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 CREATIVE MODERN: (Ages:Adult)

Including BrainDance, floor & center work, technique, movement combinations, folk dances, improvisation, and choreography. Fun and Fitness for all! Live accompaniment.

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 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 KRIPALU YOGA: (Ages:Adult)

a form of Hatha Yoga, incorporates gentle, flowing postures with breathwork to build strength, flexibility and body awareness. Rather than follow a strict series of classical forms, Kripalu emphasizes the importance of listening to the inner wisdom of ones own body in any given moment with compassion and patience, allowing integration of body, mind, & spirit.

ADULT YOGA WITH AWARENESS: (Ages:Adult)

is about challenging yourself to stretch and grow beyond perceived limitations. If you have ever doubted your ability to change and reach for greater flexibility and strength, come and find the courage to trust your own voice and stretch out of the old, exhausting ways of conducting your life!

ADULT/INTERGENERATIONAL COMMUNITY DANCE: (Ages:6 - Adult)

This wonderful class brings people together in community as we learn dances from around the world. Celebrate the diversity of cultures and movement styles that make us different as we experience the common threads that tie us together. Parents and children will share in a bonding experience. Teachers and adults will enjoy an aerobic class with a global twist. World music, laughter, exercise, and fun for all!

EDUCATOR/COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS: (Ages:Adult)

Calling all educators, dance teachers, daycare providers and early childhood specialists, OT’s and PT’s, parents and children! 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. Join us as we share information and 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 $10 check written to PSESD on day of workshop for these workshops: BrainDance and BrainDance Variations; Movement Matters: Brain-Compatible Movement, Ages 3-5; Brain-Compatible Dance Education K-8; Movement Matters: Brain-Compatible Movement, Ages 0-2; Folk and Historical Dance Through Time and Cultures. To receive clock hours the Creative Dance Center must be notified 3 weeks prior to the workshop date. Visit www.creativedance.org or call (206) 363-7281for registration information.

Workshop: BRAIN-COMPATIBLE BALLET FOR STUDIO TEACHERS: (Ages:Adult)

Creativity. Choice and discovery. Imagining, inventing, and manipulating what is known into something new and different. Not the usual words used to describe a typical ballet class. The focus of traditional ballet class is to prepare technically proficient dancers through practice and repetition. Yet we want our dancers to be artists as well as technicians. This workshop will give you specific tools to train dancers while supporting and nurturing the whole person inside the body. Learn how brain-compatible and conceptual teaching principles encourage, support, and excite your students about their own creative potential. Learn how to use the BrainDance as a warm-up before barre to integrate body and mind and improve focus and concentration. Experience how the BrainDance patterns enhance core support, connectivity, and alignment and bring about deeper understanding of dance technique. Workshop will include discussion and a conceptual, brain-compatible ballet class, giving you hands-on knowledge you can begin to use with your students immediately!

Workshop: BRAIN-COMPATIBLE DANCE EDUCATION K-8:

Join Anne Green Gilbert as she shares the philosophy of brain-compatible teaching, the subject of her newest book published in 2006, Brain-Compatible Dance Education. 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 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 both the studio dance teacher and the classroom educator, as well as those who want to provide a supportive environment for learning and change.

Workshop: BRAINDANCE & BRAINDANCE VARIATIONS:

Join Anne Green Gilbert as she shares the origins and philosophy of the BrainDance. After Anne 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. The BrainDance may be done in dance studios, classrooms, homes, and offices. The BrainDance may be done in a variety of ways, sparking new connections in the brain and body; alone, with partners, sitting in a chair, lying on the floor or standing. 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. Some benefits include; improved alignment, connectivity, and expressivity; 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. Participants will also learn variations to keep the BrainDance fresh and novel, creating new connections in both brain and body. The BrainDance is a profoundly flexible movement tool that is sequential and holistic. Don’t miss this opportunity!

Workshop: FOLK AND HISTORICAL DANCE THROUGH TIME AND CULTURES:

In this workshop co-presented by early dance expert Anna Mansbridge and BrainDance guru Anne Green Gilbert, participants will have the opportunity to learn selected folk dances from around the world as well as dances from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Throughout history and across different cultures, dancing in the community has meant people coming together for the pleasure of moving their bodies to music, socializing, and having fun. Period costumes and information on the manners and etiquette of the day bring history to life in this workshop! Learn how culture and environment influenced the many styles of folk and historical dance. From the Renaissance, dance the lively Peas “Popping”Branle and Washerwoman’s Branle, caper through the English Country dances Rufty Tufty and Epping Forest, and from the Baroque period dance along with Jeanne Who Jumps. Travel the world as we dance Tanko Bushi from Japan, Woaf from Austria, Pata Pata from South Africa, Los Machetes from Mexico, and many more! These dances are a wonderful complement and addition to music, PE, and dance classes. Folk and historical dance fosters a sense of community, teaches rhythmic and cultural awareness, and improves and develops cognitive skills such as sequencing and pattern memorization. Instructional materials will be available for purchase.

Workshop: LOWER BODY GROUNDING WORKSHOP: (Ages:Adult)

Lower body grounding is needed for upper body extension into space. In our passive, sitting culture we tend to lose access to the neurological intelligence of the lower body. The grounding of the lower body is imperative to maintaining strength and support of the pelvis and spine and aids in reaching through our heads and arms into space. Workshop will emphasize alignment of foot, ankle, knee, and hip; mechanisms of yield and push, reach and pull; and sequencing of push to support pelvic floor and spinal health, pelvic shift, and to lengthen and strengthen the spine through the head. We will look at how the push to reach sequence helps to sit and stand, walk, run, jump, and adds dynamism to dance and other forms of movement. Explore how lower grounding is necessary for mutual support and weight sharing and brings a sense of dynamic alignment to dance technique. We will work individually, with partners, and in groups.

Workshop: MOVEMENT MATTERS: BRAIN-COMPATIBLE MOVEMENT, AGES 0-2:

Come learn about the important connection between movement and the developing brains of babies and toddlers. Find out why tummy-time is crucial in the first year of life and why providing a rich, multi-sensory world for infants and toddlers to explore supports optimal brain development. Being actively engaged in and educated about baby’s physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development in the first two years of life is an empowering and joyful experience for caregivers and parents. Learn how to encourage tummy-time so baby can naturally move through the early movement patterns that wire the central nervous system and brain. Participate in a Nurturing Baby and Parent/Toddler class and learn the toddler BrainDance, giving you the knowledge and confidence to support movement and have fun dancing with infants and toddlers. Early dance and multi-sensory experiences build healthy brains and integrated bodies, creating the foundation children need to explore a lifetime of learning. This workshop is a must for anyone interested in making sure that children are given the opportunity to develop to their full potential in the early years of life. Daycare providers, preschool teachers, parents, caregivers, OTs, PTs, and dance teachers are all welcome.

Workshop: MOVEMENT MATTERS: BRAIN-COMPATIBLE MOVEMENT, AGES 3-5:

Come and learn about the important connection between movement and the developing brains of young children. Find out why providing a rich, multi-sensory world for children to explore in the first five years of life supports optimal brain development. Learn the preschool BrainDance and move through the fundamental movement patterns that wire the brain and central nervous system in the early years of life. The BrainDance, done on a daily basis, can be beneficial for social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development. The workshop will be a blend of discussion and movement experiences that are developmentally appropriate for preschoolers. 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. This workshop is a must for anyone interested in making sure that children are given the opportunity to develop to their full potential in the early years of life. Daycare providers, preschool teachers, parents, caregivers, OTs, PTs, and dance teachers are all welcome.

Workshop: MOVEMENT STORIES FOR PRESCHOOL DANCE: (Ages:Adult)

Preschool children love stories – which makes storytelling a wonderful and effective tool for presenting Creative Dance concepts to preschoolers. Join veteran preschool dance educator Helen Landalf for an engaging workshop based on her popular book Movement Stories for Young Children (co-authored with Pamela Gerke). Discover what makes a good Movement Story and how Movement Stories can stand alone or fit into a conceptually-based Creative Dance lesson. You will have an opportunity to become acquainted with some of Helen’s most successful stories as well as to create story ideas of your own. Preschool teachers and dance educators alike will find this workshop useful, informative…and fun!

Workshop: WINTER SOLSTICE MOVEMENT CHOIR: (Ages:Adult)

Come and dance the dark away! You are invited to join in an adult Movement Choir celebrating the Winter Solstice. Movement choir, created by Rudolf Laban, is a process of bringing diverse communities of people together, synergistically blending individual movement expression toward a common purpose. The intention of this Movement Choir is to explore and embody our reflections and meditations on what it means to enliven ourselves as individuals and as a collective to find the heat within, now that the heat without has waned. This celebration is a fun and playful evening of dancing together and is open to adults. Feel free to bring a friend. Musician Tom Bergersen will provide live music on drums.

Youth Classes
ART IN MOTION CAMP: (Ages:4-10) - In the words of Picasso, "Every child is an artist." Come and explore dance concepts through the works of artists like Andy Warhol (Pop Art – print making) and Monet (Impressionism – Mood and Color). Each day a new 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, sculpture, fabric, and print making! Class includes parent-provided snack. Camp concludes with an informal yet inspiring art walk and movement presentation for family and friends.

BALLET : (Ages:7 1/2-15) - Classical ballet emphasizes strength, flexibility, coordination, alignment, muscle toning, & musicality. Classes are offered in a relaxed and supportive learning environment, nurturing a personal sense of well being. Ballet shoes required.

BALLET STORIES CAMP: (Ages:4-6) - Let’s have fun exploring and dancing the story ballets Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and Swan Lake. The Ballet Stories Camp will include a creative ballet class each day and many fun activities! We will read the 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 WORKSHOP: (Ages:7-9) - This 2 hour workshop class will meet once a week for 3 weeks. Dancers who are ready for more technical challenges will participate in a ballet class AND have time to explore dance and ballet history through stories, music, and film. Dancers will learn age appropriate variations from well-known ballets, such as Sleeping Beauty and have fun creating ballet crafts to dance with and take home! Ballet shoes required. Parent-provided snack. This class will conclude with an informal presentation for family and friends on the last day of class.

CREATIVE BALLET: (Ages:3 1/2 -6) - Exploring ballet skills and vocabulary through creative dance helps young dancers learn ballet more easily and enjoyably. BrainDance, exploring movement concepts, and turning and leaping round out the fun in this developmentally appropriate introduction to ballet. Ballet shoes not needed. We dance in bare feet.

CREATIVE BALLET WORKSHOP: (Ages:5-6) - This 2 hour workshop class will meet once a week for 3 weeks. Dancers will participate in a creative ballet class AND have time to explore dance and ballet history through stories, picture books, music, and film. Dancers will learn age appropriate variations from well-known ballets, such as Sleeping Beauty and have fun creating ballet crafts to dance with and take home! Parent-provided snack. This class will conclude with an informal presentation for family and friends on the last day of class.

CREATIVE DANCE: (Ages:3 1/2 - 7) - 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 DANCE & TAP: (Ages:5-7) - Slip into those tap shoes and let your feet clickety clack and tippety tap! Basic tap technique will be taught and explored within the framework of a conceptual creative dance class. Great fun for dancers wanting to explore pulse and rhythm in a whole new way!

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.

CREATIVE MODERN & ART: (Ages:6-8) - This class invites your artist and dancer to discover how movement concepts are connected to visual arts, language arts, and dance. Children who are ready to experience more challenging skill development in dance and more complex art projects will enjoy this fun-filled class. Creativity, collaboration, and imagination are encouraged through hands-on art activities, a creative modern dance class, improvisation, and the chance to create dances. Parent-provided snack. This class will conclude with an informal presentation on the last day.

DANCE & ART: (Ages:3 1/2 - 5) - Your artist and dancer will 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! Parent-provided snack. This class will conclude with an informal presentation on the last day.

DANCE & ART CAMP: (Ages:3 1/2-5) - 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, & ART: (Ages:5-7) - Your artist, budding actor and dancer will discover and experience the powerful connections between dance, visual arts, and drama. Concepts come to life as students’ creativity is sparked through hands on art activities. Playful drama explorations activate the imagination. The body and mind are stimulated as movement concepts, dance skills, interaction with peers, and dance making are explored in a creative dance class. Dance, Drama, and Art class celebrates the whole child! Parent-provided snack. This class will conclude with an informal presentation on the last day.

MESSY, GOOPY SCIENCE & DANCE: (Ages:6-9) - Explore the exciting and sometimes messy world of science through hands-on experiments, art projects, and dance. Exploring the concepts of Flow, Relationships, Weight, and Energy while connecting the physical scientific world with the kinesthetic world of dance leads to deeper learning and FUN! Volcanoes, erosion, gravity, the water cycle, geysers, and icebergs will come to life!

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. With 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. With 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. With 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. With Live Accompaniment.

MUSICAL THEATER CAMP: (Ages:5-10) - Discover the world of Charlie Brown, Lucy and Snoopy! Each day we will play with specific dance and theater concepts. Throughout the week we’ll build upon them to create our own musical performance piece from the musical "You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown" using props, set pieces, and simple costumes! 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.

PATTERNS IN MOVEMENT & DRAMA: (Ages:Grades K-2) - Offered in Partnership with Seattle Children’s Theatre. Explore the patterns found all around us through music, movement, and drama. Develop dance and choreographic skills and explore dramatic interaction, characters, setting, and stories under the direction of Creative Dance Center and Seattle Children’s Theatre. Call SCT at 206-443-0807 to register.

SPECIAL NEEDS: (Ages:7-12) - Provides a supportive environment to explore dance, movement patterns, individual expression, and social interaction. Every class includes the BrainDance and explores dance concepts and skill development, adapting and working specifically with each dancer’s ability, promoting self confidence and happiness.

Youth/Adult Classes
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.

INTERGENERATIONAL COMMUNITY DANCE: (Ages:6 - Adult) - This wonderful class brings people together in community as we learn dances from around the world. Celebrate the diversity of cultures and movement styles that make us different as we experience the common threads that tie us together. Parents and children will share in a bonding experience. Teachers and adults will enjoy an aerobic class with a global twist. World music, laughter, exercise, and fun for all!

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.

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.

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.

PARENT/TODDLER: (Ages:walking to 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.

PARENT/TODDLER/CHILD: (Ages:18 mo. - 4 yrs.) - 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.