Class Schedule
We offer a wide range of classes at the Dance Workshop, from the traditional technical styles to classes that focus on wellness through dance and movement. With our youngest dancers in their 4's and our oldest in their 90's, we can safely say that a person's age should not be an impediment to embracing this art form.
CONTEMPORARY​
We focus on building a strong core, correct alignment, vocabulary that includes outward rotation and parallel work, contraction and release, fall and recovery, and leaps, turns, and jumps. Our emphasis is on expanding the strength, flexibility, and agility of the dancer’s body, while cultivating the personal vision that each
individual brings to movement.
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DANCE IMPROVISATION
is the art of creating dance without prior rehearsal! Great for the brain, it is an exercise in creative thinking within a set of clearly defined parameters. An excellent class for both new and highly trained dancers, participants have found an increased comfort with moving their bodies in space, and a sense of creativity that extends beyond the class.
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TAP​
Two major variations on tap dance exist: Rhythm (Jazz or Street) Tap and Broadway Tap. Broadway tap focuses more on the dance and is performed as a part of musical theater. Rhythm tap focuses more on musicality, and practitioners consider themselves to be a part of the Jazz tradition. Our tap instructor has trained in the rhythm school of tap and also brings a rich knowledge of the history of tap and it's relationship to the music of jazz. She also holds a teaching
certificate from the American Tap Dance Foundation, and an
MFA in Dramatic Art.
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JAZZ​
is characterized by the use of isolations, syncopated rhythms, polyrhythmic patterns, and the use of movement that “ripples” out from the center of the dancer’s body. Our jazz classes also include a ballet component, allowing dancers to become fluent in technique that utilizes outward rotation as well as parallel work. Choreography in this style may range from Broadway, to street funk or hip hop influenced, to lyrical or old style / “retro” jazz.
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DANCE for PARKINSON'S
For a dancer it is a "given" that they will work on building and maintaining muscle strength, flexibility, balance and coordination. It is also a general rule that they (dancers) will work with a wide rang of music that stimulates and energizes. Dance for Parkinson’s invites the Parkinso’s community to a stimulating, enjoyable, non-threatening, social environment in which to experience movement while working on, and with, these same elements.
To register for these classes , please contact Robin Carlson, PTDT Board Officer, at
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ABSOLUTE BEGINNER BALLET is an 8-week course for adults with little to no Ballet experience who would like to understand the basics before joining our teen/adult ballet program. This class is by tuition only and will begin on Tuesday mornings in Fall II.
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We are also pleased to host classes in a diverse range of art forms, in addition to dance!
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Scroll down to find out more about Zentangle, Acting, and Screenwriting classes.
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ZENTANGLE The Zentangle® method of drawing is a mindful art practice. The Zentangle method, created by Maria Thomas and Rick Roberts, uses simple, structured patterns that are easy to learn to create beautiful drawings. These patterns are called Tangles. This non-representational art form generates deep focus and relaxation. Ideal for “artists” and “non-artists”, Zentangle art is surprisingly satisfying given its simplicity.
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Click on the link to find out more:
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What is Zentangle and why is it being taught at PTDW?
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BALLET
Beginning I concentrates on body alignment and a careful introduction to the basics of ballet. Subsequent classes expand on this foundation. Our emphasis is on building solid technique, on combining the forms of the classical with contemporary themes, music,and influences, and on developing the musicality and expressiveness of each dancer. We also have Absolute Beginning Ballet, for those who want a more basic introduction, listed down below.​
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POINTE is integrated into the ballet syllabus once a student has reached our Level 4 standards. This includes a minimum of three technique classes per week, plus a pointe class. We not only require students to possess the correct technical level, alignment, and physical strength for this work, but also that the student’s physical development (bone and muscle) is sufficiently advanced. We want you to dance for a lifetime…not just until you’re 40!
BELLY DANCE
We offer classes in Tribal Fusion Belly Dance. Emphasis will be on isolations and drills to improve strength, stamina, flexibility and poise. This class will also introduce students to the concept of fusion belly dance – a relatively new but exciting dance form in which classical Oriental style belly dance is fused with elements of other dance genres such as jazz, hip hop, tango, ballet and more. No previous dance experience necessary.
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DANCE FOR CHILDREN AGES 3 to 7+
Intro to Dance (Age 4+) is a great first class for children who must be potty trained and able to separate easily from parents. These classes focus on building body and spatial awareness, a basic movement vocabulary, and listening skills ranging from ability to follow directions to hearing beats and rhythms in music, and more, through creative experiences with movement, props, and music.
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Pre-Ballet &
Pre-contemporary are classes for children ages 5 and older that focus on the acquisition of specific skills, including body awareness, building strength and symmetry. (Perhaps you’ve noticed that your young one has a favorite leg for hopping?) An emphasis on spatial thinking, musicality, impulse control, and language acquisition, make Pre- classes an excellent choice for young bodies and minds.
These classes are all currently offered on-site, but please remember that masks are still required as we begin the Fall 2022 Session.
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SECOND WIND The Second Wind classes are designed for 40 – 90+ year olds who have had little to no dance experience or have had a significant vacation from their previous training. The “survey class” format covers technical work in ballet, modern, jazz, and improvisation. Classes include a warm-up, center floor work, across the floor movement, and choreography. Funded by the PTDT and The Third Stage, Second Wind classes are free to seniors 65 and older.
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Second Wind Chair Dance, is an excellent choice for movers who are experiencing knee issues or mild balance problems.
Free for adults 65 and older (funded by the Pamela Trokanski Dance Theatre), this class explores using core strength and good sitting alignment for dancing while seated.
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Classes include a warm-up, leg and foot work (while seated), learning port de bras from jazz and ballet sand learning choreography.
Not currently running but hope to return in the winter.
INTRODUCTION TO ON-CAMERA ACTING This class will develop skills for acting/auditioning on camera. Such as, blocking, staying in the frame, maintaining integrity while camera(s) are rolling.
Students will learn Shakespeare and modern monologues for auditions with professional theatre companies, agents, casting directors and commercial producers. They will also learn how to cold read and properly break down dialogue after just minutes with the given material. Tuesdays from 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Cost: Students: $250.00/mth (4 weeks)
Adults: $285.00/mth (4 weeks)
ADVANCED CINEMA CLASS* Advanced students will learn what goes on behind the scenes in making a short film, television show, or movie. All students must participate in the development, production, and post-production of class film shorts. They learn about screenwriting, directing, cinematography, lighting, and sound engineering. When students are not filming, they will perform three to five-minute scenes in class. Students will have the option to have their scenes put on camera so they will have an excellent inventory of reels for agents and casting directors as a demonstration of students' acting skills. *Students will need to audition or be recommended for the Advanced Cinema Class. Thursdays 7:00-9:00 pm
Cost: $325.00/mth (4 weeks)
Screenwriting: How to Write a Screenplay for Film/Television
In this 10-week course, you will write a screenplay (feature and pilot) from start to finish. It will cover structure, act breaks/page count, story/small story, character development, dialogue, and how to pitch your screenplay. Saturdays Noon-2:00 pm
Cost: $675.00