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The GYROKINESIS® Method is a movement method that addresses the entire body, opening energy pathways, stimulating the nervous system, increasing range of motion and creating functional strength through rhythmic, flowing movement sequences. It is an original and unique method which coordinates movement, breath and mental focus.

Tuesdays, 4:00-5:00pm at The Arena

No class March 1. Brittany Fridenstine-Keefe teaches March 22-April 9.

Pre-registration preferred but not necessary at https://www.arena-dances.org/the-arena/
Drop in rate is $17 with flexible pricing and free parking!

Non Edwards is a dancer, choreographer, and Gyrokinesis Method Trainer. She was first introduced to the Gyrokinesis Method by Deborah Jinza Thayer. Non has studied with Domini Anne, Miriam Barbosa, Erika Hassan, Jane Gotch, and Kerry Parker. Cross-training with the Gyrokinesis Method supports Non’s career as a freelance dancer.

Non has danced in DIY and non-art spaces as well as the Seattle Art Fair, Walker Art Center, Nelson-Atkins Museum, and the Twin Cities’ Bedlam, Bedlam Lowertown, Bryant-Lake Bowl, Ritz, Fitzgerald, McGuire, Southern, and Goodale Theaters; in Massachusetts at Jacob’s Pillow; and in Hawai’i at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. In 2020 Non was awarded a McKnight Dancer Fellowship. She has been a member of ARENA Dances since 2016.

Matthew’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, creating 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, 10:00-11:30 am
Through April 8
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.

Mathew’s work has garnered praise in the Twin Cities and beyond. He has created commissioned works for companies such as Minnesota Dance Theater, Cleveland Repertory Co., aTrek Dance, and Zenon Dance Company. He was the Bates Festival choreographer (2001), received the Sage Award for Outstanding Performance (2005), and won the McKnight Choreographers Fellowship (2005). In 2008, Dance Magazine named him as one of their “25 to Watch.”

Shortly after receiving his degree in dance at the University of Minnesota and performing internationally, Mathew founded his own non-profit dance company, ARENA DANCES, in 1995. ARENA serves as the vehicle for his body of work and provides young, aging and underserved segments of the Twin Cities community with opportunities to experience the transformative power of dance.

Find rhythm, groundedness, and flow with dance classes at Ananya Dance Theatre’s  Institute for Performance & Social Justice.

Intro to Yorchhā
Sunday, 3:00-4:00pm CT with Parisha Rajbhandari
Envision justice through rhythmic footwork, flowing torso, and sustained breath in Intro to Yorchhā. Each class begins with a warm-up followed by foundational Yorchhā exercises and a fun choreographed phrase.

Integrated Movement Patterns
Tuesday, 1:00-2:00pm CT with Lizzette Chapa – February 22, March 1, March 8
This mind-body connection series is designed by Ananya Dance Theatre company artist, Lizzette Chapa, to reset and replenish our two core movement generators, the spine and pelvis. Utilizing principles of Yorchhā and Pilates, Lizzette carries participants through mat exercises, image based explorations, and breath work to strengthen, soften, and restore ourselves from the inside out. February 22 – Spine; March 1 – Pelvis; March 8 – Integration. Come for one or all three sessions.

Wednesday Water Dances
Wednesday, 9:30-11:00am CT with Kealoha Ferreira
A weekly dedication to the vitality and life force of Water. In class we will offer breath, dance, meditation, story, song, and reflection. Each class will take shape a little differently, staying responsive to the ongoing movements protecting the value and longevity of water world-wide. Facilitated by Kealoha Ferreira, an Ananya Dance Theatre Artist, Wednesday Water Dances will begin with grounding movement, flow into dedicated time for personal practice/research/reflection, and close with collective sharing. All who are committed to deepening their relationship with water are welcome to participate.

Advanced Yorchhā
Friday, 6:00-7:00pm CT with Kealoha Ferreira
Dive into the nuance and complexity of Yorchhā. Advanced Yorchhā is designed to challenge and hone experienced movers through strength training, technique refinement, and intricate choreography. Previous Yorchhā experience is encouraged.

Yorchhā is Ananya Dance Theatre’s trade-marked contemporary technique that intersects principles of vinyasa yoga, classical Indian dance form Odishi (from the eastern Indian state of Odisha) and martial art form Chhau (also from Odisha).

Students attending in-person classes must provide proof of Covid-19 vaccination and must wear face masks during class. No exceptions.

Young Dance is thrilled to offer Beginning Breaking with world-renowned breaker Joseph “MN Joe” Tran. In this class, students ages 8-13 will learn the fundamentals of breaking, including Toprocks, Go-downs, Footwork, Powermoves, and Freezes, in a supportive environment. In addition to learning technique, dancers will have opportunities to advance their freestyling/improvisation skills, as well as to develop choreography collaboratively with their peers. 

This class is for all abilities and experiences.

“Breaking is an ever evolving art form and there are quite literally an endless amount of moves to learn! I hope that the dancers will develop self-efficacy. It is important in Breaking and Hip Hop to understand the history, tradition and culture of the moves and then to motivate oneself to take those lessons and create something new. The only way to do so is to work hard, develop discipline and have fun doing it!” —MN Joe

Wednesdays, January 5–May 18
4:30–5:30pm
Ages 8–13

Register.youngdance.org

Curiosity, Connection, Community, Choice

Wednesdays, 10:00-11:30am
Through May 18.
No practice March 16 or 23.
Synchronous in-person and Zoom/virtual options.

Rates
Purchase 1 Single Practice/Drop In: $15
Purchase 5 Practices: $70, save $5
Purchase 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!

Pre-registration strongly encouraged for in person, but not required.
Register: 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.
It is required that you register 30 minutes prior to practice start time for the Zoom option.

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

Join our dance-learning community of all ages, sizes, and levels of experience to participate in the creative expression and health and fitness benefits of Middle Eastern dance! The beauty of this dance form is that it makes you feel wonderful in your own body.

We now have in-studio options for beginners and all students! Or, you may choose to take these same classes LIVE, online through Zoom.

Go to cassandraschool.com to choose from our ongoing classes, register, and pay in advance using PayPal. Purchase 4 or more classes and receive a $2 discount per class! All class registrations close at 8:00pm CT the night before each class.