Dances of the African Diaspora
 

Our curriculum focuses on the physical study of African and African Diaspora cultural practices. Rigorous technical training in dance and music forms, as well as in-depth research and performance opportunities, contribute to the development of highly skilled performing artists in African and African influenced dance forms.

 

The terms "folk"  "ethnic" and "traditional" are used when it is required to emphasize the cultural roots of the dance. Studying folkloric dance and music is a powerful ally for developing positive attributes in a growing child and the ever evolving adult. Dance is innate in all of us. As children, we move naturally. We move to achieve mobility, we move to express a thought or feeling, and we move because it is joyful and feels wonderful. As adults we often call on dance when thoughts or emotions are too powerful for words. It embodies one of our most primal connections to our ancestral heritage and provides a non-verbal historical gateway to understanding and acceptance of ourselves and others.

 

The physical benefits of dance are plentiful and widely accepted. Emotionally, socially and cognitively however, the benefits and unique self awareness that comes from organizing movement and rhythm into the aesthetic experience of dance is where lives are changed.

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WHAT IS BARRE FITNESS?

Most barre – based classes use a combination of methods inspired by ballet and other disciplines like yoga and Pilates. The barre is used as a prop to balance while doing exercises that focus on isometric strength training, (holding your body still while you contract a specific set of muscles ) combined with high reps of  small – range of motion movements. Also, don’t be surprised if your class incorporates light handheld weights, or other props to bring the burn during all those reps, as well as mats for targeted core work.

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BARRE 
OGN Barre method incorporates Pilates, Yoga, Weight Training, Classical Dance, Alexander Technique, Simonson Technique and more! The addition of props, and thrilling music from around the globe, truly make this Barre experience like no other. Designed to cross-train with a focus on  safely exploring the body and minds potential, this method values each individuals own musculoskeletal structure. Our certified educators are trained to design a fitness program that will advance people of ALL ages, body types, and capabilities. Through balanced alignment, deep stretching, proper muscle development, and natural range of motion through the joints, the student learns to self reference a movement through sensory awareness and how it feels, not by how it looks. Exercises can be modified for beginners, ex-dancers, prenatal clients, or clients with injuries, or advanced for gym heads, professional dancers/athletes, advanced/pro clients, and certifying educators looking to take it to a whole new level!

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BARRE BRAIN & BALANCE
This class is geared towards seniors 60+ (All ages welcome), this program is designed for the unique needs of active older adults who know the importance of staying mentally sharp and physically stable. Researchers no longer believe that falling or losing mental capacity are inevitable parts of the aging process. This fascinating class series operates on two premises: 1.That specific balance exercises can reduce the risk of falling and 2. That we should train the brain as we train our skeletal muscles: with progressive resistance, different types of challenges, and appropriate overload. This innovative program is a clever combination of specific activities designed to improve your memory, reasoning, conceptualization, language and problem solving skills. In addition, you’ll learn age-appropriate exercises to strengthen the core and reduce your risk of falling while standing or walking. Discover how much fun brains and balance training can be while you exercise your mind and body with this specially designed curriculum.

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BARRE SCULPT
Barre Sculpt is ideal for gym heads, professional dancers, advanced/pro clients, and certifying educators looking to take it to a whole new level!  A full-body workout targeting areas we love to work the most – arms, abdominals, thighs, and glutes. The class is comprised of interval strength training, isometric holds, and deep, luxuriating stretches, all working to strengthen and lengthen your muscles and develop those shapely lines without bulk. Props such as yoga/stability balls, weights, resistance bands, Pilates sticks, rollers and more are incorporated to help bring the burn. Between the unforgettable workouts and fun music from around the globe, you will be obsessed and ready for more! This class is specifically geared towards the advanced levels in the room. 

HIP HOP CARDIO

We take the "work" out of workout! By mixing the addictive music and dance cultures of Hip-Hop, Disco, Funk, Pop, Dancehall, Latin and more, with low-intensity and high-intensity moves for an interval-style, calorie-burning dance fitness party. Once those amazing beats take over, you'll see why Hip Hop Cardio classes are often called exercise in disguise. The perfect workout for everybody and every body. Each Hip Hop Cardio class is designed to bring people together to sweat, be free, and dance! A total workout, combining all elements of fitness – cardio, muscle conditioning, balance and flexibility, boosted energy and a serious dose of awesome each time you leave class. Not to mention the great dance moves and body awareness you accrue over time! 

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Super effective? Check! 
Super fun? Check! and Check!" 

WHAT IS PUNKING?

A gay underground street dance style, born from the 60's nightclub scene. We will study Punking Dramatics, Waacking, Freestyle, Disco, Drills, and more!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l62XRkUym2Q&t=453s

WHAT IS VOGUING!?
Ever seen POSE? Vogue is the cultural dance of the underground Ballroom community, a predominantly Black and LatinX fringe culture founded of the wider gay community of 1980s New York. We will study Old- Way, New- Way, Vogue Femme, Hand Performance, Runway, and more

WHAT IS HOUSE!?
House dance is a social dance primarily danced to house music that has roots in the clubs of Chicago and of New York. House dance is often improvised and emphasizes fast and complex foot-oriented steps combined with fluid movements in the torso, as well as floor work. We will study "Footwork", "Jacking", "Salsa", "Lofting" and more!

PUNK POSE REVIVE TUESDAYS

Punk Pose Revive Gay Urban Dance Workshops, the FREE weekly component of our LGBTQIA+ Safe Space Project encourages all geeks, freaks, fairies and floor rockers to connect in a community dance class in “Club Styles” followed by an open floor cypher with a street styles DJ in partnership with COMPASS Gay & Lesbian Center. This is a safe space for ALL ages, genders, sexualities, races etc. to attend and find your personal liberation on the dance floor.

WHAT IS SIMONSON DANCE TECHNIQUE? 
Simonson technique created and developed by master teacher Lynn Simonson, is an organic approach to movement that prepares the body to dance in a way that is anatomically intelligent and somatically aware. A teacher of Simonson technique recognizes that each student is unique and operates within individual musculoskeletal parameters. Rather than ask students to fit a pre-described ideal, they are guided and taught as to what is anatomically correct for their bodies. A cornerstone of Simonson Technique is injury prevention through education. Simonson believes that most dancers do not fully understand how their bodies work. Ignorant of their own body mechanics, they often make movements happen without considering, or knowing, how and where a movement initiates anatomically. The goals of Simonson Technique training are to eliminate the pre-disposition to injury from previous misalignment patterns, develop and support the body in a way that allows efficient and free movement, and, to experience the joy of dance with longevity and wellness.

DO YOU HAVE TO BE A DANCER?
Class is open to everybody & every body. Simonson: Barre | Jazz | Modern | Contemporary classes will satisfy dancers and non-dancers alike. Classes are very user friendly, and progress on four levels, ensuring a maximum challenge for anyone in attendance.

WHAT IS THE BENEFIT?
When you train like a dancer, you will begin to look and feel like one! Aside from the profound body-mind transformation, ultimately the predisposition to injury that can accompany faulty technique training, or fitness coaching, is eliminated. The goal, hopefully, is to experience the joy of movement with longevity. Enjoy enhanced mind-body connection, balanced muscle development, greater enjoyment and zest for life, increased core strength and stability, rehabilitation after an injury or illness.

BIG BENEFITS FOR DANCERS
This technique prepares a student to move equally into Jazz, Modern, or Contemporary movement. There are certified teachers of Simonson technique in over 20 countries worldwide. Have a question? Interested in privates? Or want information on how to get certified?

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Call 1-833-OGDANCE

Ballet

This class is designed to provide an understanding of body placement, the use of the skeleton, the influence of gravity through the body in a turned-out position and the use of energy from the floor throughout the body in basic ballet. The barre is used to build strength and coordination. The center work introduces an organic relationship to direction and movement, along with an understanding of different movement qualities, such as fluidity in adage, suspension and sharpness in turns, and balon in small and big jumps.

 

Ballet Lab – The body is the most complex of all artists’ instruments. In this class we will explore the intricacies of our instrument. An anatomical approach to ballet teaches the dancer not only how to understand the body’s motor functions, but also how to recognize one’s limits, respect them and learn how and when to push these limits. This class deepens the dancer’s understanding of body placement, the use of the skeleton, the influence of gravity through the body, and the use of energy from the floor throughout the body. This knowledge provides the dancer with a healthier base, a stronger technique and a possibility of a longer dance career. 

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Pointe   

Through daily barre and center exercises, students will have the opportunity of adding pointe technique to their dance vocabulary. Students will explore level-appropriate sequences, which will strengthen safe alignment with the ultimate goal of giving the student a sense of ease en pointe.   

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Contemporary

dance combines elements of several dance genres including modern, jazz, lyrical, classical ballet, and more. The term "contemporary" describes a form of movement that developed during the mid-20th century and is still very popular today. Class will refine each student’s individual musculoskeletal structure. Rather than ask students to fit a pre-described ideal, they are guided and taught as to what is anatomically correct for their bodies. Through balanced alignment, deep stretching, proper muscle development, and natural range of motion through the joints, the students learn to self-reference and how to move through sensory awareness. To sense alignment based of how it feels, not how it looks.   Dancers will explore, floorwork, improvisation, texture, versatility, somatic awareness, contact, release techniques and how to use gravity to pull them down to the floor. Class will most likely be bare foot. 

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Modern

This class will begin with a full-bodied center warm-up with exercises emphasizing, breath, movement qualities including but not limited to swinging, percussive, sustained, suspension and collapse, gentle and appropriate stretching, strengthening and core connection, a sense a of grounded and weighted center of gravity, proper alignment and coordination. 

Across the floor exercises will focus on locomotor skills and progressions while emphasizing dynamics, level and directional changes, rhythm and musicality, sequencing and sight-reading skills. Finally, center combinations and phrase work will continue to explore sight reading and retention, focus, intention, floorwork, inversions, some improvisation musicality and dynamics while also encouraging personal expression and artistry. The class will be physical, athletic and fun.  We will explore movement with an open dialogue and humor, building a community that encourages respect for every individual and the freedom to ask questions and to express themselves.  Students will receive corrections and critique albeit without judgement and the expectation to be your best artist should be anticipated. 

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Jazz

Class will offer a wide range of perspectives on this amazing form of movement. From African Diasporic, to concert jazz and Broadway, Lindy Hop, Simonson Technique, and more! This technique adheres to an organic approach to movement that prepares the body to dance in a way that is anatomically intelligent and somatically aware. Our teachers recognize that each student is unique and operates with an individual musculoskeletal parameters. Rather than ask students to fit a pre-described ideal, they are guided and taught as to what is anatomically correct for their bodies. A cornerstone (Simonson) based Jazz classes is injury prevention through education. Simonson believes that most dancers do not fully understand how their bodies work. Ignorant of their own body mechanics, they often make movements happen without considering, or knowing, how and where a movement initiates anatomically. The goals are to eliminate the pre-disposition to injury from previous misalignment patterns, develop and support the body in a way that allows efficient and free movement, and, to experience the joy of dance with longevity and wellness. 

Musical Theater Dance   

Students are guided towards developing musical theatre dance skills through choreographed movement, staging, improvisation, vocal preparation, research and solo and group performance in class. In this course one musical number is chosen and the history and style of the show are studied and explored through various exercises and a final showing assignment.  Although this is not a vocal class, students will use their voices and are expected to sing in class.  They do not have to “sing well” but they DO have to try.  Storytelling and style will be explored throughout the class.  If you’ve ever dreamt of being on Broadway, this course is for you, “but til’ you try, you’ll never know!”.

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Tap

This course explores basic tap techniques. Emphasis on technique development and familiarity with traditional tap rhythms and steps.

Ballroom

Dance is most commonly referred to as “partnership dancing”, as it is a type of dance that requires a dance partner. In Europe and throughout the rest of the world, Ballroom Dancing is categorized into two very distinct styles: Standard and Latin. Here in the United States, these styles were adapted between 1910 – 1930, due to the influence of American jazz music and a more social approach to dancing. Thus, the American Style of dance was born, which includes American Rhythm and American Smooth. American Style is similar to its counterpart from overseas, but while International Style allows only closed dance positions in the smooth dances like Waltz and Foxtrot, American Style allows the dancers to separate in their dance frame. Over the years, American Style has been expanded to include dances such as Mamba, Salsa and West Coast Swing, always driven by the constant development of music around the world. To learn more about each type of dance and view a demonstration video, please click on the links to the right. 

 

Soul Train Classic Dances

Learn your favorite moves from the iconic Soul Train dancers. This course is by private booking only. 

Street Dance

Formally known as vernacular dance, refers to dance styles—regardless of country of origin—that evolved outside of dance studios in any available open space such as streets dance parties block parties' parks school yards raves and nightclubs. They are often improvisational and social in nature encouraging interaction and contact with spectators and other dancers These dances are a part of the vernacular culture of the geographical area that they come from. Two examples of street dance include b-boying which originated in New York City and Melbourne Shuffle which originated in Melbourne Australia. 

We offer classes in Breaking | Waacking | Funk | Locking | Popping | House | Vougue | Vougue Femme | Light Feet | Tutting | Waving | Memphis Jookin | Crumping | House | BollyWhack | Dancehall | Pantsula . 

Dance for Camera

This is an extraordinary opportunity for those interested in dance, media and film to develop skills and gain experience in the relatively underdeveloped and hugely promising field of dance for the screen.  This rare hands-on, in-depth workshop will explore the marriage of these two moving mediums and include discussions, screenings and filming choreographic work while exploring the technical, practical and artistic challenges involved in producing a dance film. Participants will work in groups to create a number of short videos, storyboards, and editing. 

Choreography

This course emphasizes the difference between displaying movement and communicating it to an audience. The building of concentration, awareness of stylistic differences, and the establishment of professional behavior are developed in the space through performance of choreography.

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Repertory

In our repertory classes, you will learn a complete choreographed work and conclude the session with an opportunity to perform. You must audition for repertory courses. You will also need to enroll in a corresponding technique course when you take a repertory course. In addition to our repertory class offerings by our OGN faculty, the Network has a strong tradition of bringing guest choreographers and residency programs to its students and the larger community. Classes are often in the theatre setting to provide experiences in stage terminology and production techniques. 

Certified Senior Fitness

Our certified instructors design classes for the unique needs of active older adults who know the importance of staying mentally sharp and physically stable. Researchers no longer believe that falling or losing mental capacity are inevitable parts of the aging process. This fascinating class series operates on two premises: 1) That specific balance exercises can reduce the risk of falling and 2) that we should train the brain as we train our skeletal muscles: with progressive resistance, different types of challenges and appropriately overload. This innovative program is a clever combination of specific activities designed to improve your memory, reasoning, conceptualization, language and problem-solving skills. In addition, you’ll learn age-appropriate exercises to strengthen the core and reduce a senior’s risk of falling while standing or walking

Contact Improvisation   

This class explores the principles and practice of contact improvisation through detailed skill work, extended practice, and perceptual tuning.  We will work to expand our movement capacities through the spherical use of space, the bio tensegrity principles of the fascia and ide kinetic techniques that clarify the internal structure and orientation of our movements. You will learn to adapt safely and creatively to disorientation, to become a powerful under-dancer and a skilled over-dancer.  Emphasis will also be placed upon the creating emotional presence, personal and group safety, and the ability to engage imaginatively with others.  All are welcome. 

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Advanced Improvisation

This class is for those who wish to explore the art of dance improvisation both as a performing art and as a vehicle for developing ways of perceiving, imagining and choreographing dance. We will take an interdisciplinary approach to composition in order to re-examine space and time, the body, human relationships, and aesthetic design. Ultimately, our goal will be to access our most powerful dancing bodies while drawing upon our personal experience and our capacity to engage deeply with others. The class is about the integration of technique, performance and the poetic imagination. 

 

Documented prior study in intermediate to advanced level Contact Improvisation required—e.g., fluency with falling, rolling, weight taking and giving, being upside down, dancing with disorientation, following a point of contact, working with subtlety (and exertion), and improvising in physical contact. 

 

Pilates  

This class is designed for students with varying levels of experience with Pilates. We will start slowly with movement drawn classic Pilates repertory, exploring core stability, range of motion in all of the joints and bilateral symmetry to prepare the body for a day of moving. 

Yoga – encourages students to be comfortable with their practice and their bodies by creating a safe, non-competitive environment. All of our classes are designed for practitioners of all levels with modifications offered to those new to yoga and those wanting to go deeper into their physical practice. 

 

Alexander Technique

Is a method that works to change (movement) habits in our everyday activities. It is a simple and practical method for improving ease and freedom of movement, balance, support and coordination. The technique teaches the use of the appropriate amount of effort for a particular activity, giving you more energy for all your activities. It is not a series of treatments or exercises, but rather a reeducation of the mind and body. The Alexander Technique is a method which helps a person discover a new balance in the body by releasing unnecessary tension. It can be applied to sitting, lying down, standing, walking, lifting, and other daily activities... 

 

Spiraldynamik®

Is a combination of the art and science of anatomically correct movement. Like a “user’s manual” for the body, it enhances our understanding of body function by explaining the physics of human movement, given the laws of nature (gravity) and the human anatomical structure. The integration of Spiraldynamik® into the daily lives of dancers helps prevent injury, improve technique and lengthen one’s dance career. In this class, we will study in depth the principles of Spiraldynamik® and how we apply them to our bodies. We will analyze our movement patterns to identify meaningful change and improvement. We will study the anatomy of movement and develop an understanding of the muscular chain reactions that occur throughout the body. 

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PNF Release

These classes are by private session ONLY! According to the International PNF Association, PNF stretching was developed by Dr. Herman Kabat in the 1940s as a means to treat neuromuscular conditions including polio and multiple sclerosis. PNF techniques have since gained popularity with physical therapists and other fitness professionals. It’s easy to understand why. According to research from the University of Queensland, PNF stretching may be the most effective stretching technique for increasing range of motion. While there are multiple PNF stretching techniques, all of them rely on stretching a muscle to its limit. Doing this triggers the inverse myotatic reflex, a protective reflex that calms the muscle to prevent injury. “PNF causes the brain to go ‘I don’t want that muscle to tear’ and sends a message to let the muscle relax a little more than it would normally,” says fasciologist Ashley Black.