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Adult Dance Class Descriptions
Advanced Contemporary & Floorwork
Mondays 6:30-8:00pm with Rachel Catalano
This is an athletic, well-rounded class that utilizes self-discovery and improvisation to help movers feel comfortable in class. This is an active class that involves moving in and out of the floor on a regular basis. Class begins on the floor with a long warm up which stays consistent from week to week. Following the warm up are across the floor exercises that teach pathways and directionality that supports a culminating combination. Modifications are always available and questions are a welcome part of class. All Levels are welcome, however, this class moves at an advanced pace and dancers are asked to modify and honor their bodies as needed
Intermediate Contemporary
Tuesdays 7:00-8:30pm with Rachel Catalano
This class focuses on foundational contemporary concepts and technique while incorporating elements of improvisation. We start the class with a guided improv followed by a structured warm up that changes every other month. The across the floor portion focuses specifically on movement that is later used in a longer phrase. This class aims to build consistency through clear instruction, repetition, and a “take what serves you and leave the rest” kind of approach. All levels are welcome, moves at an intermediate pace.
Contemporary Modern
Tuesdays 10:00-11:30am with Natalia Hill
Seeking a class that encompasses various dance forms? Discover an easy-flow dance class that seamlessly blends ballet, modern, and contemporary dance techniques. This class starts with a mix of traditional dance exercises such as a warm-up, pliés, tendus, degagé, and adagio, followed by across-the-floor movement sequences. These learned skills are then combined into a combination that varies in style, and music and provides space for you to make your own artistic choices. Whether you have some dance background or are a professional, this class is open to all levels. I’ll provide variations to challenge more experienced dancers while ensuring everyone feels comfortable and supported. I like to connect with each dancer through encouragement and individualized direction to guide you to your goals. Join our inclusive dance community and share your love for movement. I look forward to moving with you!
Open Company Class
Wednesdays 10:00-11:30am with Christopher K. Morgan
Malashock Dance’s Artistic Director offers a company class that prepares dancers for the array of skills needed for the company’s repertoire and creative processes. Through a warm-up that incorporates yoga, release technique, modern dance, task based improvisation, and a thoughtful build-up to full-bodied virtuosic movement, students are asked to bring their entire selves into the class and express themselves without inhibition. Physical tasks throughout the class emphasize smooth transitions in and out of the floor, clear use of the legs, grounded balance, expansive stretch, and abandoned upper bodies. These physical qualities all stand on a foundation of community values that balance listening to oneself with acutely tuning into the ensemble.
(re)Connect Rotating Class Series
Wednesdays 7:00-8:30pm with Chelsea Zeffiro
Contemporary Pathways & Play
Join company dancer Chelsea Zeffiro in the studio! This class utilizes various dance and improvisation techniques, warming up the body and the mind to explore contemporary style movement and play. We will move in relationship to ourselves and others by cultivating a sensorial approach to the material — engaging, specifying, and opening up body pathways. This class will move fluidly between improvisation, partner concepts, phrase work, and floor work.
(No partnering experience required and physical contact not required.)
About the (re)CONNECT Rotating Class Series:
Reconnect with your practice and artists in our San Diego dance community through a rotating monthly series of drop-in technique classes featuring current and former MD company members, choreographers, and faculty. With a drop-in schedule every Wednesday night, this series fosters meaningful ways to get to know an artist deeply over the course of a month, while providing a wide array of artists for intermediate to advanced students to study with.
In November, Join Erica Beuchner for Contemporary.
Beginning Modern for Teens & Adults
Ages 13+
Thursdays 5:00-6:00pm with Nicole Francesca
Description coming soon.
This class will be loosely session-based. This means classes are structured over a series of weeks, with each class building on the previous one. While drop-ins may are permitted and welcome, consistent attendance is encouraged to fully grasp the material and progress in skill development. This approach fosters a deeper understanding of techniques and allows dancers to develop a stronger connection with their peers and instructor.
Beginning Ballet for Teens & Adults
Ages 13+
Thursdays 6:00-7:00pm with Joey Lister
Full Description Coming Soon.
This class will be loosely session-based. This means classes are structured over a series of weeks, with each class building on the previous one. While drop-ins may are permitted and welcome, consistent attendance is encouraged to fully grasp the material and progress in skill development. This approach fosters a deeper understanding of techniques and allows dancers to develop a stronger connection with their peers and instructor.
Afro-Modern with Dunham Roots
Thursdays 7:00-8:30pm with Nicole Francesca
In this class, we fuse together the richness of Afro-Fusion and the precision of Dunham Technique. Afro-Fusion draws inspiration from various African diasporic movement styles, infusing them with contemporary influences. With infectious rhythms and dynamic choreography, Afro-Fusion ignites the spirit and encourages participants to connect with their inner groove.
We will also delve into the legacy of the legendary Katherine Dunham through the Dunham Technique. This technique combines elements of Caribbean, African, and modern dance, focusing on strength, flexibility, and storytelling. By incorporating Dunham’s signature isolations, polyrhythms, and organic movements, we will honor her legacy and unlock our own artistic potential.
Afro-Modern with Dunham Roots is designed to nurture body awareness, self-reflection, and body acceptance. This is a brave space where each participant can embrace their unique journey and find a sense of belonging within the supportive community we cultivate. Join us for an exhilarating dance experience that celebrates movement, diversity, and self-expression. This inter-generational dance class welcomes movers of all ages and skill levels, creating a vibrant community where everyone can explore the power of dance.
Beginning/Intermediate Ballet
Fridays 10:00-11:30am with Alexa Fote
In beginning/intermediate ballet, we work on posture, flexibility, balance, self-discipline, and self-confidence. This class focuses on fundamentals like proper body placement, barre and center work, and conditioning exercises. Each week looks different, and dancers who have never taken a class all the way up to professionals are welcome!
Dance with thisABILITY
Fridays 4:00-5:00pm with Nicole Francesca
This is an energetic and inclusive dance class designed specifically for dancers ages 12+ with cognitive disabilities. Our class focuses on enhancing flexibility, balance, and other gross motor skills through fun and engaging movement exercises. Each session is carefully structured to accommodate all ability levels, ensuring a safe and supportive environment where everyone can thrive.
Beyond physical development, this class offers a unique opportunity to expand social skills in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Participants will have the chance to connect with others, build confidence, and express themselves through the joy of dance. Whether you’re new to dancing or have some experience, our class is a place where everyone can feel a sense of belonging, grow at their own pace, and enjoy the many benefits of movement and social interaction.
Modern Jazz Blues
Saturdays 10:30am-12:00pm with Maria Benjamin
This is an intermediate level lyrical Jazz class that’s a fusion of Horton, Graham, Limon, Afro, Gospel, Blues, and Ballet. It focuses on and builds musicality, technique, strength and expression. We start with three warmups set to contemporary music, an adagio, and then going across the floor, in order to prepare the body for choreography. The choreography will vary every one or two weeks, but will always be music driven and soulful. This class requires some prior dance training, but frequent attendance will help the dancer become stronger and improve their technique. The most important thing in this class is for students to use the space to move, express themselves through the choreography, and feel their spirits soar.
Upcoming Events
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