Instruction

Class Descriptions:

Level 1 (Spring, Muscatine): These classes are designed for people who have never danced before, people who have danced but not explored this style, and for perfection and review of technique for dancers already familiar with ATS. Class content of Level 1 includes at least one slow and/or one fast new movement per class, and a review of the moves covered the week before. As the session progresses, we add all the moves covered up until that day in combinations during class, so students can learn how to transition and how the steps fit together. You will learn to recognize the cues used for our group improvisational style. You will learn a basic finger cymbal pattern to accompany the dance in Level One. We do supply some loaner zills (finger cymbals) in class and offer them for sale as well. You'll learn isolation techniques, basic shimmies, turns, traveling steps and cues. Each class also includes stretching and strengthening sections. The same material in Level 1 is repeated every session.

Level 2: is the next step for dancers who are ready for a greater challenge, or for those aspiring to perform and excel. Here you'll begin partnering, working in small groups, learn leading and continue to perfect following skills, gain experience in chorus work and other manners of presentation, floor work, more advanced finger cymbal patterns and improv, new movements, variations of existing moves, nuances of each move and repetition of all basic moves learned in Level 1. Material for this class requires more than one session to cover and can be considered ongoing. Simultaneous enrollment in Level 1 while moving up is strongly encouraged. Level 1 students are welcome to stay and observe this class anytime.

Mixed Level-Mixed level class is a blending of level one and two. I will review Level One slow and fast, and introduce one new Level Two move. There will be time for group dancing according to your level.

ADVANCEMENT

You must be proficient in each previous level before moving up! There are many experienced dancers who wish to begin my classes with Level 2. This does not work for ATS because of the structure required for each movement, which is there in order to facilitate our group improvisation. Experienced dancers of other forms will likely not need to repeat Level 1 more than once before moving up, but even you must start there. Thank you for your enthusiasm and your understanding!Contactmanyhandshouse@gmail.comfor more info