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Summer Dance Series 2014: The ASU Department of Theater and Dance Hosts Free Summer Dance Classes

 

Courtesy of ASU Dept. of Theater and Dance
Courtesy of ASU Deptartment of Theater and Dance

May 22, 2014. Throughout the month of June, Appalachian State University’s Department of Theater and Dance will be hosting its annual Summer Dance Series which provides free classes to dancers of all ages and experience levels. As usual, the series will feature a varied blend of dance styles and traditions, including West African Dance, Yoga, Jazz Dancing, Ballet, and Hip-Hop.

Classes will be offered from June 3-26. Classes offered on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays are open to dancers of any experience level and classes offered on Wednesdays are more rigorous for those who have previous experience with the featured dance style.

Children may attend most classes; however, all children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. The classes children may attend are noted in the schedule below.

The schedule for the 2014 Summer Dance Series is as follows:

Week One

  • June 3 African with Sherone Price, 12:30 – 1:45 p.m.*
  • June 4 Jazz with Susan Lutz, 5:30 – 6:45/7 p.m.**
  • June 5 Musical Theater Dance with Dr. Ray Miller, 12:30 – 1:45 p.m.*

Week Two

  • June 10 Yoga with Emily Daughtridge, 12 – 1:15 p.m.
  • June 11 Ballet with Sayward Grindley, 5:30 – 6:45/7 p.m.
  • June 12 Rockette for a Day with Cheryl Cutlip, 5:30 – 6:45 p.m.**

Week Three

  • June 17 Aesthetic Dance with Holly Roark, 12:30 – 1:45 p.m.
  • June 18 Modern with Emily Daughtridge, 12:30 – 1:45 p.m.
  • June 19 Gyrokinesis with Marianne Adams, 12:30 – 1:45 p.m.
  • June 20 Ballet with Regina James, 12:30 – 1:45 p.m.**

Week Four

  • June 24 Hip-Hop with David Rudow, 5:30 – 6:45 p.m.*
  • June 25 Modern with G. Alex Smith, 5:30 – 6:45/7 p.m.
  • June 26 Jazz/Modern with Tracy Pifer, 5:30 – 6:45 p.m.**

*Chldren of all ages may attend

**Only children ages 10 or older may attend

The classes will be held in room 208 of Varsity Gym, which is located on the ASU campus across the street from Rivers Street Parking Deck.

The Summer Dance Series began in 2006 and was created by Regina Gulick-James and other members of the ASU Dance Department.

“It started off with knowing that there were several of our dancers taking summer classes,” said Gulick-James.

“As dancers, we need to stay in shape, so it was important to have a class available. Also, it’s a good opportunity to share. Instead of one person teaching the class, we could all share together. As a group, it’s important to open up and be more inclusive. It brings the community and families together. You can see a 3-year-old and a 73-year-old, side-by-side, doing hip-hop together.”

“We have a full line-up and it’s all unique and different,” Gulick-James said, “that’s what makes the series so special.”

When asked about which classes excited her the most, she said “I love coming to all of them. There’s something in all the classes for everyone. I can’t say one is my favorite over another. They all are so different.”

For those who have no experience dancing or who have never given it much thought, Gulick-James had this to say:

“It might surprise you. Not only are you getting physical activity, but mental and emotional stimulation that comes from dancing and moving. It surprises people. It’s not like a gym. You’re moving to music.”

Gulick-James encourages all who are interested to participate, remarking on the uniqueness of the Summer Dance Series and how it truly is an “all encompassing, communal expression of being human.”

For more information, contact Regina Gulick-James at jamesrg@appstate.edu.