Archive: Ongoing Classes

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, 10:00-11:30 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.

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

Brittany Fridenstine-Keefe teaches March 22-April 5.

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!

Through her dance training, Brittany has been involved with the GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM® for over 20 years. Originally trained in GYROTONIC® methodology by master trainer Magali Messiac, Brittany earned her teaching credentials through master trainers Juergen Bamberger and Leda Franklin. All of her mentors were original students of the creator Juliu Horvath. Brittany is certified in GYROKINESIS® as well as the GYROTONIC® Level 2 work, on the Jumping Stretch Board and Leg Extension Unit specialized equipment, the dancer application work, and the therapeutic pelvic girdle, psoas, and fascial body courses. Brittany focuses on natural energetic connections and having fun through exercise.

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.

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.

We are excited to announce that Zenon’s Spring Youth Session is officially open for registration! The Spring Session will run from March 28-June 5 with both in-person and online classes.

Youth Ballet for ages 7-10 with Sarah Bartlett – Online
Saturdays, 10:15-10:50am

Creative Movement for ages 3-4 with Kendall Kramer – In Person
Sundays, 10:15-10:50am

Creative Movement for ages 5-6 with Margaret Ogas – In Person
Sundays, 10:15-10:50am

Youth Ballet for ages 7-10 with Kendall Kramer – In Person
11:00-11:45am

Youth Modern for ages 10-14 with Kendall Kramer – In Person
12:00-12:45pm

Register today!

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.

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 in the Sunroom at the Center for Performing Arts:

Creative Dance/Intro to Modern Dance
Ages 7-10
Saturday, 3:00-3:50pm
Spring Session, March 19-May 14.
Nine weeks. $100 full session.

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.

No matter if you are a veteran dancer or slipping on your first pair of ballet shoes, Ballet Co.Laboratory is an artistic home for everyone. With 11 different adult drop-in classes offered each week, including conditioning and Pilates, we know we have the right class for you! 

Join us in-person or virtually via Zoom. All dancers must sign-in on Mindbody. Class sign-in will close 10 minutes before class begins. Single class and 10-class cards are available, and parking is always free! 

Learn more or sign up for a class here: https://bit.ly/AdultTeenBCL 

Offering in-person classes for all ages! Masks required.

Creative Movement for ages 3-4
Monday, 4:15-5:00pm
Saturday, 10:15-11:00am

Ballet/Tap Combo for ages 5-6
Monday, 5:00-6:00pm
Monday, 6:00-7:00pm
Saturday, 11:00am-12:00pm

Ballet for ages 7-9
Wednesday, 5:00-6:00pm

Tap/Jazz Combo for ages 7-9
Wednesday, 6:00-7:00pm

Juniors, ages 10 and older
Ballet: Monday, 5:00-6:30pm
Musical Theater: Thursday, 5:00-5:45pm
Leaps and Turns: Thursday, 5:45-6:30pm
Jazz: Thursday, 6:30-7:15pm

TEENS:

Ballet
Monday, 5:00-6:30pm
Wednesday, 5:00-6:30pm
Saturday, 12:15-1:45pm

Pointe
Monday, 6:30-7:15pm
Wednesday, 6:30-7:15pm
Saturday, 11:30am-12:15pm

Contemporary
Tuesday, 5:00-6:30pm

Tap
Thursday, 5:00-6:00pm

Jazz
Thursday, 6:00-7:00pm

Leaps and Turns
Thursday, 7:00-8:00pm

SENIORS:

Ballet
Monday, 7:15-8:45pm
Wednesday, 5:00-6:30pm
Saturday, 12:15-1:45pm

Pointe
Monday, 6:30-7:15pm
Wednesday, 6:30-7:15pm
Saturday, 1:45-2:30pm

Yoga
Tuesday, 5:15-6:00pm

Contemporary
Tuesday, 6:00-7:30pm

Jazz
Thursday, 5:00-6:00pm

Tap
Thursday, 6:00-7:00pm

Leaps and Turns
Thursday, 7:00-8:00

Musical Theater:
Thursday, 8:00-9:00pm

ADULTS AGES 18+:

Intermediate/Advanced Ballet
Wednesday, 10:30am-12:00pm

Yoga
Wednesday, 12:00-1:00pm

Beginning/Intermediate Ballet
Wednesday, 7:00-7:45pm
Saturday, 10:00-11:30am

Tap
Wednesday, 7:45-8:30pm