Movement   

The ballet barre is how professional dancers start their day. Often referred to as a “warm-up,” it brings blood flow to the small and large muscles of the body. A simple ballet barre, including stretches, will bring students to a new level of wellness, body awareness and confidence. During the four sessions, participants will learn the eight progressive elements of barre work, including ballet stretches focusing on posture, strength, flexibility and artistry using household items as a ballet barre. While practicing the ballet stretches, the instructor will share notions specific to ballet, including French ballet terminology from the Opera de Paris, discuss ballet history of the 20th century and share techniques in the art of ballet from around the world. No prior experience is necessary.

NOTE: Participants should be able to stand on their feet for 45 minutes and have a mat or blanket for floor stretches. All students are encouraged to practice at their own pace. An optional book is recommended: “Ballet Dictionary” by Thalia Mara. Liability waiver required to participate.

During this course, students will learn and practice dances from the Renaissance, Baroque and Regency eras. At each class, participants will actively engage in a physical warm-up and targeted dance techniques, and have ample time to practice the dance movements as they are taught. The warm-up is to prepare the body to move and dance. The techniques taught will cover basic Baroque dance steps that form the basis for 17th- and 18th-century dances. The course will begin with Renaissance dances from England, France and Italy and progress into the 17th and 18th centuries. The course will finish with early 19th-century waltz and quadrille dances. Previous students will find some old favorites as well as new dances to enjoy. A partner or prior dance background is not required to participate.  

NOTE: This is an active, physical class. We will be on our feet for the duration of the 1½-hour class. Know your own limitations. Liability waiver required to participate.

From lyrical to lively, silly to sublime, English country dance dates from the 1600s. Discover dances of Jane Austen’s time as well as newly composed dances. Learn about the cultural aspects and history of this joyful living tradition as you enjoy moving to beautiful music. This is an “on-your-feet” and social class. No partner is necessary.

NOTE: Liability waiver required to participate.

This course is an introduction to qigong and simple stretching patterns. Movements will be taught both as physical and energetic exercises and as methods for improving present moment awareness and mindfulness of subtle perceptions. No special clothing or experience is required. Come as you are, ready to have fun with others! Although qigong can be studied for a lifetime, this brief series will provide a taste of the practices. Over the course of the classes, students will learn a set of simple movements that can be integrated into a daily routine. Students will also have access to videos on the instructor’s YouTube channel, and a DVD and digital material are available for purchase. The exercises will challenge and enhance flexibility, balance and coordination.  

NOTE: Classes consist mostly of active movement and will not be recorded. Students must be prepared to take complete responsibility for their own physical well-being. The course will include social time with other students using breakout rooms. Liability waiver required to participate.

The physical benefits to one’s health, which the practice of t’ai chi ch’uan affords, are well documented. It improves flexibility, concentration, confidence and builds muscle strength gradually. Tai chi takes the joints gently through their range of motion, while the emphasis on breathing and inner stillness relieves stress and anxiety. Yang Short Form 36 will introduce new ways to organize yourself to move with ease and comfort. Given its low impact and evidence that it improves balance and reduces pain, tai chi is gentle enough for all abilities, ages and body types. The moves in this form are more involved than in the Introduction to Tai Chi course. In this course, you will learn a Yang Short Form 36, specifically, Ch’ang Style T’ai-Chi-Ch’uan Modified Short Form by Chi-Hsiu D. Weng,1987. 

NOTE: If you have taken Introduction to Tai Chi, you will already have parts of the moves in your repertoire to build on. In Yang Short Form, different from Intro to Tai Chi, one must be able to move hands and feet separately and be comfortable with learning new complex sequences of moving. It is important to take this class more than once to deepen understanding of each movement and the entire form. Liability waiver required to participate.

We don’t stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing! This adult play shop offers an opportunity to reawaken your inner child, reduce your stress level, exercise your body, sharpen your mental and physical reflexes and laugh a lot. Drawing on New Games and Playfair games as well as other movement game sources, this is an opportunity to have fun through interactive movement games; use your creativity, wit and voice; stimulate your brain with quick-thinking mind challenges; and sharpen your ability to respond quickly. All this helps keep our brains sharp! No competition, no judgment, no losers — just taking time out to laugh, play and have fun. Play and laughter are part of health and healing. Call out your playful child. It’s recess time again!

NOTE: Good health and the ability to move well and get up and down are requirements for this class, which will involve a lot of movement and some spurts of running. No experience is necessary, just a willingness to embrace the spirit of playfulness. Liability waiver required to participate.