Class Descriptions
Action Heroes: BOYS ONLY Dance Class: Ages 3-4
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”!Action Heroes: BOYS ONLY Dance Class: Ages 5-7
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 I-II: Ages 6-10
This is a basic ballet technique class with a positive atmosphere, for young people who have had some introduction to movement: ideally, students will have taken Creative Ballet I or II at Spoke the Hub, or a similar class elsewhere. We will focus on proper alignment and execution of steps, musicality, performance quality, and classical ballet's vocabulary, etiquette and traditions. At the same time, each student's learning style and unique artistic contribution will be honored, and each child will be encouraged to do his or her best.Ballet I-II: Ages 7-11
This class focuses on the proper alignment and execution of classical Ballet. Correct training is essential to develop healthy "habits" and prevent injury. This training includes the basic movement vocabulary of Ballet, as well as the meanings of the terms assigned to those steps. This class explores the traditions of Ballet in an open, fun environment. While respect for this art is emphasized, students are encouraged to find their own strengths in this challenging form of dance.Ballet II-III: Ages 11+
For the student who has had at least 2 years of previous ballet training. This is a rigorous class for the modern dancer that is focused on the technique and vocabulary of ballet. We build our strength and understanding of anatomy which we can apply toward our explorations in other forms of dance. 45 minutes spent at the barre, working on technique and strength. 30 minutes spent in the center, working on stretches, balances, turns and jumps.Ballet II-III: Ages 8-11
This class focuses on the proper alignment and execution of classical Ballet. Correct training is essential to develop healthy "habits" and prevent injury. This training includes the basic movement vocabulary of Ballet, as well as the meanings of the terms assigned to those steps. This class explores the traditions of Ballet in an open, fun environment. While respect for this art is emphasized, students are encouraged to find their own strengths in this challenging form of dance.Ballet II: Ages 9-13
For the student who has had at least 2 years of previous ballet training. This is a rigorous class for the modern dancer that is focused on the technique and vocabulary of ballet. We build our strength and understanding of anatomy which we can apply toward our explorations in other forms of dance. 45 minutes spent at the barre, working on technique and strength. 30 minutes spent in the center, working on stretches, balances, turns and jumps.Beginning Ballet: ages 6-8
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.Creative Ballet II: Ages 6-8
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 bare feet or in ballet shoes – you choose. Creative Ballet II is for dancers who have had at least one semester of Creative Ballet I here at Spoke, or a similar class elsewhere.Creative Ballet: Ages 5-6
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 & Yoga: Ages 4-6
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. This class will allow students to release energy, develop a balanced mind, and build a strong and flexible body, all while having FUN!Hip Hop I: Ages 7-9
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 I-II: Ages 9-12
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.Modern Dance II-III: Ages 11+
For the middle schooler who has at least 3 years of dance technique, this class challenges our strength, musicality and artistry as performers. From week to week, we will build on dance phrases and feel the invigorating adrenalin of jumping, turning, leaping and stretching. We will discover our favorite movements, our own movement personalities, take risks with partnering each other, lifting one another in unconventional ways and being part of a group dance that requires commitment and team effort. Our focus is technique - both as individuals and how we incorporate that strength in group pieces. We will create several pieces and explore various types of accompaniment. We'll begin to peek inside the founders of Modern Dance (Martha Graham, Isadora Duncan, Joe Limon, Doris Humphrey) as well as the cutting edge companies of today (Pilobolus Dance Theatre, DV8, Alvin Ailey) to absorb their inspirations and historical importance. On some Friday evenings, we will attend professional dance performances (at BAM, The Joyce Theater, Dance Theater Workshop). NO DROP-INS.Modern Dance II: Ages 9+
For the student who has explored movement before, this class challenges our stamina and memory. From week to week, we will build on dance phrases and feel the invigorating adrenalin of jumping, turning, leaping and stretching. We will explore making dances and play games that serve as a launchpad for the emerging choreographer. By exploring dance with each other, we will begin to find interesting shapes and forms in the air - partnering and lifting. NO DROP-INS.STH Young Actors Ensemble Theatre Workshop*: Ages 8-14
This class will be an exciting and education introduction to the world of theater. Students will be given the opportunity to explore their own ideas and portray their own stories while also receiving instruction on the technical skills necessary to articulate, communicate and express emotions. These young actors will be introduced to various different kinds of theater and be encouraged to discover the different creative possibilities that lay in each of them. They will work on monologues or poems and short scenes as well more physical genres of theater such as clown, creative movement, animal mimicry, mask making and mask performance. Students will have two chances to showcase what they have learned and experience what it is like to be in front of an audience. Once in the December and once in May.STH Young Artists Performing Workshop: Ages 8-12
Must take two technique classes and have permission of instructor.STH Young Artists Performing Workshop: MS & HS Teens
Must take two technique classes and have permission of instructor.Sing, Dance & Make Believe: Ages 3-4
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.3-4 year olds will continue to build on the dance skills introduced in the 2-3's class (although no prior experience is necessary). This is a drop-off class, where imagination is emphasized through both teacher and student directed games and activities. Dancers begin to learn to remember sequences of movement and continue big, locomotor movement in all directions!
Sing, Dance & Make Believe: Ages 4-5
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.4-5's - in this class, technique and dance terminology - foundations of ballet, modern, and creative dance - are introduced, with the same emphasis on imagination and adventure through dancing as in the 3-4's class. Again, no prior experience needed to participate.
Sing, Dance & Make Believe: Ages 2-3 w/ Caregiver
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.*2-3 year olds will explore self and general space, locomotor movement, rhythm, and venture into imaginary play with their adult partner, through songs, stories and a variety of themes throughout the semester. *Caregiver participation is required for students ages 2-3 years old.
Tap I: Ages 6-8
A beginner's tap course designed for the student with little to no experience. Basic concepts and vocabulary are introduced while focus is placed on coordination and rhythm. Each student is encouraged to progress at his or her own individual pace.Tap II: Ages 8-10
One year of previous tap experience is recommended. Tap II builds on the basics by assembling more complicated steps and rhythms. In addition to coordination and rhythm, emphasis is placed on sharpening sounds, performance skills, and working together as a group.Tap III: Ages 10-12
At least one year of previous tap experience required, and enrollment must be approved by the instructor. Tap III is an intermediate/advanced class that introduces complicated rhythms and coordination. Various time steps, traveling steps, and syncopated rhythms are put together in class combinations. Emphasis is placed on technique, upper and lower body coordination, and performance.Teen Modern Repertory: Ages 13-16
After technique class, we will begin to explore making a group piece where everyone has a role. We will discover our favorite movements, our own movement personalities, take risks with partnering each other, lifting one another in unconventional ways and being part of a group dance that requires commitment and team effort. Music, costumes, performances will be brainstormed by the group and the year will culminate with several performance opportunities. NO DROP-INS.Teen Modern Technique: Ages 13-16
Dance it out. De-stress in this class that utilizes relaxation and then invigorating exercises and stamina-building phrases to music ranging from Phillip Glass to Lady Gaga and Bob Dylan to Jay-Z. As a class we will discover the satisfaction of a good workout, the meaning of a good stretch, the pride of improvement. This is a warm-up class for Teen Repertory which happens directly following this class.African Drumming - 1st 8 weeks
We are dedicated to giving students a solid Djembe drumming foundation, while having fun in the process. Beginners are always welcome. Don't have a drum? We have them at the studio. This class for adults and teens committed to the joy of learning.• Maximize your sound quality and minimize injury by using time honored hand techniques.
• Learn traditional rhythms from West Africa and rhythms inspired from Haiti.
• Learn to play as an ensemble with other enthusiastic drummers.
Beginning Conversational Creole
Chair Yoga
Extra Gentle Yoga for students 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.This class is perfect for avid travelers,musicians,and busy New Yorkers who spend a lot of time sitting and would like learn how to apply the Yogic principles in the workspace, travel time or home. people with special concerns are absolutely welcome and encouraged to attend.Gentle Yoga | Stress Reduction and Meditation
This is a 2 part class.
7:30pm-8:15pm : Gentle Yoga combines gentle stretching and easy postures with a focus on breath, alignment and mindfulness. A self-empowering and rejuvenating class. Appropriate for people who think they are limited by age or inflexibility, students recovering from injuries or anybody wanting a relaxing class.
8:15pm-9:00pm : Stress Reduction and Meditation is basic introduction to meditation, including techniques based on the work of Ram Dass, stress-reduction expert, Jon Kabat-Zinn, and the Buddhist master Thich Nhat Hanh.