Dance at Moonborn
Dance classes for (becoming) bold, brave, fearless movers.
At Moonborn, we do a little differently. Our classes are focused on adult learners from complete beginners to advanced/preprofessional movers. We are not a competition or performance-oriented studio. Our aim is to build community and foster artistry through honoring the journey each student, working hard, and dancing in JOY. Quality dance education is our top priority, which we ensure with small class sizes, diverse class offerings, and master-level instruction. If you like things a little offbeat, feel-good, and groovy, we’re your people.
Don’t be shy :) learn more about our classes below:
House
What is House?
House is a vernacular, improvisational dance form that was pioneered and popularized in Chicago and New York in the 1970s and 1980s. It came up in tandem with House music, and was (is) practiced by Black, Latine, and Queer communities who found home, acceptance, and chosen family in the club scene. House is characterized by its fast, rhythmic footwork, jacking (finding the groove), and lofting (floorwork). Beyond the technical aspects of House, it is also characterized by its free, emotional, individual, and spiritual nature. House is about letting go, being in the moment, connecting with music and other people, and expressing oneself. Moonborn’s classes are designed to teach House’s primary characteristics, as well as honoring its historical and cultural roots.
What to expect from House class at Moonborn
Students can expect to learn fundamental House rhythms, be introduced to key figures in House history, and learn about and dance to House music. House is a high-impact, fast-paced dance form, so students can also expect to work hard! Classes will occasionally engage in a Cypher (freestyling in a circle) and work on the floor.
What to wear to House class at Moonborn:
Wear comfortable clothing you can move in, bring water, and wear street shoes (i.e. sneakers) that you do not wear outside.
Is House Beginner friendly?
YES
Contemporary
What is Contemporary?
Contemporary dance is not a singular thing! It has many definitions, approaches, and styles across the globe. Although some may designate their practice as Contemporary dance, it is not beholden to a single technique, practitioner, industry, or institution. The thru-line of contemporary dance is that it is a snapshot of “now,” reflecting the bodies performing it and the space and place it is situated in. Contemporary dance is commonly associated with floorwork, spinal articulation, momentum-based locomotion, imagery/sensation/or anatomically motivated movement, and “rooted” or “grounded” movement. Although these characteristics are common, they are neither exhaustive or all-encompassing.
What to expect from Contemporary at Moonborn
Our contemporary classes are inspired by Skinner Releasing Technique, Gaga, Bartinieff Fundamentals, Flying Low/Passing Through, and more. Classes may include exercises in experiential anatomy, floorwork, spiraling, standing and across the floor exercises, and improvisation. Occasionally (but not always), classes will include choreography or combinations. Our contemporary classes are centered on unlocking emotional, creative, and physical potential while building community with one another. Beginning dancers can expect to learn foundational concepts which develop a sense of strength and flow, while working at a steady pace. Intermediate and advanced dancers can expect to work at a faster pace with a focus on smoothness, explosiveness, patience, physical range, and individual artistry. Classes will always include floorwork.
What to wear to Contemporary at Moonborn:
Wear comfortable clothing you can move in and bring water. You may want wear layers such as long pants and lightweight, long-sleeved tops to assist with floorwork. Students can dance barefoot or in socks, dance shoes are entirely optional. It is recommended that long hair be pulled back and jewelry be limited, but it is not required.
Is Contemporary beginner-friendly?
YES and NO
We offer two levels of contemporary class, our intermediate/advanced contemporary would not be appropriate for beginners, but our contemporary class is the perfect place if you’re new to dance!
Raqs Sharqi
What is Raqs Sharqi?
Raqs Sharqi (رقص شرقي) is an Arabic term which directly translates to “eastern” or “oriental” dance. This style of dance is practiced all over the MENACASEA (Middle Eastern, North Aftican, Central Asian, and Southeast Asian) region, but is most often associated with Egypt. It is location-specific in its stylistic expression, but shares some common characteristics: rhythmic, undulating, staccato, and vibratory movements of the torso and arms, a direct connection with music and audience, and individual expression. Raqs Sharqi is practiced in social dance contexts as well as on stages, but these variations serve different purposes and can be very different from one another.
What to expect from Raqs Sharqi at Moonborn
Students can expect a scaffolded, in-depth approach which honors the cultures and people from which Raqs Sharqi is derived. Classes are designed to introduce students to foundational movements, basic posture and alignment, culturally relevant information, important historical and contemporary figures, popular and classical music and regionally-specific forms. Each class will consist of a warm-up, main lesson, and end with a lead-follow style practice.
What to wear to Raqs Sharqi at Moonborn:
Wear comfortable clothing you can move in and bring water. You may choose to wear a hip scarf, but it is not required. Raqs Sharqi class is done barefoot, dance shoes or socks are optional.
Is Raqs Sharqi beginner-friendly?
YES