National Dance Day, July 28th: Philadelphia Dance Day

This Saturday, July 27th, is National Dance Day and Philadelphia Dance Day. Here in Philadelphia, Philly Dance Fitness (as well as other studios and dance organizations) is sponsoring a day of free dance classes as well as a $5 dance party afterwards. While you won’t find me at the social dance party afterwards (I’ve got a huge day of moving on Sunday)–I’ll be checking out many of the workshops throughout the day, including modern dance, jazz, and maybe even some tango.  Check out the full schedule for a full list of workshops and classes throughout the day (as well as their locations), but here’s some of my favorites from the list:

10 am: Kids Ballet at Major Moment

I wish I could crash this class because my ordinary Saturday ballet class has been cancelled so that the rest of the this fabulous dance day could happen. But if you have kids between the ages of 5-7, make sure you take them to this awesome, free taste of ballet! Beverly is an awesome ballet instructor.

11 am: Advanced Beginner Modern Dance

Although this class would probably clash with the rest of my day’s schedule, I definitely would recommend it if you’ve wanted to try out modern dance or are looking for a free class to take on a Saturday. They’re located in Old City too, a great area to grab some lunch afterwards.

1 pm: Co-Ed Pole Dance Fitness

Pole dancing isn’t just for strippers–it can be a great way to increase your flexibility and strength. Not sure what you need? Check out this recent guest post I wrote: What You Need to Start Pole Dancing Classes. Make sure you grab your yoga mat for ab work for this class if you’ve got one.

2 pm: JazzTech

Another class taught by my wonderful instructor, Beverly. While I haven’t gotten a chance to check out this jazz technique class, I hear it’s going really well!

3 pm: BalletEXTREME

This class combines ballet moves with upbeat pop music to help you sculpt a ballerina’s body outside of the normal structure of ballet class. No experience is required!

4:15 Argentine Tango

I’ve been dying to try out Argentine Tango, but I haven’t gotten a chance yet because the classes are either too late (I’m an early sleeper!) or not at a convenient location. This class is perfect if you’re looking for a great introduction to tango–no partner needed!

What are your plans for National Dance Day?

 

From Campus Philly: My Love Note to Major Moment Studio

While I’ve been busy messing around with the layout and other tweaks with the new site, I wanted to take the time and share this post I wrote for my internship a few weeks ago dedicated to my ballet studio.

phillydance

Dear Major Moment Studio,

I first approached you nervous with palms sweaty, unsure of exactly what an “adult ballet” class would entail. I pulled open your door and stuttered as I introduced myself to the ballet teacher with the vibrant red hair, curled into pigtail buns. I wanted to run away—who does ballet as an adult beginner anyway? But I stayed.

And I fell in love.

The studio is on the smaller side, located on west South Street, lumped between an apartment building and Magpie. The studio’s smooth hardwood floors and gigantic mirrors make up for its size.

Everyone who attends the classes is warm and welcoming—no one is going to scoff or laugh at you when you can’t get the hang of a move. We’ve all been there before.

It doesn’t matter whether it’s your first ballet class or your 2000th, everyone is welcome at Major Moment—male, female, 18 or 65. The students remind me that you’re never too old to start taking ballet. Every week, I get excited by the new students who walk in. Sometimes they’ve never taken a ballet class before; other times they’re returning after years of being out of a dance studio.

I just barely fit in the latter category: I took classes from ages 4-6. Then I participated in a slew of different sports: baseball, soccer, gymnastics, swimming, cheerleading. Who would’ve thought I’d return to ballet at age 20?

Major Moment’s owner and resident ballet instructor, Beverly, is charming—she may occasionally mix up her own two feet—but she always takes the time to make sure all her students don’t get left behind during an exercise. Beverly preaches that she doesn’t teach “baby ballet.” She knows adult beginners are capable of more than that. She pushes you to work harder, if you need it–but her corrections are always kind and gentle. She wants you to get better. This isn’t just a dance fitness class. As a student here, you learn real ballet.

Beverly teaches three levels of ballet classes (Absolute Beginner, Beginner II, and Advanced Beginner) that are offered through Philly Dance Fitness. She also never cancels unless it’s Christmas, New Year’s Day or Memorial Day.

Her motto is “No challenge, no change.” She doesn’t mind it when I show up to the Advanced Beginner classes, although I’m not quite up to that level yet. I go to challenge myself.

Major Moment Studio, I never thought I’d be able call myself a ballerina, but thanks to you I feel like I can.  Philadelphia has a great, burgeoning art scene–I’m grateful that I can be a part of it.

You can check out the original post over on Campus Philly and check out Philly Love Notes for more awesome spots in Philly as well.