Morningside DanceWorX

with Lenard Foust

Mondays, 1:00-2:00 PM

Get ready to groove in this energetic class, where you'll dive into the dynamic worlds of hip-hop and jazz commercial dance styles. We'll start with a lively warm-up, move into across-the-floor exercises, and top it off with a spirited combination. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned dancer, everyone is invited to join in the fun!

with Alaina Wilson

Mondays, 7:00- 8:30 PM

The Ballet Technique Laboratory offers a noncompetitive, nonjudgmental environment where dancers of diverse identities, experiences, and technical backgrounds can engage with ballet in a way that is responsive to their individual goals, inquiries, and needs. The class will be gender-neutral, allowing students to experience ballet outside of prescribed gender roles, encouraging them to explore and express themselves freely and authentically.

with Kellyn Mylechreest

Wednesdays, 12:30-1:30 PM

Ballet Bites is an open-level ballet technique class for students, faculty, and staff of the Columbia community to engage with during their weekday lunch break. Students can expect a traditional ballet class that begins with a classical barre, center exercises including adagios and petite allegros and finishes off with grande allegro across the floor. Technical variations will be given for each exercise based on individual skills. This class invites dancers of all backgrounds and abilities to taste the flavors of Ballet in a warm and welcoming environment.

with Kellyn Mylechreest

Fridays, 12:30- 2:00 PM

This class offers a holistic exploration of movement through the integration of modern dance techniques, yoga-inspired practices, and relaxation methodologies. Geared towards beginner movers, this class invites dancers to discover the joy and stress-relieving benefits of expressive movement in a supportive and nurturing environment. Based on principles of Countertechnique, students will engage in a style of modern dance that encourages flow, breath, connection to oneself, connection to other dancers in the classroom, and the incorporation of somatic information into their moving bodies. With all the stressors that adulthood and work-life bring us on a daily basis, this dance class provides a place of respite and connection with fellow employees and alumni outside of the context of work.

with Eto'o Tsana

Fridays, 6:30-8:00 PM

KongoBeats is a core-centered, hip rhythmic, high energy, uplifting, and culturally rich Kongolese Mbongi (Village) class that focuses on both traditional and urban dance styles from the HEART of Africa; The Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Republic of the Congo. This experience encompasses the base of the past to understand the now, the present, and the future through the sounds of traditional Ngoma's (drums), Ndombolo, Soukouss, and fusion Congo-beats. This class is a brave and free space for individuals to connect with themselves, others, their embodied movement vocabulary, build meaningful connections through central African dance. We'll prioritize self-care through self-expression, explore the meaning of (re) imagining cultural preservation, and through mind, body, voice, and empathy, build community. Whether a seasoned dancer or a novice to the style, all populations are invited.

Registration Procedure:
● All classes are for adults ages 18+
● Participants must hold a Teachers College, Barnard, or Columbia University ID.
● Once the online registration form goes live, it is on a first-come, first-serve basis.
● Registrants may select more than one class series for which to register.
● Instructions for payment submission will be sent once your registration is confirmed.
● Please note that completing the online registration form does not guarantee you a spot in a
Spring 2025 class series. You must submit your payment by the January 24, 2025 deadline in
order to keep your spot(s). If you fail to submit your payment by the deadline given, you will be
automatically dropped from the Community Dance Class Series.
● Registration Link: https://forms.gle/6Bqjw1atY26vxThz5 

Cost:

$165 for each class series. Each class series runs for 11 classes (not including spring break), with each class at $15. We are excited to offer our community dance classes at a below-market cost while ensuring our professional dance artists/instructors are compensated fairly! We do not offer drop-in class options at this time.

Dance Studio Policies and Requirements:

Please review our Dance Studio Policies.

Payment:

Instructions for payment submission will be sent by our Morningside DanceWorX Program Coordinator once your registration is confirmed. Payment is due by January 24, 2025.

Attendance:

Dancers are responsible for attending all classes within the 11-week session period. If the student knows in advance that they will not be able to attend class, please email Kellyn at MorningsideDanceWorX@tc.columbia.edu to inform your instructor of your absence. There are no refunds for missed classes.
In the case of a class being canceled due to inclement weather or an instructor’s illness, makeup classes will be held during the week of May 5th to 9th, 2025.

Refunds:

Requests for refunds must be made in writing to Kellyn at MorningsideDanceWorX@tc.columbia.edu before registration closes on January 24th, 2025. Refund requests received after this day will not be approved and processed. In addition, there are no refunds for individually missed classes.

Accessibility:

Accessibility accommodation requests can be made upon registration confirmation. The Arnhold Dance Education Research Studios have an ADA lift available for use.

Questions?

Email Kellyn at MorningsideDanceWorX@tc.columbia.edu