Classes

Youth Classes | Youth/Adult Classes | Adult Classes

Adult Classes
ADULT: CLASS CARD: (Ages:Adults)

A class card may be purchased and used for any adult class during the session. When purchasing card online, please use Comment box to note the primary class you will be attending.

ADULT: EXERCISE & DANCE: (Ages:Adult)

Experience improved alignment, body integration, and range of motion as you work from the inner core. Exercises build strength that comes from within. Dance allows the body full and creative expression through space. Realize the joy of working with your body in a supportive environment as you improve functional and expressive movement.

ADULT: INTERGENERATIONAL INTERPLAY: (Ages:6-Adults)

Monthly classes. Third Friday of each month, October - June. Find the joy of movement improvisation, circle dances, telling stories, and singing in community with others. We will take the movement concepts of creative dance and mix them into a fun and playful exploration of all ways we can connect, interact, and express. No experience is necessary – just bring your willingness to play! Bring your family, bring your friends! For more information visit www.interplay.org

ADULT: INTERGENERATIONAL MODERN: (Ages:8 - Adult)

This wonderful class brings people together in community as we stretch and strengthen our bodies, minds, and creative spirits. This modern dance class is appropriate for youth ages 8 and up, adults, and those parents and children who want to experience some fantastic fun and bonding while dancing together! Class is a brain-compatible blend of BrainDance, floor & center work, movement combinations, folk dances, improvisations, and choreography. Fun and fitness for all! Live accompaniment.

ADULT: KEEPING ON DANCING: MODERN FOR 40+: (Ages:Adult)

Includes BrainDance, floor & center work, technique, movement combinations, folk dances, improvisation, and choreography. Fun and Fitness for your fourth decade & beyond! Live accompaniment.

ADULT: MODERN V FOR TEENS & ADULTS: (Ages:15 & up)

Exploring movement concepts, developing dance technique and skills, and composing dances strengthens the body and mind and helps older dancers become skilled movers and choreographers.

ADULT: PILATES MAT: (Ages:Adult)

Incorporating BrainDance with Pilates makes this a perfect workout for all walks of life. Working from the inside out, Pilates focuses on breathing, body-awareness, and core strength which are essential for maintaining posture, balance, functional movement, and a healthy, pliable body.

EDUCATOR/COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS: (Ages:Adult)

Calling all educators, dance teachers, teaching artists, early childhood specialists, OTs, PTs, and parents. Join us at the Creative Dance Center as we laugh, learn, discover, and dance. Our Educator/Community Workshops are led by an incredible group of presenters who are highly respected and sought after in their fields of expertise. We'll share material that will keep you, your students, and children engaged and enlivened by tapping into the nature of creativity and true learning. 5% discount given for multiple participant registrations or when one participant registers for more than one workshop. Clock hours available for these workshops: Movement Matters: Dance for K-6; BrainDance for 1st-6th Grades; BrainDance for 0-5 Year Olds; Moving in the Classroom; Movement Matters: Dance in Early Childhood; BrainDance for Adults and Seniors. To receive clock hours please notify CDC 3 weeks prior to the workshop date. Workshops are held at the Creative Dance Center in our beautiful, open studio space.

Workshop: BRAINDANCE FOR ADULTS & SENIORS ~ MOVEMENT FOR LIFE: (Ages:Adult)

Neuroscience research is supporting what movement educators have known for a long time – mental stimulation and physical exercise improves brain function and can protect against cognitive decline. The BrainDance is an amazing mind-body movement tool that can be adapted for all ages, fitness levels, and settings. Anne Green Gilbert will take you through the eight developmental movement patterns humans move through in the first year of life that wire the central nervous system, build our bodies, and support us for the rest of our lives. The BrainDance encourages our bodies and brains to make new connections, allowing us to move with ease and efficiency and to think and focus with clarity. Moving through these developmental patterns at any age may correct flaws in perceptual processing, enhance lifelong learning, and integrate body and mind for optimal brain function. Benefits include improved alignment, balance, and range of motion; brain oxygenation; reorganization of the neurological system; and development of core support. You will leave this workshop with the practical, hands-on knowledge and experience to bring the BrainDance into your life and the lives of others. Those working with seniors of different ages and movement abilities will learn how to adapt the BrainDance for your specific population. The BrainDance may be done in homes, offices, gyms, assisted living centers, and nursing homes… virtually anywhere. As we grow older and our culture becomes more sedentary sitting in office chairs, cars, and in front of screens it is imperative that we find time to move our bodies, challenge our balance system, and stimulate our brains… we’ve got to use it or lose it!

Workshop: BRAINDANCE FOR BIRTH TO 5-YEARS: (Ages:Adult)

Come learn about the important connection between movement and the developing brains of infants and young children, ages 0-5. Find out why tummy-time is crucial in the first year of life and why providing a rich, multi-sensory world for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers to explore supports optimal brain development. It is an empowering and joyful experience for caregivers, teachers, and parents to be actively engaged in and educated about the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development that happens during the first five years of life. The BrainDance is based on fundamental movement patterns infants move through in the first year of life and continue refining through early childhood. Learn how to create an environment in which infants and young children can move with ease through these patterns, becoming integrated, grounded, self-reliant movers and explorers ready for a life time of learning. We will cover BrainDances that can be done at home, in a childcare setting, the classroom, and in dance studios. This workshop is a must for anyone interested in making sure that young children are given the opportunity to develop their full potential in the early years of life. Daycare providers, early childhood specialists, parents, caregivers, OTs, PTs, and dance teachers are all welcome.

Workshop: BRAINDANCE: CHILDREN TO TEENS: (Ages:Adult)

Join Terry Goetz as she shares the origins and philosophy of the BrainDance. After Terry has taken you through the eight developmental movement patterns humans move through in the first year of life that wire the central nervous system, you will have a new appreciation and deeper understanding of how movement and the brain are linked. It is imperative that we provide healthy and fun movement experiences that help to counterbalance the increased time children are spending not moving as they sit in front of computer, TV, video, and cell phone screens. The BrainDance may be done in dance studios, classrooms, gyms, and homes. Moving through these fundamental patterns at any age may correct flaws in perceptual processing, enhance lifelong learning, and integrate body and mind for optimal brain function. Some benefits include improved alignment, connectivity, and expressivity; brain oxygenation for clarity and focus; reorganization of the neurological system; and development of core support. Participants will also learn variations and ways to to keep the BrainDance fresh, novel, and engaging for children in 1st grade through 6th grade. The BrainDance is a profoundly flexible movement tool that is sequential and holistic. Don’t miss this opportunity!

Workshop: CHAKRA DANCE: OUR JOURNEY TO WHOLENESS: (Ages:Adult)

Join Somatic Movement Educator Stacey Hinden as she leads you into the fluid realms of the body. Through discussion, guided visualization, sensory awareness exercises, and movement explorations, you will learn to experience the unique body-mind qualities of each of the five major fluids: cellular, blood, cerebro-spinal, synovial, and lymph. Learn how each plays a major role in supporting you to consciously experience liquidity of movement and mind. Discover how to increase your capacity to engage, rest, ground in the present moment, discriminate, flow freely, and focus. Learn powerful tools to help your students expand their range of expression in any learning environment, be it the dance studio or the traditional classroom.

Workshop: DANCE IN EARLY CHILDHOOD ~ MOVEMENT MATTERS: (Ages:Adult)

Movement is the key to learning! Dance and music experiences in early childhood contribute to the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of young children. Come and learn why movement matters: how it constructs the body and the brain; builds the strong foundation children need to explore the world around them and within themselves; and empowers children to become self-reliant, grounded, and integrated movers and learners. The workshop will be a blend of discussion and movement experiences that are developmentally appropriate for preschoolers. We will learn the preschool BrainDance moving through the fundamental movement patterns that wire the brain and central nervous system in the early years of life. Participants will learn how the fifteen dance concepts we explore through creative movement are made up of simple and clear contrasting elements. Discover how young children experience balance in body and mind while having fun exploring, creating, and responding within the framework of brain-compatible teaching. You’ll come away with a blueprint for planning age-appropriate, conceptually based lessons, strategies for teaching dance in any setting, and ideas for coping with common class management issues. Daycare providers, preschool teachers, parents, dance teachers, caregivers, OTs and PTs are all welcome.

Workshop: MOVING IN THE CLASSROOM: (Ages:Adult)

Explore many successful ways to use movement as a tool to teach social skills and academic subjects including language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, art, and music. Movement is a necessity in today's classroom of kinesthetic learners, ESL students, and special populations. These activities will increase learning, cooperation, and creativity in your students. The body-brain connection is a hot topic in education and neuroscience as more and more research supports the fact that movement is the key to learning! Moving in the Classroom is geared to the classroom and preschool teacher with little or no movement experience as well as health and fitness educators and dance specialists. You’ll leave this workshop empowered to bring movement into your classroom allowing your students to experience complex problem solving and to develop skills as both leaders and followers. Producing visible and tangible outcomes, movement activities in the classroom are a valuable assessment tool. Come prepared to move and have fun!

Workshop: TEACHING DANCE: FOSTERING CREATIVITY IN OUR STUDENTS: (Ages:Adult)

Join Anne Green Gilbert as she shares the philosophy of brain-compatible teaching and why movement matters. Using current research on how the brain is wired, learns, and retains information, Anne’s brain-compatible teaching methods are a fabulous tool for educators (classroom, PE, music, dance), caregivers, and parents. Through movement and discussion Anne will take participants through her patently successful five-part conceptual lesson plan format and the brain-compatible principles that underpin it. Discover how incorporating these principles into your teaching and life can positively affect class management, creativity, behavior, learning, and focus. Gain confidence in how to combine the mastery of movement with the artistry of expression for yourself, your children, or your students. Experience how conceptual and brain-compatible teaching supports improvisational problem solving, dance technique, skill development, cognition, social and emotional connections with peers and adults, and nurtures creativity as dancers learn and play with the craft of dance composition. This workshop is tremendously beneficial for the studio dance teacher and the classroom educator, as well as those who want to provide a supportive environment for learning and change.

Youth Classes
ART IN MOTION CAMP: (Ages:5-8) - In the words of Picasso, “Every child is an artist.” Come and explore dance concepts through the works of Monet (Impressionism), Klimt (Symbolism/Mosaic art) and Inuit Art (Stone Sculpture). Each day a new style/artist will be discovered. Participants will experience the powerful connections between dance and visual art. Paint shirts will be provided, but come prepared to work with paint, print making, and other messy art! Class includes parent-provided snack and concludes with an informal yet inspiring art walk and movement presentation for family and friends. Register for both Art In Motion AND Yoga & Creative Dance camps and receive a 20% discount - pay $236 for both camps! Bring a sack lunch!

BALLET I: (Ages:2nd-3rd Grades) - Classical ballet emphasizes strength, flexibility, alignment, & musicality. Exploring ballet technique through the dance concepts nurtures the whole dancer. Classes are offered in a relaxed and supportive learning environment. Ballet shoes required.

BALLET II: (Ages:4th - 5th Grades) - Classical ballet emphasizes strength, flexibility, alignment, & musicality. Exploring ballet technique through the dance concepts nurtures the whole dancer. Classes are offered in a relaxed and supportive learning environment. Ballet shoes required.

BALLET III: (Ages:6th Grade & up) - Classical ballet emphasizes strength, flexibility, alignment, & musicality. Exploring ballet technique through the dance concepts nurtures the whole dancer. Classes are offered in a relaxed and supportive learning environment. Ballet shoes required.

BALLET STORIES CAMP: (Ages:3 ½-6) - Have fun exploring, dancing, and learning about story ballets. The Ballet Stories Camp will include an age-appropriate ballet class each day and many fun activities! We will read stories, watch videos, dress up with costumes, and create props and crafts. Daily snack is to be provided by parents. The dancers will share excerpts of their work in an informal showing for family and friends on the last day of class.

BALLET STORYTELLING: (Ages:3 ½-6) - Dancers will participate in a creative ballet class and experience storytelling through movement. A multi-sensory and imaginative environment will be provided through dress-up, picture books, music, and ballet videos. Dancers will have fun creating ballet crafts to dance with and take home! Ballet shoes not required. We dance in bare feet. Parent-provided snack. This class will conclude with an informal presentation for family and friends on the last day of the session.

BALLET: PRE-BALLET: (Ages:K-1st Grade) - A fun and creative introduction to ballet class. Exploring ballet technique through the dance concepts nurtures the whole dancer. Musicality, healthy alignment and improvisation are all a part of this developmentally appropriate ballet class. Ballet shoes required.

CREATIVE BALLET: (Ages:3 1/2 -5) - Exploring ballet skills and vocabulary through creative dance helps young dancers learn ballet more easily and enjoyably. We dance in bare feet.

CREATIVE DANCE: (Ages:3 1/2 - 5) - Having fun, exploring movement concepts, developing dance skills, strengthening the body and brain, interacting with others - it all happens in creative dance classes. Skills become more challenging throughout the year and progress with age level.

CREATIVE MODERN: (Ages:6-8) - A class for dancers ready to experience more technique and skill development while continuing to have fun improvising and choreographing.

DANCE & ART: (Ages:5-7) - This class invites your artist and dancer to discover and experience the powerful connections between dance and the visual arts. The body and mind are stimulated as movement concepts, dance skills, interaction with peers, and dance making are explored in a creative dance class. Students’ creativity is sparked through hands-on art activities. Dance and Art class celebrates the artist in your child! This class will conclude with an informal presentation on the last day.

DANCE & ART CAMP: (Ages:3 ½-5) - Dance & Art Camp invites young children to explore engaging concepts through visual arts, music, stories, and dance. This fun-filled camp includes hands-on art activities, story time, creative dance class, and parent-provided snack. Dancers and artists will share their creativity with family and friends in an informal presentation on the last day of camp.

DANCE & DRAMA CAMP: (Ages:4-7) - The unique creative and imaginative qualities of each student will be celebrated as dance, theater, and performance skills are developed during this camp. Through vocalization, improvisation, movement, sense work, and imagination exercises students explore dramatic possibilities and create work based on poems and stories from around the world. Dance concepts come to life through a brain-compatible blend of BrainDance, movement combinations, partner work, improvisations, and choreography. Dance and Drama Camp is taught under the direction of the Creative Dance Center and Drama teacher, Joanne Keegan. Joanne has worked in the capacity of teacher, director, and playwright working with all ages at the Seattle Children’s Theater, Bainbridge Playhouse, and Olympic College among others. She is the Head of the Visual and Performing Arts Department and the Middle School Drama teacher for the Bush School. Joanne trained with Anne Green Gilbert at the Summer Dance Institute for Teachers and incorporates CDC’s methodology into her teaching. Daily snack is to be provided by parents. On the last day of camp, family and friends will be invited to an informal dance and drama presentation.

INTEGRATED DANCE: (Ages:4-12) - This class offers the opportunity for children with varying abilities to explore dance through the Creative Dance Center Curriculum including the BrainDance. All are invited and caregivers are welcome when mobility or other support is needed. Some goals of the class will be to celebrate the diversity of the dancers and to explore interaction, partnering, and expression.

INTERGENERATIONAL MODERN: (Ages:8 - Adult) - This wonderful class brings people together in community as we stretch and strengthen our bodies, minds, and creative spirits. This modern dance class is appropriate for youth ages 8 and up, adults, and those parents and children who want to experience some fantastic fun and bonding while dancing together! Class is a brain-compatible blend of BrainDance, floor & center work, movement combinations, folk dances, improvisations, and choreography. Fun and fitness for all! Live accompaniment.

MODERN DANCE & CHOREOGRAPHY: (Ages:9-13) - Dive into the creative and challenging world of modern dance this summer. Explore the fundamental movement patterns of the BrainDance, modern dance concepts, and the techniques of counterbalance, weight-sharing, partnering and lifts. Site-specific choreography outside in nature and inside the Creative Dance Center space will spark imagination and push students to new levels of creating, collaborating, and compositional development.

MODERN I: (Ages:2nd + 3rd Grades) - Exploring movement concepts, developing dance technique and skills, and composing dances strengthens the body and mind and helps older dancers become skilled movers and choreographers. Live Accompaniment.

MODERN II: (Ages:4th & 5th Grades) - Exploring movement concepts, developing dance technique and skills, and composing dances strengthens the body and mind and helps older dancers become skilled movers and choreographers. Live Accompaniment.

MODERN III: (Ages:6th & 7th Grades) - Exploring movement concepts, developing dance technique and skills, and composing dances strengthens the body and mind and helps older dancers become skilled movers and choreographers. Live Accompaniment.

MODERN IV: (Ages:8th Grade & up) - Exploring movement concepts, developing dance technique and skills, and composing dances strengthens the body and mind and helps older dancers become skilled movers and choreographers. Live Accompaniment.

MODERN V FOR TEENS & ADULTS: (Ages:15 & up) - Exploring movement concepts, developing dance technique and skills, and composing dances strengthens the body and mind and helps older dancers become skilled movers and choreographers. Modern V by instructor permission.

MUSICAL THEATRE CAMP: (Ages:6-10) - The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow!!! Join professional choreographer and instructor Sara Coiley for Annie! In this five day camp we shall explore character, setting, dialogue, conflict, and action. Come dance and sing to your favorites “The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow,” “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile” and “Hard Knock Life.” The emphasis of this class is on the process of creating and working together as a group. On the first day of camp a letter will be sent home regarding daily activities and any small items that might be needed from home. On the last day of camp, family and friends will be invited to an informal presentation. Daily snack is to be provided by parents. Bet Your Bottom Dollar we have an incredible time!

YOGA & CREATIVE DANCE CAMP: (Ages:5-8) - Explore yoga poses and games as well as dance skills and concepts in this unique camp! Yoga offers students a way to increase flexibility, strength, and endurance while focusing on breath. Emotional growth is fostered by exploring yoga poses such as the polar bear pose (connecting to stability) and the elephant pose (connecting to curiosity and excitement). Relaxation games give students the ability to calm and settle their bodies and minds, promoting clarity of focus and attention. We will carry this grounded and relaxed awareness into our exploration of creative dance. Practice yoga to calm and strengthen and dance joyfully exploring a new creative dance concept each day with friends! Register for both Art In Motion AND Yoga & Creative Dance camps and receive a 20% discount - pay $236 for both camps! Bring a sack lunch!

Youth/Adult Classes
ADULT/YOUTH: INTERGENERATIONAL INTERPLAY: (Ages:6-Adult) - Monthly classes. Third Friday of each month, October - June. Find the joy of movement improvisation, circle dances, telling stories, and singing in community with others. We will take the movement concepts of creative dance and mix them into a fun and playful exploration of all ways we can connect, interact, and express. No experience is necessary – just bring your willingness to play! Bring your family, bring your friends! For more information visit www.interplay.org

ADULT/YOUTH: INTERGENERATIONAL MODERN: (Ages:8 - Adult) - This wonderful class brings people together in community as we stretch and strengthen our bodies, minds, and creative spirits. This modern dance class is appropriate for youth ages 8 and up, adults, and those parents and children who want to experience some fantastic fun and bonding while dancing together! Class is a brain-compatible blend of BrainDance, floor & center work, movement combinations, folk dances, improvisations, and choreography. Fun and fitness for all! Live accompaniment.

ADULT/YOUTH: NURTURING BABY: (Ages:2 mo. - pre-walking) - This class focuses on fun and appropriate movements for building baby’s body and brain. Experience bonding and playful social interaction as you and baby dance together and with others. Explore dance concepts using multi-sensory props and instruments. Sing fun nursery rhymes and move to a wide variety of music. Learn how to support and encourage tummy-time so baby can go through the early movement patterns that wire the central nervous system and brain. Care givers are always welcome.

ADULT/YOUTH: PARENT/CHILD: (Ages:2 1/2 - 4) - Dancing together with your child while exploring movement activities and practicing skills is not only lots of fun but very educational. Activities are taught that can be explored at home. A wide variety of music, props, and rhythm instruments adds to the fun and learning. Nannies and daycare providers are always welcome. If siblings six-months-old and older attend, they must be registered as a student for half price.

ADULT/YOUTH: PARENT/TODDLER: (Ages:walking - 2 1/2) - Dancing together with your child while exploring movement activities and practicing skills is not only lots of fun but very educational. Activities are taught that can be explored at home. A wide variety of music, props, and rhythm instruments adds to the fun and learning. Nannies and daycare providers are always welcome. If siblings six-months-old and older attend, they must be registered as a student for half price.

ADULT/YOUTH: PARENT/TODDLER/CHILD: (Ages:walking - 4 yr) - Dancing together with your child while exploring movement activities and practicing skills is not only lots of fun but very educational. Activities are taught that can be explored at home. A wide variety of music, props, and rhythm instruments adds to the fun and learning. Nannies and daycare providers are always welcome. If siblings six-months-old and older attend, they must be registered as a student for half price.