Moving Forward Dance Studio – Glass House Collective http://www.glasshousecollective.org Mon, 24 Nov 2014 01:17:36 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.3 Creative Movement Classes with Rachel Ard http://www.glasshousecollective.org/meet-dance-instructors/ http://www.glasshousecollective.org/meet-dance-instructors/#respond Mon, 24 Nov 2014 01:17:36 +0000 http://www.glasshousecollective.org/?p=3140 The Moving Forward Dance Studio has an amazing team of dance instructors providing fun and energetic dance classes throughout the week.  Read on and learn more about our Creative Movement dance instructor, Rachel Ard. 

Dancer’s Background: Rachel grew up doing gymnastics and later found her passion for dance and dance instruction.  Earlier in the year she participated a Zumba class and fell in love with the practice. She has since become a certified Zumba instructor and plans to provide Zumba Classes at the Moving Forward Studio in the near future.

Dance Classes Offered:
Creative Movement Classes for kids 3-12 years old
Zumba for ages 12 and up (Coming Soon!)

What to expect:  Rachel’s classes encourage creative expression and fitness for youth in a safe learning environment. Creative Movement classes allow the students to release however they are feeling through dance.  Some of her routines are choreographed while others are free style where the youth get to form their own dance and movements.  Her classes also teach important life skills such as confidence, independence, and integrity through the interactive medium of dance.

When & Where: Thursdays from 5-6pm at Moving Forward Dance Studio

“It brings me joy to see the children having a great time with creative expression.” Rachel Ard

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Pre-Ballet with Monica Ellison http://www.glasshousecollective.org/pre-ballet-monica-ellison/ http://www.glasshousecollective.org/pre-ballet-monica-ellison/#respond Mon, 24 Nov 2014 01:15:53 +0000 http://www.glasshousecollective.org/?p=3314 Do you know a young person interested in learning the basics of Ballet?  If so, bring them over to Moving Forward Studio to participate in Pre-Ballet classes with Monica Ellison. 

Dancer’s Background: Monica took her first Ballet class when she was 3 years old and hated it because she was stuck at a bar and wasn’t encouraged to explore her own movement.  She then moved on to baton twirling and performed in many competitions with live marching bands until the age of 7. Eventually she was reintroduced to Ballet again by a dance instructor teaching at her aunt’s modeling and dance studio.  She began formal Ballet training beginning in 6th grade and attended a performing arts high school.  Monica recently completed the first three levels of the American Ballet National Training Curriculum in New York City and is applying what she learned there with her students in the studio.  She is also the co-owner and director of Alubijon Dance company.

Dance Classes Offered: 
Pre-Ballet for ages 6-10

What to Expect: Monica’s classes expose children to ballet in a welcoming atmosphere and allow students to work on motor skills, correct posture, and discipline. Her classes require alertness and attention and encourages students to explore their bodies through movement in a safe environment. Monica also works with children who are more serious about dance and introduces them to other learning opportunities in the community.  She is a strong believer in collaboration and applying skills learned in class to real world situations.

When & Where: Mondays from 5-6pm at Moving Forward Dance Studio

Media: 
Facebook: Alubijon Dance (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Alubijon-Dance/219736634729543?pnref=lhc)

” If kids are taught ballet at an age appropriate level using a holistic approach, skills in class can be applied anywhere in life.”  Monica Ellison 

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Dance Classes for 6-12 year olds http://www.glasshousecollective.org/dance-classes-6-12-year-olds/ http://www.glasshousecollective.org/dance-classes-6-12-year-olds/#respond Mon, 03 Nov 2014 17:28:16 +0000 http://www.glasshousecollective.org/?p=3042 Moving Forward Dance Studio provides Ballet, Music Theatre, Creative Movement, Flow Art, Dance Moves, and Zumba classes to kids ages 6-12 years old. The classes teach dance techniques with a focus on cultural exploration.  The instructors also integrate life skills learning into the sessions to help with healthy relationships, leadership, teamwork, following instructions, and self respect.

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Nykeria, Age: 11
“Dance class is awesome! I got to learn how to dance, because I didn’t know how to dance before.”

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Andriya, Age:8
“Dance class is kind of good but a little bit bad. In the African dance class you have to keep on moving, moving, moving, moving and you get tired! The drumming class was a little bad because not everyone participates and we want everyone to participate. But overall dance class is fun.”

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Teaching Instructors:
Monica Ellison – Ballet
Nina Jones – Music Theatre
Kofi Mawuko – African Drumming
Rachel Ard – Zumba

A special thank you to Love Fellowship Church for providing dance instructors for the cultural enrichment program at Hardy Elementary.

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Dance Instructor Mentoring Program http://www.glasshousecollective.org/dance-instructor-mentoring-program/ http://www.glasshousecollective.org/dance-instructor-mentoring-program/#respond Tue, 28 Oct 2014 18:13:03 +0000 http://www.glasshousecollective.org/?p=3062 Rebekah Mawuko of Moving Forward Dance Studio has been providing mentoring to 5 local dance instructors between the ages 22-30.  Her Instructor Mentoring Program prepares current dance instructors for a professional career in the arts.   Four of the instructors are being mentored to become professional performing artist and one instructor is preparing to become a teaching artist.

Through the help of Rebekah, 2 of the dancers have  performed professionally at international festivals including Bonaroo and the Leaf Festival.

Keep up the good work ladies!

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I Like to Move It! http://www.glasshousecollective.org/like-move/ http://www.glasshousecollective.org/like-move/#respond Tue, 28 Oct 2014 18:06:08 +0000 http://www.glasshousecollective.org/?p=3030 “I Like to Move It” dance classes are held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-5pm for children 6 years old and younger at the Moving Forward Dance Studio on Glass Street. 

These classes provide movement activities to lively music for young children to introduce balance and coordination through creative movement.  The instruction also teaches participants right from left, counting, cultural appreciation, personal space, how to critique constructively, consequences for actions, and self discipline.

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Jamya, a  3 year old dance student,  says, “Dance class is a time for you to dance! All you have to do is dance, drink water, and swing.”

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Thank you to Royal Envy, Alubijon! Dance Company, Baby Girlz Divas, and Angela Sweet for providing snacks and waters for community classes in exchange for using our space for rehearsals!

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Capoeira with Aaron Ellison http://www.glasshousecollective.org/capoeira-aaron-ellison/ http://www.glasshousecollective.org/capoeira-aaron-ellison/#respond Tue, 28 Oct 2014 01:17:03 +0000 http://www.glasshousecollective.org/?p=3317 We are happy to highlight the work of Aaron Ellison, a dance instructor and musician working with youth at Moving Forward Studio.  He facilitates Capoeira classes with teens and adults every Tuesday evening which include an energetic blend of music, singing, and dancing.

Dancer’s Background: Aaron began dancing in New York City as a breakdancer.  The first time he watched Capoeira being performed he was hooked.  He now practices and teaches classes at Moving Forward Dance Studio and is the co-owner and CEO at Alubijon Dance company.  He is also very involved with the African Drumming community in Chattanooga and performs regularly.  His most recent performance was at the LEAF Festival in Asheville, North Carolina.

Dance Classes Offered: Capoeira (Brazilian Martial Arts) for ages 12 and up

What to Expect: Aaron’s classes are very interactive, stimulating, and fun.  He teaches his students elements of dance, acrobatics, music and the history that make up the Capoeira tradition.  The classes begin with an introduction of  different movements and sequences then move towards performance and simulated combat in conjunction with singing and music.  If you are interested in dance rooted deeply in cultural tradition, rhythm and martial arts, this is the class for you.

When & Where: Tuesdays from 8-9pm at Moving Forward Dance Studio

Media:
Facebook: Alubijon Dance (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Alubijon-Dance/219736634729543?pnref=lhc)

“Capoeira weaves fighting, music, dance, prayer, and ritual into an urgent strategy by which people live, struggle, celebrate, and survive together.”  Capoeira by Bira Almeida

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Hip Hop Classes with Chris Shaw http://www.glasshousecollective.org/hip-hop-classes-chris-shaw/ http://www.glasshousecollective.org/hip-hop-classes-chris-shaw/#respond Fri, 24 Oct 2014 01:16:30 +0000 http://www.glasshousecollective.org/?p=3311 Are you interested in learning the newest dance moves in town? Come visit Chris Shaw’s Hip Hop classes for teen and adult dancers. 

Dancer’s Background: Chris started dancing at age 5 when he first saw Michael Jackson perform. He was fascinated by his movement and coordination and felt a strong desire to understand what he was doing. He remembers wanting to emulate Michael and his passion grew for the art form the more he practiced. Now Chris is pursuing  a career as a dance instructor, actor and model.

Dance Classes Offered: 
Intermediate/Advanced Hip Hop classes for ages 13 and up
Emote (emotional dance) classes for ages 13 and up

What to Expect: Chris’s Hip Hop classes are taught workshop style where students lean routines.  Each week he teaches a new routine and encourages his students to listen to music differently and explore different types of movement. His Emote classes are similar but are performed to acoustic or R&B music and encourage storytelling through expressive movement.

 When & Where: Thursdays from 6-7 pm at Moving Forward Dance Studio

Media:
YouTube Channel: Chris Flash (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvXsisE7JrdMKoVTl1X2UgA)
Twitter & Instagram: @chrisflashshaw

“Come join us and have fun, let dance be an open window for you to explore.” Chris Shaw

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Moving Forward Summer Camp http://www.glasshousecollective.org/moving-forward-summer-camp/ http://www.glasshousecollective.org/moving-forward-summer-camp/#respond Thu, 25 Sep 2014 01:10:17 +0000 http://www.glasshousecollective.org/?p=3090 In June, Moving Forward Dance Studio partnered with Building Stable Lives to provide a 2 week summer camp for children 6-12 in East Chattanooga.Rebekah and Kofi Makuwo taught the participants African dance, drumming, traditional songs, and culture for 10 days. Rebekah and Kofi are dedicated to sharing African history and traditions to youth in Chattanooga to encourage conversations and awareness on global diversity, especially among youth.   

The African Drumming sessions with Kofi and other community members became the participants favorite session.  The variety of classes taught participants basics in rhythm and beat formation and created a fun sense of community for drummers of all ages.

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Thank you, Building Stable Lives for the food and drink donations.

“What you help a child to love can be more important than what you help him to learn.” African Proverb

 

 

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Making Strides through Dance http://www.glasshousecollective.org/making-strides-dance/ http://www.glasshousecollective.org/making-strides-dance/#respond Thu, 28 Aug 2014 14:55:57 +0000 http://www.glasshousecollective.org/?p=2804 Since its vibrant grand opening March 23rd, Moving Forward Dance Studio has continued to have an impact on the diversity of East Chattanooga’s growing creative culture.

Artist in residence Rebekah Mawuko has offered a wide range of free dance and performing arts classes to capture a broad audience—both in interest and age. In fact, her youngest participants aren’t yet walking, but as part of the Mommy & Me class are able to practice age-appropriate skills of stretching and strength-building. Classes ranging in style from African dance to Zumba to Capoeira, a Brazilian dance and martial arts hybrid, all work to foster an inclusive learning environment for beginner-level students. Most classes are open to participants age 8 and up, providing a great opportunity for families to learn together.

During her residence, Rebekah has done a wonderful job of transforming Glass House Collective’s second story into an active and vibrant dance studio with décor to facilitate her programs, including oversize studio mirrors installed by fellow artist in residence Rondell Crier, Zachary Reynolds, and volunteer Peter Ensberg.

Programming for end of Summer and Fall classes can now be viewed here. Come down and move with us!

Though the classes are free, a suggested donation of $1.00 for East Chattanooga residents and $5.00 for nonresidents is requested or bottles of water, office supplies, etc.

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Moving Forward Dance Studio Summer/ Fall Schedule http://www.glasshousecollective.org/moving-forward-dance-studio-summer-fall-schedule/ http://www.glasshousecollective.org/moving-forward-dance-studio-summer-fall-schedule/#respond Mon, 14 Jul 2014 21:53:31 +0000 http://www.glasshousecollective.org/?p=2764 Moving Forward Dance Studio’s schedule from mid July to mid October:

Monday

11:00-Noon African Dance
5-6pm Creative Movement (age 6-12)
6-8pm CLOSED Envy Dance Team
8-9pm OPEN, Mawre & Co Troupe

Tuesday
11:00-Noon I Like to Move It (infant-5)
4-5pm African Drums (ages 6-12)
5-6pm Music Theatre (age 6-12)
6:30-7:30pm African Dance
7:30pm- 8:30pm Capoeira

Wednesday
5-6pm PreBallet (age 6-12)
6-7pm Lyrical Hip Hop
(7-9pm Acoustic Poetry at Urban Artformz Institute)

Thursday
3-4pm Dance Moves
4-5pm I like to Move it (infant-5)
5-6pm Hoops, Poi & More
6-7pm Bellydance
7-8pm African Drums
8-9pm OPEN- Mawre & Co. Troupe

Friday
2-4pm Artworks: Costume Design
5-6pm Dance Moves (age 6-12)
6-7pm African Dance
(7-9pm Acoustic Poetry at Urban Artformz Institute)

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