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MotionArt focuses on nurturing children’s individual creativity while facilitating their understanding of the dance elements of Space, Time and Energy. Ages 3-6 explore these elements through playful, structured activities allowing them to expand their movement vocabulary, develop body awareness and gain self-confidence. Ages 7-10 explore the dance elements while being introduced to new movement skills and the creation of their own dances. Ages 11-13 expand their creative and kinesthetic awareness while learning basic movement skills of modern dance.

We are currently offering Creative Dance/Intro to Modern Dance classes for ages 7-10 at the Center for Performing Arts, Sunroom.

Spring Session, March 19-May 19. Nine weeks.
$100 full session
Saturdays, 3:00-3:50pm

Please go to motionartmn.org to sign up for classes, or contact Pam Gleason for info.

Paying the regular rate helps keep our organization afloat; however, no one will be turned away for inability to pay. There is also an option to pay what you can.

Registration is open April 15–May 21 for The Arena’s upcoming Summer Session May 9–July 30!
Register here

Adult Classes for Summer Session: 
Ages 16+
Drop-in: $17.
10-class cards available – save money!

Tuesdays, 10:00-11:30am: Moving Practice with monthly revolving instructors. Blake Nellis teaches this May!
Wednesdays, 6:00-7:30pm: Contemporary with Elayna Waxse
Fridays, 10:00-11:30am: Contemporary Flow with Mathew Janczewski
Saturdays, 12:00-1:00pm: GYROKINESIS® Method with Non Edwards

Creative Movement: six-week session; $72.
For 4- through 8-year-olds, Creative Movement is designed to give young artists the tools they need to explore their unique voices, alone and as an ensemble. Dancers hone age-appropriate modern, ballet, and jazz vocabularies, while growing creatively.

Taught by Kendall Kramer, class dives into the four elements of the artistic process: creating, performing, responding, and connecting. Students learn dance terminology in addition to creatively describing common dance exercises and explorations. Examples of class themes include responding to stimuli, learning how to modify dance steps, creating the structure of a story, and interpreting written or visual art (literacy and reading comprehension not necessary). Exercises, music, and props are carefully chosen to stimulate the imagination and expand upon common experiences of the young dancer. Introduction to the historical and cultural roots of dance, body-awareness, and breathing, in an inclusive environment of laughter and cheer.

Boys Dance: six-week session; $72.
Geared for young people ages 5-11 that want to move!

Blake Nellis offers an inclusive approach to dance for people of all ability, age and experience. Over the six weeks, students will explore self expression, a range of physical energies and group collaboration. The dancing skills and techniques will be integrated into the dancer’s interests and styles. Many dance games, scores and improvisations will be facilitated through solo and ensemble movement. Come play!

Mathew’s work is best described as contemporary, spanning an array of styles – from quietly evocative to physically demanding, full of spiraling momentum that draws energy into the core and spreads it out like disco ball beams of light. At times, movement focuses on the dancers’ bends and folds, creating shape as one shifts and moves, forging moments of connection.

Class focuses on opening up curiosity, finding internal pathways within the body and the contrast of those same pathways. An assortment of texture, speed, density, length, force and resistance will be taught to open these skills.

Fridays, 10:00-11:30am
Summer Session: May 13-July 29
Pre-register at https://www.arena-dances.org/the-arena/
Drop-in rate is $17 with flexible pricing and free parking!

Mathew Janczewski’s inquisitive, immersive and heartfelt approach to contemporary dance reaches beyond the surface and holds the viewer in its embrace. With over 35 works in his repertoire and more than two decades of experience as a choreographer, Mathew has cultivated a highly diverse and mesmerizing style of movement.

Wednesdays, 6:00-7:30pm at The Arena
Contemporary with Elayna Waxse

Drop in: $17. Buy a 10-class card and save!
Summer Session: May 11-July 27
Register here: https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/classic/mainclass

This class contextualizes contemporary dance technique as an ongoing process of body awareness within larger ecological systems. How we exist in our bodies replicates how we exist in the world. Utilizing improvisation, set phrasework, somatic exercises and conversation, we will explore physical prowess, sensitivity and authenticity of movement experiences.

Elayna Waxse (she/they) is a Twin Cities-based performer, dance educator, and choreographer who hails from Overland Park, Kansas. Professionally, Elayna has worked with Minnesota Dance Theatre, Colorado Ballet/Colorado Ballet Studio Company, Black Label Movement, BodyCartography Project, Hatch Dance, and with Cie. Ismael Ivo at ImPulsTanz Vienna International Dance Festival 2014. They were a member of TU Dance from 2012 to 2019, and were part of the original creation team of Come Through, the collaboration between TU Dance and Grammy-award winning musical group Bon Iver. Through this collaboration Elayna performed at the Hollywood Bowl (LA, CA), the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts (Washington, D.C.), and at Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival (Manchester, TN). Their choreographic work has been supported by Minnesota Dance Theatre, Threads Dance Project, University of Minnesota Opera Theatre, St. Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists, Ballet Minnesota’s MN Dance Festival, Zenon Dance Zone, 9×22, and Future Interstates. She is a 2019 recipient of a McKnight Fellowship in Dance.

Curiosity, Connection, Community, Choice

Wednesdays from 10:00-11:30am
Through May 18.
Synchronous in-person and Zoom/virtual options.

Class rates:
1 Single Practice/Drop In: $15
5 Practices: $70, save $5
10 Practices: $130, save $20
No one will be turned away due to lack of funds.
Please email alternativemotionproject@gmail.com for low/no cost options or questions.

About the Practice
Move BIG, sweat and play in an energizing atmosphere each week! Movers will build awareness and explore expansive possibilities within their own individuality and identities. Through improvised and structured movement vocabulary, participants will be encouraged to research freedom, 3-D expansion, mobility, rigor, presence, and agency within an empowering experience.

Suitable for professional, pre-professional, and/or intermediate/advanced movers, ages 18+. Knee pads recommended. Led by AMP Co-Director, Joanna Lees. Come as you are!

It is required that you register 30 minutes prior to practice start time for the Zoom option.
Pre-registration strongly encouraged for in person, but not required.
Register at: https://www.alternativemotionproject.org/registration-page.html
Please arrive at least 10 minutes prior to practice start time if participating in person.

If class size needs to be limited, priority will be given to those who are registered.
CDC Guidelines for COVID-19 will be required. Masks required unless otherwise specified. For the most up to date policy, visit AMP’s website.

Photo: V. Paul Virtucio