Dance and Movement classes

UW-Madison Continuing Studies offers noncredit classes in a broad range of dance styles and movement arts. Our qualified instructors bring a wealth of knowledge to these energizing, personal and non-competitive classes. In general, the fall session begins a week after Labor Day, the winter session begins in the last week of January, and the eight-week summer session starts in mid-June. Dance class

 

Descriptions of dance and movement classes

All courses welcome teens and adults.
(Browse upcoming dance and movement class descriptions in the continuing education catalog.)
Dance and movement classes

African dance
This class begins with a series of warmups, isolations, and strengthening exercises to prepare the body for African dance. Learn choreography and new dances that explore the diversity in movement and music of Guinea and Mali, West Africa. Experienced Madison-area drummers bring energetic and uplifting live music to the classroom. Students of all experience levels are welcome.

Ballet
The study of ballet technique develops a combined appreciation for dance, music, and art through development of grace, coordination, strength, and discipline. Please wear leotard, tights, and ballet shoes. Level placement by consent of instructor: e-mail vtomlinson@education.wisc.edu with questions.

Ballroom dance
New and experienced dancers, learn the basic patterns, styling, turns, and common moves for the classic “smooth” dances—tango, foxtrot, and waltz—and the merengue. Beyond steps and patterns, we thoroughly explore basic movements and use them to develop individual style. No dance experience expected; no partner necessary. Dress comfortably; please note that street shoes are not allowed in the studio.

Hip hop dance CANCELLED
In this high-energy class, hip-hop dancers of all levels focus on basic technique and its use in a variety of routines. We devote several classes to choreography, allowing the development of personal style and performance quality. Please note that street shoes are not allowed in the studio.

Irish step dance
This class introduces you to the basics of solo Irish dancing, with a focus on jigs, reels, and hornpipes. Focus on rhythm and posture as you explore energetic light/hop and heavy/ percussive dances in modern and more traditional styles.

Latin dance/salsa
New and experienced dancers: Learn to lead and follow with skill and confidence. Learn the basic patterns, styling, turns, and common moves for salsa, merengue, rumba, cha cha, bolero, and more. Practice applying moves and partnering principles to many dances. No dance experience or partner required. Please note that street shoes are not allowed in the studio.

Middle eastern dance: Raks Sharki
Raks Sharki, Arabic for "dance of the East," is the classical solo woman's dance of the Middle East. Classes begin with warmup stretches, then progress to hip articulation, body isolations, and dance combinations. We also include some folkloric dances. Finger cymbals are required. Please wear attire suitable for movement, bare feet.

Modern dance technique
This course begins with a floor warmup and conditioning, progressing to standing exercises in the center and phrases across the floor. Explore concepts of space, time, and energy while developing coordination, physical alignment, movement flow, and familiarity with modern dance movement vocabulary. Dress comfortably, bare feet.

Qi gong
Qi gong is part of traditional Chinese medicine. Using breath work, movement, balance work, concentration, self-massage, and visualization, qi gong works to move qi (ch’i) through the body/mind to improve health, to stimulate healing, and to reduce stress. Tai’chi qi gong is the main style practiced in this class.

T’ai chi: beginning
T’ai chi ch’uan is an ancient form of Chinese exercise. Quiet, supple movements are performed in a calm and peaceful manner that cultivates the spirit and body. In this introductory class you learn the principles of t’ai chi movement and form, and exercises that apply the discipline. The introductory class features work on the 24-forms t’ai chi sequence.

Tap rhythms
Tap classes focus on learning and executing technique and on developing rhythm, timing, and tempo in an upbeat atmosphere. Beginning level introduces form, with emphasis on rhythm and movement combinations. Intermediate level improves technique while building improvisational skills. Please wear attire suitable for movement, and soft shoes that lace or tap shoes. First-time intermediate registrants: call Donna Peckett, 608-244-2938.

NEW Yoga and movement for scoliosis

This special eight-week course is for those with mild to moderate scoliosis. Introduce yourself to breathing, yoga, Pilates, and trigger-point release work that is geared specifically toward restoring balance and symmetry. Learn to identify and understand your spinal curves. Experience personal guidance through a series of exercises to relieve the muscle tension that often accompanies scoliosis. Please bring a mat.

Online

Dance education/Movement explorations dance
This web-based course demonstrates using dance in the classroom and practical materials that provide varied dance experiences for students and teachers. It includes four lessons: Me and What’s Around Me, Basic Ways of Traveling and Resting, Ways My Body Can Move, and In Time with Myself and Others.

Master classes

This series of workshops, lectures and master classes highlight diverse dance styles taught by acclaimed artists. Opportunities to work closely with dance masters are limited in the Madison area. This series provides opportunity, experience, and education for local dancers and dance enthusiasts of all levels. All events and classes are open to the public. When a program is coming up, details will be posted on the guest artist and master dance class page.

Instructor descriptions

Georgia Corner (Modern dance intermediate) was a soloist with the Erick Hawkins Dance Company. A founder of the Wellspring Project, she has danced with Douglas Dunn and Dancers, Dura Mater, Lise Brenner, and Beverly Brown.

Darrell Francis Dieringer (Latin dance, Ballroom dance) began ballroom dancing in college and hasn't stopped since.  He is teacher and co-owner of the Art of Dance Studio in downtown Madison. 

Heidi Hakseth (Irish dance) is an Irish music and dance enthusiast.  She has taught Irish dances to adult students, for over 10 years.

Maureen Janson (Yoga for scoliosis) (MFA, Univ. of Michigan), is a choreographer and dancer who coordinates continuing education in dance and movement at UW-Madison. For more than 20 years she has presented award-winning choreographic work coast-to-coast and internationally.

Maya Kadakia (African dance) recently returned to the US after spending a year studying traditional dance in Guinea and Mali, West Africa. She is excited to share her new material and love of African Dance with the Madison community.

Mariah Lefeber (Modern dance beginner) is a dancer, therapist, and educator. She strives to make movement accessible to all people, incorporating her training as a dancer and dance/movement therapist to help her students foster fulfilling, integrating movement experiences.

Paul Novak (Tai chi, Qi Gong) has studied yoga and hard and soft martial arts for many years.

Donna Peckett, (Tap Rhythms) producing artistic director of TAPIT/new works, is a tap dancer, actor, educator and award-winning choreographer.  She has a BA in Art History, and is a specialist in creative dance and drama for young children.

Sadira (Raks Sharki) has been performing and teaching Middle Eastern dance for more than 20 years. She travels and studies dance and music in Egypt, Morocco, and Jordan, and she produces the Madison Middle Eastern Festival and directs the Riad Dance Company.

Vivian Tomlinson (Ballet) trained at the University of Cape Town Ballet School, South Africa, before he became a principal dancer with Wisconsin Ballet Company.

What students say about our dance classes

"Our instructor is extremely friendly and easy to talk to.  It definitely makes me look forward to the class."

"I took the class so I could be more active and healthy.  I can already see results."

"I like how the class not only teaches dance moves and concepts, it also teaches confidence and where the 'art' comes from."

"I enjoyed learning a routine throughout the semester; additional on it it each week. I also really enjoyed ab work part of the warmup at the beginning of class."

"I enjoyed having an outlet such as the continuing education classes to select a class from a variety of classes and a reasonable price."

Class locations

Body in Balance
6333 Odana Rd.
Madison, WI 53719

CTM Studio
228 State St.
Madison, WI 53703

Kanopy Dance Studio
341 State St.
Madison, WI 53703

State Street Center 3rd Floor Studio
122 State St.
Madison, WI 53703
View this location on mapquest

Tapit/New Works
1957 Winnebago St.
Madison, WI 53704
View this location on mapquest

 

 

 



File last updated: February 1, 2012
Feedback, questions or accessibility issues: contact us
Copyright © 2012 The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System.