Between August 5 – 14, I will be subbing nine ballet classes for my ballet teacher, Finis Jhung, at the Alvin Ailey Dance Extension Program and I hope you can come check them out. Level 1 is open to all levels, even if you have had no dance or ballet experience at all. In level 1, we begin class with a slow, long barre, with an emphasis on correct alignment, balance, shifting weight, movement quality, and working the muscles correctly. The barre is also a warm-up for the center exercises away from the barre. In the center, you will continue to work on movement quality, weight shifting, strengthening your muscles while moving with grace and ease, and coordinating movement with classical music. I personally take Finis’ level 1 class on a regular basis, because I find the slow, mindful dance movements to be like a zen yogic flow — meditative, but also with the added benefits mentioned above. I am very happy to be teaching this class as I believe in Finis’ movement principles, and see many parallels with the Tai Chi Easy/ Qigong classes I teach (fall prevention, movement quality, strength and grace, etc.).
The level 2 class is for people who have had dance experience, because the barre moves much faster and the center includes turns and more jumps. I will be teaching both levels in the style of Finis Jhung, as I have completed a teacher training with him, and study with him regularly. I will also be using compilations of his music cds, composed specifically for his classes. You can wear yoga clothes if you don’t have dance leotards and tights, but I do suggest you purchase a pair of canvas ballet slippers (at Capezios, or elsewhere) for under $ 20. If you have any questions about these ballet classes, please email me!
