Comments on: Should I Really Get My Ass into Class? https://stanceondance.com/2020/01/30/should-i-really-get-my-ass-into-class/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=should-i-really-get-my-ass-into-class Wed, 26 Feb 2020 18:16:10 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.5 By: stanceondance https://stanceondance.com/2020/01/30/should-i-really-get-my-ass-into-class/#comment-65853 Wed, 26 Feb 2020 18:16:10 +0000 http://stanceondance.com/?p=8639#comment-65853 In reply to Kara Olguin.

Thanks Kara! I’m so looking forward to connecting!

]]> By: Kara Olguin https://stanceondance.com/2020/01/30/should-i-really-get-my-ass-into-class/#comment-65851 Tue, 25 Feb 2020 17:30:35 +0000 http://stanceondance.com/?p=8639#comment-65851 Emmaly,

I was kindly placed on your website by my instructor Amanda Hamp. And while I’m late on the assigned readings, I’m glad to have made it. I, too, have entered the wilderness of solo practice. This first academic term has been strikingly terrifying diverting from the “norm” of taking class. Nonetheless, the fulfillment I’ve just now tasted in being able to study and practice autonomously has far surpassed any frustration. I’m looking forward to your guest-teaching this Wednesday (2/26). So very thankful to be lead to like-minds in this beautiful field of creativity. Kudos!

]]> By: Why I’m A ‘Dance-Class Dancer,’ Through and Through https://stanceondance.com/2020/01/30/should-i-really-get-my-ass-into-class/#comment-65827 Mon, 03 Feb 2020 18:05:52 +0000 http://stanceondance.com/?p=8639#comment-65827 […] dancer and choreographer, as well as the owner of Studio Sway in Albuquerque, NM. She responded to my recent essay about why I don’t find most dance classes satisfying with this thoughtful counter perspective. I am honored to share it on Stance on […]

]]> By: Elyse Fahey https://stanceondance.com/2020/01/30/should-i-really-get-my-ass-into-class/#comment-65826 Sat, 01 Feb 2020 16:04:02 +0000 http://stanceondance.com/?p=8639#comment-65826 I love dance classes. I always have. I’m a ‘dance class dancer’ through and through, not because I’ve been conditioned to feel or think that this is the only way to maintain my body, or to stay connected to the dance world, or because I feel some obligation to be there, but because taking class has always been my sanctuary. Having reached a high level of proficiency with my dancing, and living in a city where class opportunities for professionals in my preferred discipline are scarce, I’ve decided to make the act of regularly taking classes of any kind a personal practice of setting aside time to be with myself. Because my other profession can be isolating, and is emotionally and mentally demanding, dance classes provide me with an invaluable release which I believe allows me to continue to effectively do the work that I do, without reaching burnout. I also rely on classes led by others to get me out of my head and into my body, which is important for me as after a full day of work, I don’t have the mental or emotional capacity remaining to then lead myself through a self-guided practice. I’m also highly introverted, and I feel that the social and community aspects of a dance class bring an important element into my daily life that I might otherwise skip, because it’s often easier to just stay home. Dance classes are also where I test out my ideas for potential choreographic work, and where I get inspired to explore what my body is capable of at this juncture in my life as a dancer. Class never gets old for me, because ultimately it’s not about the class I’m taking; it’s about my own approach and experience within myself, within the context of what’s being offered and led. In other words, regardless of the style, level, or instructor, I am always ‘doing my own thing’, but again without having to entirely self-generate, which takes energy that I just don’t have at this point in my life.
This balance is crucial for my continued fascination with the body, with movement, with this art form, and with where it can go creatively. I find value in every class I take, because I am always with myself, and I am always exploring, learning, and investigating. The integration of my physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing is possible, and I experience great joy in my life, because I take so many dance classes. As a studio owner, I also feel strongly that classes of all varieties and levels provide a beautiful service to our community, and bring so much to many many lives, as well as provide a way for people to make an income doing something that they truly love, even if it’s secondary or tertiary to other jobs they may hold. Without dance classes, my studio would not exist, my community would not exist, and my life would look really really different.
As a studio owner, inclusivity is important to me. I am really open to learning about ways to make my studio more accessible and inclusive, and would like to be involved in making changes where there is demand, so that fuller participation is possible. I’ve also had my own battle with mirrors. I agree that they can be pyschologically harmful, and might cling to an antiquated way of doing things in the dance classroom. However, they can also be used as a helpful teaching tool in certain contexts. While covering the mirror with curtains doesn’t eliminate their presence entirely, it at least provides options for those who want to teach classes differently, and makes one space adaptable for multiple uses. I love my dance studio, and I love the energy within it. I love the people I have met through it, and the experiences I know that is has provided for so many. Dance classes are the life force that keep the space open and alive. I hope that my studio has a long life. I hope that every studio and space for dance, movement and art in my city has a long life. Classes are undeniably the sustaining factor in the existence of these spaces that provide so much to the community and art form at large. I wouldn’t be who I am without dance classes. My personal practice of taking class has shaped much of my way of being in the world. I believe that I am a better, kinder, and more compassionate person because of the work that I have done on myself in the studio, in class, dancing.

]]> By: stanceondance https://stanceondance.com/2020/01/30/should-i-really-get-my-ass-into-class/#comment-65825 Thu, 30 Jan 2020 20:43:27 +0000 http://stanceondance.com/?p=8639#comment-65825 In reply to Jimmy Burgess.

Thanks Jimmy, I’m glad you could relate! I’d love to see more integrated mobility classes EVERYWHERE!!!

]]> By: Jimmy Burgess https://stanceondance.com/2020/01/30/should-i-really-get-my-ass-into-class/#comment-65824 Thu, 30 Jan 2020 18:01:01 +0000 http://stanceondance.com/?p=8639#comment-65824 I so dug Reading this because i hear u on many Elements. Now as an Amputee i actually desire more Integrated Mobility Modern Dance Classes in New York and there really aren’t any, i actually miss Matk Rivera’s Saturday morning Classes . Im good with staying in shape on my own but really miss the Collective Energy of being in Class. Great Read this Article. Thanks.

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