2024 CLASS INFO WILL BE UPDATED AS IT COMES IN
Check out last year’s exciting class topics below!
Flouer & Mark’s Classes
Buckets / Modes
Conceptual Class - All Levels, prerequisite for Essences
We will combine Flouer and Mark's "foundational fusion frameworks" by looking at dance styles through a broad categorization lens, using the underlying elements to alter our own dancing and giving people choices about how they dance. This is a super important class for fusion dancers, and something we want to see more of in the wider scene.
Essences
Conceptual Class - High Level, requires understanding of "buckets" or "modes" as they relate to fusion dance
An hour of diving deep into high theory in a fun way. We’ll deconstruct partner dances by distilling and isolating different parts of the “essence” of each dance. After exploring the edges of these things, we will reconstruct new fusion dances from the bottom up. Ultimately, this is the most exciting part of fusion dancing (in our humble opinion).
Frame Class
Technique Class - All Levels
A door frame gives structure to a door, an art frame gives structure to a painting— just as our “dance frame” (the quality in which you hold another person) gives structure to our partner dancing. This class will cover the basics of dance frame and explore how different types of frames accomplish different goals and how to apply them in your fusion dancing.
Challenging Combinations
Moves/Technique Class - High Level
Moves are cool. Sequences of moves with interesting transitions are cooler— and harder. Dive into a collection of some of Flouer and Mark’s favorite combinations that pull from a variety of dances including tango, swing, ballet, modern, and blues. A strong ability to lead or follow is required for this fast-paced class, designed for people who have mastered frame, tone matching, and balance. We will be building off of down-the-line turns, single axis (pivot) spinning, and linear/rotational momentum, with the ultimate goal of being able to lead these moves in a sequence, and incorporate them into your fusion.
Pomona & Kenya’s CLasses:
African-American Rhythms in Fusion: from Lindy Hop to Rap flow
Conceptual Class- All Levels
Explore how rhythms and musical traditions from jazz and blues (such as syncopation, call & response, and lead-follow dynamic) flow from early Black American music and dance culture into today's fusion dancefloors.
Show Off
Technique Class- All Levels
How do you extend your connection from your partner to the entire room? How do you express yourself clearly through movement and captivate your audience? Dancers of all levels are invited to consider their dancing from a performance perspective using techniques from Pomona's clowning background, experience with dance competitions, and work as a dancer in the film industry.
Dance Role, Black Culture, and Partnership
Half Lecture/Half Conceptual Class- All Levels
Half philosophy lecture, half dance class where we will seek to understand the cultural values that bring us to our embodied ideas about what "lead" and "follow" can, and should be. We will experiment with different lead-follow dynamics to hone and widen our listening and connection skills.
Contact Improv & Clowning for The Fusion Dancer
All Levels
A fun warm up class exploring movements and techniques from Pomona’s extensive clowning and contact improv background.
Rachel & hunter’s Classes
Boom Chick Chick
All Levels
Together we will explore the "gush" and flow of a few signature Brazilian Zouk moves. You will not only learn rhythm and footwork, but also Zouk's unique approach to energy resolution into the floor. Then we'll show you entry and exit opportunities for weaving these elements into your fusion dance.
Endless Spine
All Levels
Use techniques from Brazilian Zouk to explore movement in the spine and its use in body undulations and head movement. We'll show you the core techniques and safety rules necessary to execute this kind of movement with gentleness and care. Then we'll show you how to suggest and listen to this kind of movement in Fusion settings, as we adapt to our partners and their individual level of body awareness.
Vanessa & Cynthia’s Classes:
How Tango Works
All Levels
In an attempt to demystify how and why Tango works the way it does, we will start at the very beginning by exploring concepts like rotation, twist, and axis in basic Tango moves like el basico (the basic 8), ochos (figure 8's), giros (grapevines), and hamacas (rotating rock steps). The ideas in this class will be useful for all levels as you import them into your fusion dancing.
Was That Tango?
High Level- requires strong understanding of frame and the ability to balance on one leg
Undeniably, Tango has some cool moves. Sometimes you just want to spice up your fusion dance with a few here and there, ya know? Come learn some ganchos, boleos, and cortes. Experience moving with a partner using frame is a necessity for success in this class along with a general sense of balance on one leg.
Tybaldt’s Classes:
Hustle Fundamentals
All Levels
Hustle is well named- it is not a dance of stillness! Explore the fundamental rhythms and shapes of this dance as you build your foundations for the Hustle series this weekend.
Hustle Random Pattern Generator
Hustle Fundamentals Prerequisite Recommended
Learn how to create a look of continuous content & movement just by changing simple variables, plus explore some spins that redirect for more!
Hustle: Drama, Groove, and Play
Hustle Fundamentals Prerequisite Recommended
In this class we will step out of the basic rhythms explored in previous classes to strut and move in new ways. Keep your eye out for Dive Walks- they are coming your way!
Ally’s Class:
Anchor & Gravity (WCS)
All Levels
Dive into the foundations & footwork responsible for that smooth, stretchy, connective magic of West Coast Swing. We will break apart the whip, studying the components separately and in conjunction, as well as explore techniques for grounding your weight and maintaining a steady center. Come to improve balance, control, and gooey communication with your partner.