Happy New Years!

“A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.”
Lao Tzu

Classical Mat Pilates for Dance!
Starts on Thursday, December 3rd and continues on each and every Thursday @ 4pm

Class is only $7 for current/former students of dance and professional dancers. Please bring your own mat.

Mat Pilates benefits: Ballet. Modern. Jazz. Bellydance. Hip Hop. Tap. Ballroom. African. Fusion & Your Own Creative Movement.

As a certified classically trained mat and equipment Pilates instructor Ava Adames has always wanted to promote this ballet-inspired fitness art form to dancers and all lovers of movement. With over 5 years of experience and help from the 954 Dance Collective she has gotten her chance! Learn more about Ava Adames at www.avaadameswellness.com

Have you ever wanted to teach burlesque?

From Nicole Carlin...

Burlesque Dance Teachers Required

POP Fizz Burlesque is looking to recruit motivated, creative and charismatic teachers for a new dance venture opening in Philadelphia early 2010. POP Fizz Burlesque organizes dance lessons for Bachelorette, birthday and hen parties (mostly Burlesque, but occasionally other styles of dance).

POP Fizz is looking for:
Passionate, charismatic, and energetic women to teach 2-4hr Burlesque classes for Bachelorette parties in or near Philadelphia on some weekends. This is a part-time position and bookings are not guaranteed by POP Fizz Burlesque. As a booking comes into the office, POP Fizz teachers will be notified and will have the option to accept or decline the booking. POP Fizz teachers are paid $20-25/hr depending on booking.

Qualifications:
Previous dance experience or training, or a strong interest/love for dancing (Burlesque experience is not necessary, but would be an extra bonus when applying)
Ideally some teaching experience would be desirable, but also not essential for the right candidate
Preferred-- Driving license and car
Honest and dependable
Must be able to work weekends, as bookings will be for Saturdays mostly (and some Sundays)
This position is as an independent contractor, so applicants must have the ability to work independently (you will be required to pay and complete your own taxes, as well as acquiring public liability insurance. )


Why teach for POP Fizz Burlesque?
POP Fizz is dedicated to empowering women through dance. We embrace women of all shapes and sizes and allow our teachers the freedom to express their own individual style and personality. POP Fizz holds it’s teachers in high esteem, setting high standards for both teachers and company and we pay our teachers very well. We will support your through your training and will communicate with feedback.

Why Burlesque?
Burlesque is fun, sexy and empowering for women and inspiring to teach! There is no nudity in our workshops and the atmosphere is always supportive.

Teacher Training
All of POP Fizz teachers will be required to attend a half-day teacher training the weekend of December 19, 2009 at 954 DMC, 954 N 8th St, Philadelphia, PA 19123. Through the teacher training, you will learn basic Burlesque routines, use of props, Pin-up poses and teaching role-play. The training will prepare you for Bachelorette bookings from January 2010 onwards. Teacher training cost is $250 and includes all props and teaching materials needed.

We at POP Fizz Burlesque look forward to hearing from you! Please respond to POPFizzburlesque@gmail.com with a resume, a photograph (does not have to be professional) and a covering letter explaining your qualifications and stating why you think you would excel as a Burlesque dance teacher.

The latest and greatest

November is in like a lion (or is it March that does that?) and SEPTA is now on strike. But we're still dancing! Change note: Kiona's yoga class for the next 3 weeks will be Saturday mornings at 9am, so come out and start your weekend right. Alison's bellydance class is back on for this Friday at 8pm and Sunday at 6PM (see picture). Jill's Creative Movement for Kids continues on Saturday at 10:30AM and Tony starts his contemporary jazz class on Friday at 2PM and Sunday a 11AM. What's coming up? Modern Dance, two Hip Hop Classes and a Mommy & Me Class. Check out the details at http://www.954dmc.weebly.com.

Check out our calendar of classes online
http://954dmc.weebly.com/google-calndr.html

NEW CLASS: YOGA FOR MOVERS W/ KIONA BROWN

Whether you are a movement artist, or someone looking to move a little more, this is a yoga class for you. This is a mixed-level yoga class that is appropriate for beginners, experienced students, dancers, and anyone in between. Class begins with five minutes of seated meditation to let go of the busy world outside the space. Focus will then be on poses, flowing yoga, and breathing to improve balance, flexibility, and general health of the body-mind. Five minutes of meditation seal the finished practice. Class is based on the Bihar school of yoga in the Hatha style. It also incorporates the instructor’s knowledge of the needs of movement artists and their community in today’s Philadelphia.

Schedule
Starts October 13th
Tuesdays & Thursdays 6:00PM-7:15PM
Saturdays 9:00AM - 10:15AM

Cost
$15 single adult class
$120 adult class pass for 10 classes

$12 single student class (ID required)
$100 student class pass for 10 classes
Student = 21 or younger with student ID (ID required)

Single Class Drop-in Offer: 2nd class is FREE

Contact: dmc@keilacordova.com or 215.627.1157

BIO
Kiona received her yoga certification studying under Sraddhasagar in the style of the Bihar school at 7 Centers Yoga Arts in Sedona, AZ. She has studied hatha, kundalini, vinyasa, and yin yoga along with meditation, and ayurveda. Kiona has been dancing since childhood in Arizona and teaching all ages for the last seven years in aerial dance, modern dance, and creative movement. She is very excited to explore yoga and dance with the community of 954 Dance Movement Collective.

Get Your Yoga Certification at 954 DMC! Starts October 2009...

A great opportunity to develop mind and body, and to build a solid yoga foundation. This 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training runs October 23-December 20, 2009.

Join Angela Boltz at 954 Dance Movement Collective! Here's the course description from her site:

"This course is suitable for anyone with a dedicated yoga practice who would like to explore the creative freedom of vinyasa yoga. Whether you like the fiery energy of Power vinyasa or a slower flow focusing on alignment and passive release, this program will provide the tools to carry you on your path toward becoming a well-rounded yoga teacher.

200-Hour Yoga Alliance Certification

Techniques Training / Practice (75/100 hrs)
Includes asanas, pranayamas, kriyas, chanting, mantra, meditation, and other traditional yoga techniques. These hours must be a mix between (1) analytical training in how to teach and practice the techniques, and (2) guided practice of the techniques themselves.

Teaching Methodology (15/25 hrs)
Includes principles of demonstration, observation,
assisting/correcting, instruction, teaching styles, qualities of a teacher, the student's process of learning, and business aspects of teaching yoga.

Anatomy & Physiology (10/20 hrs)
Includes both human physical anatomy and physiology
(bodily systems, organs, etc.) as well as energy anatomy and physiology (chakras, nadis, etc.). Includes both the study of the subject and application of its principles to yoga practice (benefits, contraindications, healthy movement patterns, etc).

Philosophy, Lifestyle & Ethics (20/30 hrs)
Includes the study of yoga philosophies, yoga lifestyle, and ethics for yoga teachers.

Practicum (5/10 hrs)
Includes practice teaching, receiving feedback, observing others teach and receiving and giving feedback. Also includes assisting students while someone else is teaching."

Registration Info Available at: http://www.angelaboltzyoga.com/Angela_Boltz_Philadelphia_Yoga/Retreats_and_Teacher_Training/Entries/2009/10/23_Philadelphia_200-hour_Yoga_Teacher_Training.html

Angela's Bio

Angela Boltz began her study of Yoga in 1999 as a student at Temple University. Intrigued by the wisdom of Eastern Philosophy, she majored in both Anthropology and Religion, combining the two into an independent study of Comparative Eastern Religions and Culture.

She has been a Yoga Alliance certified instructor since 2003, receiving her primary professional teaching with Corina Benner of Wake Up Yoga studio. Her continued education includes workshops and private practice with teachers such as Geri Portney, Roger Cole, Michael Fukumura, Tim Miller, Shiva Rea, Kofi Busi, John Friend, Duncan Wong, and Ana Forest.

Her teaching reflects the core values of the Krishnamacharya lineage and she teaches in the Vinyasa style. Her classes explore the pulse of the breath, its relationship to the body, and the way it serves as a connection between our internal awareness and outer actions.

In addition to her regularly scheduled classes in Philadelphia, she is a freelance writer and can be found leading workshops citywide. She is currently hosting both national and international yoga retreats and is the Director of a 200-Hour Yoga Alliance Certified Teacher Training at Montezuma Yoga Center in Montezuma, Costa Rica.


Image: http://www.everystockphoto.com

Our Philosophy, in a nut shell

MISSION
To support ourselves by supporting the advancement of dance among individuals in the Greater Philadelphia community.

VALUE
A great, warm, welcoming space that invites people to shed their daily worries in favor of the joy and commitment of movement.

GUIDING PRINCIPLE
To support the creation and enjoyment of dance in the Greater Philadelphia community.

PROSPECTUS
We are working to establish an organization where a supportive community of movement creativity is our mission for the health and well being of the inhabitants of the Greater Philadelphia area.

PURPOSE
To establish an organization that empowers individual artists with the ability to develop and grow in ways usually limited to larger established arts organizations. With the helping hands and support of the collective, the artist does not need to reinvent the wheel, and can learn from others and can create from a stronger foundation.

Class Cancelled on Friday 7/17/09

We decided to cancel the Friday 7/17 Break Dancing class this week due to a scheduling conflict. Our next Break Dancing class will start on Monday July 20th for the LAST THREE sessions of Macca Malik's Workshop. Please tell all your friends to come!

Tomorrow, Thursday 7/18 you can check out the first of Nicole Carlin's Yoga and Burlesque sessions.

We'll see you spinning next Monday. Have a great day!

Look who's on FACEBOOK now...

954 DMC is now on FACEBOOK with links to fun dance videos and the like, so join us!




http://www.facebook.com/pages/954-dance-movement-collective/66646448786?v=info&ref=mf

Here's our story...

Joining Philly’s energetic dance community is 954 Dance Movement Collective, a new space offering shared resources for movement artists. Home of professional dance company, keila cordova dances, it’s a beautiful column-free 1140 sq ft (19’ x 52’) windowed studio with a full kitchen, private bathroom, offering open space rentals for rehearsals, classes, events, recitals, workshops and screenings. If interested in renting, teaching or becoming a space partner please contact us. Call or email us at dmc@keilacordova.com.

Happy 4th!

Maybe when you're recovering from the fireworks, good holiday food (barbecue anyone?), and faking your way through a sing-a-long of "America The Beautiful" (Oh beautiful hmm hmm-hmm-hmm for amber hmm of grain...) , you can check out Philly Mag Online's write up on Nicole Carlin's anticipated Burlesque Workshop:
http://www.phillymag.com/articles/a_sexy_new_way_to_whittle_your_waist/

And here's a preview of our new postcards:



We'll see you dancing soon!

July is here with both sunshine and rain, and later this month Nicole Carlin returns to Philadelphia from London to teach Yoga and a Burlesque workshop at the studio.

Details from Nicole on the Yoga Class:

If you are brand spanking new to yoga, or need a bit of a refresher course, this 4-week Intro to Yoga workshop is perfect for everyone (even seasoned yogis need some ‘Back to Basics’ time). In this course, we’ll explore the physical asanas (postures) of yoga, pranayama (breathing exercises), meditation and yogic philosophy, in a supportive and non-competitive environment. Classes will be dynamic and exploratory, tailored to meet the needs of the students present. You don’t have to be able to twist up into a pretzel to practice yoga and through this course you’ll find new strength, flexibility and peace of mind.

Workshop dates: 16 July, 23 July, 6 August, 13 August (Please note: there is no class July 30)
Time: Thursday evenings 6-7pm
Price: Advance booking recommended $40 for 4 week course/$35 with valid student ID, drop-in $12 per class. Contact: Email spiral.yoga.dance@gmail.com or visit www.spiralyogadance.blogspot.com for information on how to book

And here are details from Nicole on the Burlesque Workshop:

"All the way from the U.K., Pop Fizz Burlesque presents a 4-week Burlesque dance workshop. If you've ever been inspired by images of burlesque stars or pinup queens, this is the workshop for you! Get in on the glitter, glamor, and humor of this uniquely fabulous and female empowering art form in a friendly and supportive environment. This workshop is suitable for all body types, shapes, sizes and no dance experience is necessary. You’ll walk into the course shy and walk out feeling confident 4 weeks later. We will be studying the art and history of Burlesque, posturing and walking, putting moves such as shimmy-shake and bump-n-grind into a creative dance routine, working with props, such as feather boas, hats and fans and playing with persona and character. There is no nudity involved in the workshop, but you should dress in a way that makes you feel sexy and confident (high-heels are a bonus!) Advance booking is required and at the end of the workshop the props are yours to keep! You will receive a complete workshop syllabus upon booking."

Workshop dates: 16 July, 23 July, 6 August, 13 August (Please note: there is no class July 30)
Time: Thursday evenings 7:30-9pm. Advance booking highly recommended $65 for 4 week course/$60 with valid student ID (All materials included). More details here at http://www.popfizzburlesque.blogspot.com/



Nicole's Bio:

Nicole Carlin is a certified Hatha yoga teacher with Iyengar alignment/precision. She received her certification along with a life changing experience at Yandara Yoga Institute in Baja, Mexico. In Bristol, U.K. Nicole teaches Vinyasa flow yoga and Spiral Yoga Dance at Bristol City Yoga and Yogasara, yoga for children and also teaches Burlesque dancing and Cheerleading for Pink Kitten Dance School. Nicole has a BA in Psychology from Temple University, Philadelphia and a MA in Gender, Sexuality, Politics and Culture from Birkbeck University, London. Her career goal is to combine her love of travel, yoga and dance and create a class for women to help them get in touch with their bodies and foster a safe environment for exploring self-love, positive body image and healthy sexuality. She is available to teach private lessons for both yoga and Burlesque, as well as Bachelorette, Birthday and Hen Burlesque parties. Please contact popfizzburlesque[at]gmail.com for Burlesque and spiral.yoga.dance[at]gmail.com for Yoga.

Our TV debut!

Did you catch Macca's class on CBS3 last week?
You can still check it out at http://cbs3.com/brewer/954.dance.movement.2.1032127.html

BREAKING with Macca Malik starts up again on Monday June 15th for a six week session:
WEEK 1 - MON/WED/FRI - June 15, 17, 19
WEEK 2 - MON/WED/THU - June 22, 24, 25
WEEK 3 - MON/WED/THU - June 29, July 1, 2
WEEK 4 - MON/WED/THU - July 6, 8, 9
WEEK 5 - MON/WED/FRI - July 13, 15, 17
WEEK 6 - MON/WED/FRI - July 20, 22, 24

CLASS is 6-730 pm $15 single adult class, $216 adult class pass for all 18 classes. $12 single student class, $162 student class pass for all 18 classes. Students: 21 or younger with student ID.

You should feel welcome to try out the class even if you miss the first week. Watch the CBS3 story and check it out!

Breaking News at 954Dance MC

We're very excited to launch our first studio class with the amazingly talented Macca Malik. For 3 weeks she will teach a multi-level class on Breaking. Don't miss this opportunity!  More details below:

954 DANCE MOVEMENT COLLECTIVE

NEW HIP HOP CLASS STARTS MONDAY, MAY 18TH

BREAKING
With Macca Malik

MONDAY/ WEDNESDAY/ FRIDAY AT 6PM MAY 18 – JUNE 5

This class will cover all around Breaking, from the beginning to the advanced movements, specifically emphasizing what breaking is, the flow between each movement while you’re breaking and getting to understand the movement. Basics covered include foundation in footwork, tops, power and freezes. Come and experience an amazing dance form while “grooving” to Funk and Old School Hip Hop. Dress comfortable and wear sneakers.

$15 single adult class, $90 adult class pass for all 9 classes
$12 single student class, $80 student class pass for all 9 classes
Student: 21 or younger with student ID

FOR MORE INFO & REGISTRATION: 954DMC@keilacordova.com

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MACCA MALIK’s artistic journey began as a child when she moved from Atlanta, Ga to Berlin, Germany as a result of her Parents decision to pursue their artistic careers overseas. As Macca became older her fascination in Hip Hop Culture became wider. Through her older brother’s Hip Hop Organization she became more involved in their events and took time in gathering more understanding of each element. Still at the time she never participated physically in any of those individual aspects. Right until the beginning of 2004, where she started her intensive journey with breakin’ that lasts until this day and beyond. Her training includes oLive Dance Theatre, Sole Flave and 360 GunBattalion/Flava Dance Company. 

Her credits since joining the Company have also been, participating in promotional dance performances and stage/event performances, teaching, Feature Photo Spread in Philadelphia Weekly Magazine and Sponsoring “Breakin’ Jams/Competitions”. Macca has been blessed with having a chance to travel to various places through Breakin’ including Germany, London, LA, and South Carolina. She most recently was a member of Team USA at the International Women’s Hip Hop Festival in the UK, which went on to beat Team Europe in the competition.

There's only one Tori Amos album I really like, and it's the one that true Tori Amos fans call an aberration; but I love this quote from her:

“There's room for everybody on the planet to be creative and conscious if you are your own person. If you're trying to be like somebody else, then there isn't.”

So here are a couple photos of our beautiful new sign. We've only just begun.

You walk up to the edge. You can't see much beyond the precipice, but you have imagination, inspiration, hope. You say yes and you jump into a wonderful new adventure.

We look forward to seeing you on Sunday at our very informal OPEN HOUSE. We want to show folks the new space and talk to people about their needs in an art space dedicated to movement and the development of new work and new ideas. I remember reading Virginia Woolf's A ROOM OF ONE'S OWN in college and I think her idea of what a writer needs to create is applicable to all sorts of creative people: having the space to help your ideas to grow to fruition.

It's all about the baby steps...

Working on the sign...




And here's a space in progress update...

Here are some early shots of the
space-in-progress,


facing east



facing west