Spoke the Hub Dancing

Dance

• Action Heroes: Creative Dance for Boys Only!
  Ages 4-6, 7-11
  A high energy, creative dance for boys only, incorporating imagination, music, props, stories and movement games. Students will develop basic motor and rhythmic skills, a beginning dance and music vocabulary, and cooperative social skills while learning about their bodies and discovering that dancing is fun for both boys and girls! We will also draw on favorite action hero imagery as we strengthen our bodies and minds through dance. Soon after joining this class, young dancers will be “jete-ing over tall building in a single bound”!

• Ballet
  Levels: I-IV
  Children/Teen/Adult
  Students learn a classical dance vocabulary, with special attention given to moving with grace, conviction, and efficiency. Emphasis is also placed on musicality and phrasing while students work to heighten their technical skill. Level IV students may be introduced to pointe work.

• Ballroom, Latin and Swing Dance
  Levels: Beginning and Continuing/Intermediate
  Adult/Teen
  In this introduction to the world of social dancing, students learn concepts of leading and following, as well as basic steps and styles of several different partner dances including the Waltz, Foxtrot, Salsa, Merengue, Cha-Cha, Tango, West Coast Swing and East Coast Swing. No partner necessary. Continuing/Intermediate classes may be appropriate for experienced social dancers; check with instructor to find the class suitable to your comfort and challenge levels. Class often goes on field trips to clubs and dance events around the city.

• Belly Dance for Beginners
  (Adult/Teen)
  This class will introduce the foundational movements of this low-impact, high-energy dance form. We will cover the basics of hip, rib cage, and arm isolations, as well as simple turns and traveling steps, while learning beginning choreography. Taught in a supportive environment, this fun and feminine art form embraces all body types and promotes positive self-image. Please wear comfortable clothing, bare feet or dance slippers, and bring a scarf to tie around your hips.

• Creative Ballet
  Ages 5-7
  A transitional “bridge” class for our youngest dancers, incorporating the freedom of movement and self-expression found in creative dance, with the introduction of the more structured vocabulary found in classical dance technique. Come in barefeet or in ballet shoes – you choose.

• Creative Dance
  Ages 4-6, 5-7
  Incorporating the imagination, music, props, stories and movement games, children develop basic motor and rhythmic skills, a beginning dance and music vocabulary, and social skills while learning about their bodies and how to use them as a means of creative expression.

• Creative Dance and Yoga
  Ages 4-6, 7-11
  This playful class will intertwine creative movement and yoga. Children will build strength, flexibility, concentration, rhythmic, and basic motor skills in this energizing class. Incorporating the imagination, music, props, stories, nature and movement games, children develop a dance, music and yoga vocabulary as well as social skills while learning about their bodies and how to use them as a means of creative expression.

• Dance and Exercise For Seniors
  Ages 65 and up
  Set to music culled from throughout the last century, we will work on oiling all of our stiff joints, building strength and stamina through sitting and standing exercises, as well as working on balance and coordination while dancing in our chairs and all around them whenever possible. Seniors of all abilities are encouraged to participate in this class that combines dance and exercise in a creative and safe environment. The class will be adapted to students’ individual needs in order to maximize the ultimate potential for each individual. Spoke the Hub welcomes our elders to our new dance space and hopes you will come and show us how to cut up a rug, Brooklyn style! (Please get your physician’s clearance before attending class.)

• Hip Hop
  Levels: I-II
  Ages 7 – 11, 12-16
  This contemporary dance class will teach students about rhythm, musicality, isolations, and coordination using the hottest dance music of today for inspiration! Current dance moves will be taught as well as popular steps from past decades. More advanced classes will also explore club, street, and break dance styles. Each class will culminate in a freestyle improvisation that will reflect each student’s unique personality as well as movement concepts introduced in class.

• Modern Dance Technique and Improvisation
  Levels: I-III
  Children/Teens
  Beginning with a center floor technical warm-up, dancers work to develop strength, coordination, line, balance, flexibility, and agility. Set choreography is explored in combinations across the floor, while structured improvisations honor and unleash the unique and expressive voice of each individual dancer.

  Adults
  This class invites dancers from a range of backgrounds to rediscover the pleasures of moving through space to music in a non-competitive, creative environment. Influenced by both Nikolais and Limon techniques, instructor Jessica Nicoll incorporates improvisational elements as a way to build technical strength and flexibility within a creative framework.

• Performance Workshops
  Levels: I-III
  Children/Teen/Adult
  These workshops are for anyone interested in creating their own dance or theater work, and presenting it to the public. Composition and improvisation exercises combined with weekly critiques help students to divine their own unique content and develop skills to shape content into an original theatrical form. Workshops culminate in formal weekend performances at Spoke the Hub, open to the general public.

• Sing, Dance and Make Believe
  Ages 2 – 5
  Geared for toddlers and pre-schoolers, these exploratory creative movement classes focus on developing motor and social skills while using the imagination, songs, structured improvisations, and play activities to lay the foundation for more advanced studies in music and dance. Caregiver participation is required for students ages 2-3 years old.

• STH Young Artists Dance/Theater
  Levels: II-IV
  Ages 9 – 16
  In addition to creating and performing their own original dance/theater works, Spoke the Hub’s “Young Artists” will work with professional guest artists as well as being invited to perform with Spoke’s adult intergenerational company during the year. This pre-professional program requires that students take a minimum of two additional technique classes per week at Spoke the Hub, and be available for occasional weekend rehearsals and performances. Participation is by audition or permission of the Director only.

• Tap Dance
  Levels: I-III
  Children/Teen/Adult
  Beginning classes concentrate on isolating the toe taps and sounds and the application of the count to the various steps. As the class progresses, a variety of heel sounds will be added. Focus will be on balance, timing, and the rhythmic differences between the various steps, postures, and styles.

• World Dance Sampler For the Whole Family
  Open
  Take your kids — or just yourself —around the whole world through music and dance every Saturday without ever getting on a plane! Master guest teachers will introduce your whole family to the dance traditions of Ireland, Tahiti, Haiti, India, Brazil, Africa, Puerto Rico, and Greece to name just a few.

Fitness

• Boot Camp Class with Susan Parker
  Level: Open
  Adult
  This class will be a combination of weight training and/or cardiovascular training. Class will include but is not limited to supersets, drop sets, muscle endurance and circuit training. This class will include squats, lunges, jumping, hopping, stepping, squat thrusts, running in place, jumping rope and minor plyometric exercises in addition to standard weight training exercises. If you have any problems with your knees or back please advise on the first day of class so that substitutions and modifications can be made. Come and have some hard core fun!

• Core Boot Camp Workout with Dolores Natividad
  Level: Open
  Adult
  During this hour we will use Dynamic and Static Stretches (Yoga, PNF, Gyrokenesis) Conditioning Exercises (calisthenics, weights, dyna-bands)and Conditioning Drills (plyometrics, skipping, hopping, lunging). Many of the drills are from the book: Marine Corps Daily 16 Workouts: Marine Fitness for the Civilian Athlete, in which  Dolores was featured as the sole civilian.
  Be prepared to sweat and have a good time working towards your spring/summer goals!

• Cardio Dance and Yoga
  Levels: All
  Adult/Teen
  For those short on time, but big on achieving total grace, this combination class combines the fun, sweat, and exhilaration of big all-out dancing in outer space to upbeat music from around the world, with the quieting inward focus and calm of yoga. Reap the rewards of both inner and outer ‘worlds’ in this 90-minute workout led by two expert instructors.

• CardioDance Plus…(A Workout Formerly Know as Super Macho Girls Workout)
  Level: Open (but not recommended for very beginners)
  Adult/Teen
  Originally geared for intelligent women with a warped sense of humor, we decided to change the name of the class so: A) intelligent men with a warped sense of humor might feel free to join us and B) women who always wanted to take the class but were afraid they were not “macho enough” and thus were put off by the title, will cast their fears aside and jump right into the fun-fest. 45 minutes of aerobic dancing (which might include hula hoops, the Argentine Tango, Balkan dance and marine boot camp drills) is followed by 45 minutes of intensive stretch and strength work using weights, balls, rollers, and bands. Each class ends with a delicious deep relaxation. You will sweat, you will laugh, you will curse your teacher for making you do 10 more of those, but you will leave a happy camper, we promise!

• Dance & Exercise For Seniors
  Ages: 65 and up
  Set to music culled from throughout the last century, we will work on oiling all of our stiff joints, building strength and stamina through sitting and standing exercises, as well as working on balance and coordination while dancing in our chairs and all around them whenever possible. Spoke the Hub welcomes our elders to our new dance space and hopes you will come and show us how to cut up a rug, Brooklyn style! (Please get your physician’s clearance before attending class.)

• Exercise For Beginners
  Adult/Teen
  This class assumes you are in good health but have had no formal exercise, fitness or dance training and you don’t know where to begin. Start here. We will cover basic anatomy, fitness and dance fundamentals, how to use weights and other exercise equipment safely and efficiently, and how to have fun exploring all of the above. Our goal is to help you feel comfortable going to any gym, and tearing up any dance floor, as well as finding an exercise program you can live with for a very long time (!) so that you feel better, look better, and enjoy all the health benefits of a more active lifestyle.

• Fitness For Kids
  Ages 8-12
  With childhood obesity reaching epidemic proportions, computers and television taking up more and more free time, and physical education not a required staple of every student’s day, many kids are getting more and more sedentary, with all the health risks that go along with this lifestyle. And if your child is unathletic or hates team sports, the problems increase. The goal of this class is to get kids moving, help them find physical activities that they enjoy and can practice throughout their lives, give them information on the connection between health and nutrition, and to help them feel comfortable, connected, and at peace with their own bodies. (Please get your physician’s clearance before attending class.)

• Gentle Dance/Exercise
  (Adult)
  For those who need or wish to work more carefully with their bodies because of age, illness or injury, this slower paced, non-impact, dance/exercise workout still promises to raise your heartrate, oil your joints, stretch and tone your body, release tension, and give you a little endorphin rush by the time we are done. Come as you are; we will find ways to adapt exercises and work with your physical challenges. (Please get your physician’s clearance before attending class.

• Pilates & Alexander Technique
  (Adult/Teen)
  This class will combine the principles of the Alexander Technique with Pilates-based movement. In this mindful class, we will move in ways that help to alleviate stress, strengthen the core and enhance posture. The class is open to all levels of experience and moves will be modified accordingly.   

• Pilates Mat Class
  Levels: Open
  Adult/Teen

  What is Pilates?
  Pilates is a method of exercise (originally called “Contrology” created by German-born Joseph Pilates and brought to the United States in 1926. He designed a series of exercises for the mat, from beginner to super-advanced, to stretch, strengthen and balance the body utilizing the core muscles or what he liked to call the Powerhouse.

  Pilates emphasizes flowing movements requiring the use of multiple muscle groups simultaneously. Controlled breathing and concentration are essential, making Pilates truly a workout for the body and the mind.
  Benefits include spinal elongation, good posture, postural symmetry, abdominal strength, spine, pelvis and shoulder stabilization, muscular flexibility, joint mobility, prevention of or recovery from injury.

  This is a 60-minute “open” mat class ranging from a beginner/intermediate to intermediate/advanced level depending upon the makeup of the class. Props are sometimes incorporated into the class to either facilitate the exercises or add a challenge. Pilates can be the foundation of your workout program or stand on its own. Everyone from the experienced to adventurous “newbie” is welcomed.

• Tai Chi Chuan (Yang Style)
  Levels: I-II
  (Adult/Teen)
  An introduction to this beautiful and flowing martial art form. Class begins with Chi-Kung exercises to music and ends with meditation. Regular practice of Tai Chi strengthens the body, calms the mind, balances Yin and Yang, improves circulation, increases chi (internal energy) and gives you a good night’s sleep!

• Total Body Workout For Men
  Ages 40-60 (ish)
  Perhaps the hair is gray and receding, the belly is sagging, your back hurts, you can’t touch your toes, those sporadic weekend basketball games total your knees, and you still don’t feel comfortable doing the boogaloo out on a dance floor? Men, it’s time. This total body workout geared for male baby boomers is going to burn calories, strengthen your lungs and cardiovascular system, teach you a few groovy moves for the dance floor (for soloing when inspired or to dazzle your next partner) tighten up the paunch, lengthen the hamstrings, work on general postural alignment, tone all the muscles, release tension, and aims to help you look and feel like the truly energetic Adonis you are inside. (We will have fun, promise.)

Yoga

• Cardio Dance and Yoga
  Levels: All
  Adult/Teen
  For those short on time, but big on achieving total grace, this combination class combines the fun, sweat, and exhilaration of big all-out dancing in outer space to upbeat music from around the world, with the quieting inward focus and calm of yoga. Reap the rewards of both inner and outer ‘worlds’ in this 90 minute workout led by two expert instructors.

• Creative Dance and Yoga
  Levels: All
  Children Ages 4-8
  This playful class will intertwine creative movement and yoga. Children will build strength, flexibility, concentration, rhythmic, and basic motor skills in this energizing class. Incorporating the imagination, music, props, stories, nature and movement games, children develop a dance, music and yoga vocabulary as well as social skills while learning about their bodies and how to use them as a means of creative expression.

• Exercise For Beginners
  Adult/Teen
  This class assumes you are in good health but have had no formal exercise, fitness or dance training and you don’t know where to begin. Start here. We will cover basic anatomy, fitness and dance fundamentals, how to use weights and other exercise equipment safely and efficiently, and how to have fun exploring all of the above. Our goal is to help you feel comfortable going to any gym, and tearing up any dance floor, as well as finding an exercise program you can live with so that you feel better, look better, and enjoy all the health benefits of a more active lifestyle.

• Foundations of Yoga
  Level: Beginning
  Adult/Teen
  6 Week Pre-Registered Course Jan 22-Feb 26, 2009
  Foundations of Yoga is a series of 6 classes designed for those who are new to yoga to learn at a slower pace and receive more detailed instruction in preparation for a beginner yoga class. This class is also good for those who have been practicing and would like a refresher course on alignment and technique. Classes will focus on asana (poses), pranayama (breathing techniques), and yoga philosophy. technique. Classes will focus on asana (poses), pranayama (breathing techniques), and yoga philosophy.

• Gentle Wake-Up Yoga
  This early morning practice is particularly recommended for those just beginning an exercise program, those overweight, out of shape, or for those recovering from injury or illness. A great, non-abrasive way to enter your day! (A physicians’ clearance is strongly recommended before beginning any exercise or yoga practice

• Chair Yoga
  This Extra Gentle Yoga class for those who do not have easeful mobility. The class is a modified version of an Integral Yoga class adapted to the chair! The class structure includes: Sound Vibration, Yoga Poses, Breathing, Meditation and Deep Relaxation integrated in a steady, comprehensive flow. Chair Yoga is perfect for avid travelers, musicians, busy New Yorkers and those who spend a lot of time sitting. Learn how to apply the Yogic principles in the workspace, during your travel time or at home. People with special concerns are absolutely welcome and encouraged to attend.

• Integral Yoga

  Ease away your stress during this 75 minute traditional Hatha Yoga class. This rejuvenating experience follows a simple structure:

  I) Opening Chants – Kirtan

  II) Gentle Warm Ups, Physical Postures – Asanas

  III) Deep Relaxation – Yoga Nidra

  IV) Conscious Breathing Practice – Pranayama

  V) Meditation

  VI) Closing Chants

  Yoga is an ancient system that brings the Mind, Body and Spirit into an organic, balanced whole. The goal is to have an easeful body, a peaceful mind and a useful life. New beginners are welcome!

  Kripalu Yoga focuses on the traditional poses of Hatha Yoga known as asanas. Through gentle warm ups, deep breathing exercises, and a meditative but challenging practice of the asanas, students strengthen, tone and energize their bodies. Appropriate for beginning and intermediate students. Yoga for Young People is a traditional hatha yoga class, revised for the shorter attention span, active imaginations, and high energy of kids. Through classic yoga postures and breathing exercises, children learn to strengthen their bodies, calm their minds and rejuvenate their spirit for life.

  Vinyasa Yoga Incorporating thoughtful movement with the goal of no thought in the mind, Liz offers a class for those who need more strength and flexibility in their bodies, more wholeness in their workout and more space between their thoughts. Suitable for experienced practitioners as well as those who have only gotten their feet wet in yoga’s ocean.

  Yoga Core Fusion (Summer 2009) This course is an eclectic Fusion of Hatha Yoga, Free Weights/ Resistance Bands and Gyrotonic. We may also be exploring use of the BOSU and Therapeutic exercises on the Foam Rollers. This comprehensive 1.5 hours will be breath-synchronized, integrative, conscious movement specifically strengthening and stabilizing the pelvic floor, abs, hips and back. This class is geared to be easy on the joints, yet challenging appropriate compound and isolated muscles working within our comfortable optimal capacity. We will end with a Classical Yoga Nidra (Deep Relaxation.) The class can be modified if you have any special concerns.

Music

• Amateur Chamber Ensemble (Summer 2009)
  Level: some past experience in instrumental music; must be able to read music
  Adult/Teen
  A weekly class for all instrumentalists who wish they hadn’t stopped playing. Adults will be afforded a friendly environment to get together with other like-minded adults and get reacquainted with their instrument in the ensemble setting. Snacks will be involved. In August, participants perform a low-key concert to share with all your new music friends. Must bring own instrument to class!

• Beginning Guitar and Electric Bass (Summer 2009)
  This class will teach the basics of guitar and electric bass playing and is intended for newcomers to the guitar. We will focus on technique-use of the pick, playing in position, reading tablature, correct finger placement on the left hand-and music fundamentals such as chords, scales, and arpeggios. By the end of the session, students will have a strong grasp of the essential elements of guitar technique and will be able to play a short piece of the instructor’s and students’ choosing. (Must bring your own instrument.)

• Maracatu Brazilian Percussion Workshop
  Levels: All
  Adult/Teen
  Maracatu is a traditional form of music that originated in Recife (the Northeast of Brazil) and is strongly associated with the religious and cultural ceremonies of African slaves from the Congo and Angola. Workshops will focus on the various rhythms, percussion instruments, technique, songs and the culture of the folkloric rituals of Maracatu de Baque Virado. Classes are open to everyone; no previous music experience is needed. Instruments provided.
• Music History: The Three-Minute Song/Mozart to Radiohead (Summer 2009)
  Levels: All
  Ages 7-10, 11-15
  In this class we will explore how to listen to the 3-minute song by comparing contemporary approaches by contemporary pop and classical composers with the venerated names of the past. Using humor, discussion, and simple activities, we will learn to listen in terms of compositional style and form, as well as historical and artistic context. A new pair of songs will be explored every day of the week, so sign up for the entire course or drop in for the ones you can make.
• Rhythm & Percussion (for Dancers) (Summer 2009)
  Levels: All
  Ages 7-16; Adult/Teen
  Explore your relationship with rhythm through song, body movement and percussion. Fall in love with 4/4, 6/8 and 9/8 meters, and above all have fun! Perfect for dancers, instrumentalists, singers and music fans alike. No previous experience needed.
• Rock Band Camp (Summer 2009)
  Levels: Intermediate/Advanced; must have knowledge of an instrument prior to enrollment
  Ages 12-16
  This class is open to students who play any instrument or sing and who are interested in having an opportunity to learn and perform rock music. Over the course of the week, students will learn the basic rhythmic and harmonic structures common to rock music and the evolution of these structures. Using their knowledge of these, the ensemble will learn to perform one or two rock songs and compose their own piece as a group.
• Singing in English & Spanish with Latin Percussion (Summer 2009)
  Levels: All
  Ages 7-10
  Kids learn to sing and drum with Spanish songs. Spanish pronunciation, sounds, songs and rhythms are part of this class, that is pure fun!!!
• The Singing Heart: Discovering Your Voice (Fall 2009)
  Levels: All
  Adult/Teen
  Learn to sing in your breath naturally expressing words and feelings. Singing is a process of self-discovery of your body and emotions. This class will help you to dig into the source of your own voice and manifest it with a variety of collective and individual body, breath and vocal exercises. You can bring the song you always dream to sing and work on it during the class.

Visual Art

• Kids Studio Art Workshop (Fall 2009) (ages 8 and up) 
  Explore and discover different artistic mediums and exercise your imagination!  Get to know drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, small sculpture, journaling and book-making in a collaborative, creative environment.  Emphasis on found object art, cultural expression and environmental awareness. Keep a sketchbook journal, create ongoing projects and share your art. Bring your ideas to life, work with your creative peers and celebrate art making! Additional materials fee of $35 payable to instructor prior to class start date.

• Family Studio Art Workshop (Fall 2009)
  (ages 8 and up)
  Explore and discover different artistic mediums and exercise your imagination with your family!  Get to know drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, small sculpture, journaling and book-making in a collaborative, family-oriented and creative environment.  Emphasis on found object art, cultural expression and environmental awareness. Keep a sketchbook journal, create ongoing projects and share your art. Bring your ideas to life with your family members or caretaker, work with your creative peers and celebrate art making!
  Additional materials fee of $35 payable to instructor prior to class start date.

• Bilingual Studio Art (Summer 2009)
  (ages 7-11)
  Come and have fun with a variety of artistic activities! Kids will learn different painting, drawing and crafts techniques, while having the opportunity of practicing Spanish with a native speaker artist.

• Collage and Mixed Media (Fall 2009)
  (Adult)
  An exploration of the art of collage and its many materials, techniques, approaches and possibilities for personal expression. Students will cut, tear and glue a variety of found and painted papers to larger paper and work with media such as water based paint, craypas, pencils and charcoal; three dimensional objects will also be incorporated along with book art projects. Students will experiment with color, shape, texture, line and composition to layer and organize images and ideas; reflection and dialogue will be an ongoing part of the workshop. All levels of experience are welcome.

  Students will bring their materials of choice and will also receive a list of materials and small tools.

  There will be a modest materials fee charge at the end of the workshop for shared items.

  The next session of Collage and Mixed Media begins September 17 and runs through February 4. Register here.

• Outdoor Landscape Drawing & Painting Workshop
  (Adult & Teen)
• Practice, learn and enjoy this summer while painting landscapes outdoors. Capture the urban and natural landscapes of your neighborhood. We will try and experiment with different techniques from some relevant styles of modern painting: impressionism, expressionism/fauvism, cubism, and pop art. Open to all levels.
• Printmaking Without a Press (Summer 2009)
  (ages 7-11 and 12-16; Adult & Teen)
  This class will use collograph printing, as well as styrofoam printing.  Collograph prints use a plate that is made from gluing cut shapes to a background, rolled with ink, and printed using a brayer for a wood-cut effect. Styrofoam prints are made pressing into styrofoam plates with a sharp object, usually a pencil, and rolling it up with ink and printing, for more of an etching effect. Other techniques and practices that will be explored include stamping and bookmaking.
  We will be using water-based inks, so no solvents will be involved.  Call 718.408.3234 to register.
  

Theatre