know if you have any questions. I will do my best to help!
Happy Yoga!