Our Winter Performance Intensive is here and registration is NOW OPEN!Many students have found this as a great opportunity to challenge their skill set and reach new heights as performers. Every year, we produce performance showcases featuring a roster of students who want to push their dance journey under the bright lights on the big stage. This performance workshop gives students the chance to work on fine-tuning choreography while enhancing overall performance quality. Last year, we brought in a total of 100 performers and are excited to see what this year has to offer.
This workshop series includes 8-weeks of rehearsal. Single ticket drop-ins are allowed for the first two classes for students to test out the class. Classes are limited, so be sure to reserve your spot in advance. Join one of our artists in a training series for the chance to perform for our 4th showcase on June 4th and our very first time performing at The Great Star Theatre!
Please note, performing at the showcase is not required, but highly encouraged. For those that are unable to attend the showcase, or do not want to perform live, you are still able to sign up for the series. Now, let's begin!
Featured Instructors (8-week series):
ANDREA SENDEK | @andreasendekbellydance
AVA APPLE | @avaandrodolfo
JACKSON TRAN | @jxtrxn
JAMES JARED | @jams_jrd
JANJAN CHAN |@janjanxchan
JESSICA RAE | @jraesf
KRIS SHEIN | @kris_shein_official
KYLIE IRELAND | @kyliecircus
NAMAAD JACKSON |@namaadjackson
PEYTON CRAWFORD | @_peyton.craw
SARA TEMPLETON | @coqui.sf
TIANA HESTER | @tianahester
VELL RASKOVA | @vellpic
Featured Instructors (5-week series)
NATALIE SKLOVSKAYA | @natsklov
RISA ONO | @sonrisa_ddd
TASHI COWAN | @tashitheeterminator_
Learn more about our featured instructors on our blog page: https://www.raestudios-sf.com/post/fall-performance-series
Location for Rehearsals:
Rae Studios, 414 Mason St., #705, San Francisco CA, 94102
8-Week Series (October 6th - December 7th):
$250 Full Series + Showcase | $225 Member's Discount
$35 Single Session (available for first 2 sessions)
(Sales end 10/27)
5-Week Series (October 27th - December 7th):
$175 Full Series + Showcase | $150 Member's Discount
$35 Single Session (available for first 2 sessions)
(Sales end 11/17)
Show Date & Location:
Sunday, December 8th | The Great Star Theatre
By purchasing the full workshop series, you are expected to attend each rehearsal date listed.
Read our blog for full guidelines and policies.
https://www.raestudios-sf.com/post/2024-performance-intensive
Venue for Sunday, December 8th, 2024: Great Star | 636 Jackson St, San Francisco, CA 94133
Peyton Crawford
Jazz Funk [Int/Adv] (8-Wk)
Mondays, 9pm-10:30pm
Dates: 10/7, 10/14, 10/21, 10/28, 11/4, 11/11, 11/18, 12/2
Coming from her home town Sonoma, CA, Peyton Crawford is a passionate dancer who wants to share her love for dance with the world. Peyton has always been told by her family that she was dancing before she could even walk, always following the rhythm of music and the ongoing rhythm that plays in her head. She comes from a long history in the pageant world, since the age of two months, and has been on stage ever since. She has choreographed numerous routines within the industry and directed pieces. Not only has Peyton had a pageant history background, she had been attending dance conventions and classes since the age of five. She was the dance intern at her middle school and proceeded to gain experience in dancing and choreographing on her high school's dance team.
While attending Sonoma State University, Peyton had experienced numerous showcases and pieces with different processes. She has taken choreography classes all over California and gained experience in numerous styles such as hip hop, jazz, jazz-funk, heels, improv, line-dancing, and more.
When she’s not dancing she is working with horses and designing clothes for her line, Kiki. This young lady aspires to be a professional dancer and model for artists and brands. With her journey at Rae Studios she hopes to give her fellow dancers a space where they can feel comfortable and grow as individuals. A place of honor and celebration to life. Come join her in class!
You can find her on:
Instagram: @_peyton.craw
TikTok: @_peyton.craw
Workshop Description: Jazz Funk [Int/Adv]:
During the 8-week series with Peyton Crawford, her focal point will be providing a space for dancers to learn and grow as individuals. Through this workshop Peyton thrives to create a performance piece and lay out movements for the dancers to expand with. She wants to create a bright environment where those who enter, leave feeling good about themselves. Her choreography will consist of techniques, musicality, and details with upbeat and fast music; allowing all forms of art within. Peyton encourages people to have fun and jazz funk up the room as they challenge the star they are.
Vell Raskova
Heels [Int/Adv] (8-Wk)
Mondays, 9pm-10:30pm
Dates: 10/7, 10/14, 10/21, 10/28, 11/4, 11/11, 11/18, 12/2
Vell (long name Valeriia) Raskova
Vell began dancing in 2000, focusing on ballroom dancing. She dedicated 13 years of her life to this discipline. She participated in ranked competitions in Moscow as well as in international ballroom dance competitions.After ballroom dancing, Vell tried many dance styles: house, dancehall, hip-hop, vogue, and of course, she fell in love with High Heels.
Vell trained at numerous dance studios in Russia and participated in dance festivals and camps. She regularly attends classes with various choreographers in different styles. She is also obtaining a NASM personal trainer certification.
Vell is the organizer of a fitness-dance bootcamp in Russia. She is also the organizer of her own High Heels masterclasses in the Bay Area.
Vell's dance goal is to teach women and men to enjoy their bodies while dancing. For Vell, dance is life; it reveals new aspects of ourselves, allows us to embody any character, and lets us be anyone we want to be in this life. My goal is to show through dance that a person can do anything!
Where you currently teach Motion Arts Center (San Mateo) and my own classes in SF and San Mateo
Instagram: @vellpic
Workshop Description: Heels [Int/Adv]:
Hello everyone! My goal for this performance is to create a beautiful High Heels show while helping students develop the following skills: - Basic High Heels technique (foundation steps, movements, floor work) - Teamwork (formations, patterns, transitions) - Performance skills (emotions, presentation, etc.) Participating in the show is a unique opportunity that will let you feel like a superstar performing on a big stage! I'll do my best to make the rehearsal process a unique and unforgettable journey!
Ava Apple
Salsa [All Levels] (8-Wk)
Tuesdays, 9pm-10:30pm
Dates: 10/8, 10/15, 10/22, 10/29, 11/5, 11/12, 11/19, 12/3
Ava Apple (She/Her), a San Francisco native, has been dancing professionally for over 40 years. She has competed, performed & taught throughout the USA, Hong Kong, Italy, and The Netherlands and has received awards for her contribution to the world of Salsa & Latin Dance at the 2002 West Coast Salsa Congress, the 2003 SF Salsa Congress, and the 2003 Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts 25th Anniversary celebration.
Many well known dancers got their start with Ava, in her classes and on her dance team The Latin Symbolics. Brother/sister duo Junior & Emily Alabi, Alex Lee & Chi Le, Jhon Narvaez & Liz Rojas are just a few that have had successful dance careers after studying with Ava.Ava is highly experienced in teaching Salsa On 1 & On 2, Bachata, NY Hustle, and Partner Lifts & Drops, and she was one of the first dancers to teach “Same Sex Salsa” classes in the 1990’s, in S.F.She is a highly respected Wedding dance coach/choreographer and LOVES helping couples get ready for their “First Dance”, whether it’s a slow, romantic, Ballroom style, or something up-tempo and playful.Ava has danced in commercials for Fitbit, and Next Insurance, and was a featured extra in “Spirit of ‘76”, and “Center Stage”. She also has danced in music videos for Linda Ronstadt, Rick Springfield, and Timmy Spence.
Ig: https://www.instagram.com/avaandrodolfo/
Workshop Description: Salsa [All Levels]:
SALSA ON 1 w/ Ava Apple,
Salsa is a Latin dance, associated with the music genre of the same name, which was first popularized in the United States in the 1970s in New York City. Salsa is a partnered dance where the lead takes the follower through a series of spins and turn patterns to music.
This workshop is for students who have an understanding of fundamentals and the basic elements of Salsa or another genre of partner dancing. In this workshop students will spend 8 weeks learning from Ava Apple, a highly respected teacher, choreographer, and performer. Ava and her assistant Chuck will teach a choreographed routine focusing on style, performance technique, and FUN! You will also get to experience being on a dance team, and the backstage experience of being in a pro-level show.
You do not need a partner to join the workshop.
Natalie Sklovskaya
Heels [Int] (5-Wk)
Tuesdays, 9pm-10:30pm
Dates: 10/29, 11/5, 11/12, 11/19, 12/3
Natalie was born and raised in San Francisco and began her dance journey at age 4 attending Genesis Ballroom Dance Studio. She continued ballroom dancing until age 12 where she switched to Jazz and Hip Hop dance styles. While attending UC Davis, she was a member of Agape Dance Team, where she choreographed performances, helped lead practices, and taught dance workshops. Upon graduating, Natalie was a member of Str8jacket dance team. She is passionate about creating a welcoming dance environment for all students, regardless of their experience level and focuses on emphasizing technique and performance in her classes.
Workshop Description: Heels [Intermediate]:
Have you flirted with heels classes and are looking to fine-tune your execution? Do you feel like you could be even sexier in your performance? If so- Nat’s workshop is for you! Nat’s goal for her dancers in this series is to focus on building stage presence and performance technique so dancers can exude that sexy confidence right to the very back row! We will work on perfecting our lines, building up our stamina and utilizing textures in order to shape the best performance to date!
Namaad Jackson
Hip Hop Fusion[Int/Adv] (8-Wk)
Wednesdays, 9pm-10:30pm
Dates: 10/9, 10/16, 10/23, 10/30, 11/6, 11/13, 11/20, 12/4
Namaad Jackson is a performer, choreographer, educator, and mentor whose background, training, and passion extends over 15 years. In 2008, Jackson found KauCon Dance Kru (KDK) and served as its Chief ExecuCve Director. KDK was a professional dance company that provided guidance, educaCon, and training to inspire other energeCc dancers. Jackson started a youth division of the company in 2012 called KhaoCc Dane Kru, serving dancers ages 12-18. In 2014, he opened a KDK in Las Vegas. During the second year of the pandemic, he closed the company and moved to San Jose
Namaad has directed many dance companies and troupes including Dcypher Dance, TeamWeGonMakeIt, Culture Shock DC (CSDC), and Culture Shock Las Vegas (CSLV) where he was able to travel, perform, and teach throughout the US, and in Canada, Paris, and Germany. He was ArCsCc Managing Director for Dixie Arts Conservatory where he managed and oversaw all studio operaCons, classes, and programs. Since moving to the Bay Area Namaad signed as a talent with RAE Talent and Model Agency and is teaching at several studios across the bay area including RAE Studio, Purdance, FulloutStudios, Dance ConnecCon of Palo Alto, and Dance Mission Theater. Namaad dances and performs with Str8Jackets Dance Crew which has been featured on NBC’s World of Dance the TV show and is also a former pro NBA Dancer for the Golden State Warriors.
Namaad sees dance as a positive force and a medium to tell stories, discuss issues and inspire others. He is proud of his accomplishments and is very passionate about his career as a professional dancer, choreographer, and educator. He encourages others to recognize their passion and always follow their hearts and dreams.
Workshop Description: Hip Hop Fusion [Int/Adv]:
In this 8 week winter workshop, Namaad will be focusing on musicality, utilization of movement, and performance qualities that are authentic to human nature; taking a detour from the technique demand of all Hip Hop styles. Along with what you will be learning, Namaad strives to create a community through this workshop and ensures to provide a safe and fun environment for each dancer to experiment and grow (mentally and physically). Namaad's 8 week workshop will also focus on the different segments of dance such as; foundational technique, choreography, blocking/formation, cleaning.
James Jared
Heels [Beg/Int] (8-Wk)
Wednesdays, 9pm-10:30pm
Dates: 10/16, 10/19, 10/23, 10/30, 11/6, 11/13, 11/20, 12/4
James began his dance journey as an 8-year-old in Southern California, where he trained in a variety of styles including jazz, hip-hop, ballet, and contemporary. He earned a minor degree in Modern Dance and Choreography from Princeton University in 2019, where he also danced and choreographed for diSiac Dance Company. It was during this time that James also began his heels training. Since college, James has continued his dance education in Boston and San Francisco, and more recently has taught heels classes at various studios in the Bay, including City Dance, ODC, and Rae. James has been honored to perform choreography by Chris Martin, Ohad Naharin, Crystal Pite, Robert Battle, and others.
In his heels choreography, James blends the movement vocabularies of all styles he’s trained in, with a primary focus on contemporary and jazz. Like most other heels classes, his choreography is rooted in the sensuality of the feminine form. However, James also explores how this feminine aesthetic can be in dialogue with a masculine presentation and how a more masculine aesthetic can also fuel a feminine performance. In other words, he asks the question, “How can traditionally female movement qualities demonstrate maleness, and how can traditionally male qualities emphasize womanhood?” Of course, his choreography is still full of the sexy, fun, and flirty style that you can expect from any heels class.
Ig: jams_jard/
Workshop Description: Heels [Beg/Int]:
This workshop will focus on developing your heels technique to move from the basics to more complex movement patterns. During rehearsals, you will practice applying foundational skills through exercises and choreography, with an emphasis on power, sensuality, and confidence. Students should be comfortable walking and moving in heels so that we can focus on improving and expanding upon basic technique. Choreography will be taught from the first class and built upon throughout the series until the performance.
JanJan Chan
Contemporary [Beg/Int] (8-Wk)
Thursdays, 9pm-10:30pm
Dates: 10/10, 10/17, 10/24, 10/31, 11/7, 11/14, 11/21, 12/5
JanJan (any pronouns) is a gender-fluid movement artist and storyteller, born and raised in the Bay Area. They’ve been training in various styles, including ballet, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, lyrical, and more for over 10 years now. Their love of teaching started when they used to do club swimming and would teach the younger students as a side job. Although leaving behind their years and dedication of studio training, you can still find JanJan always eager to challenge themself by learning and training in new styles. Their number one priority will always be creating a safe and fun space whenever teaching, allowing dancers to not be afraid to try new things and let dance be therapeutic.
JanJan started their dance journey at the age of 6. They’ve trained all over the Bay Area, primarily with Westlake School of Performing Arts, West Coast Dance Conservatory, Krazy 8, and Poise’n Brigade. JanJan has taught at all over the Bay Area, including for CY Danceworks, West Coast Dance Conservatory, Heart Beat Dance Academy, and Saint Francis High School.
Along with dancing, you might also know JanJan from their online content on several social media platforms and their writing as an author. They are very excited to see what’s in store as a movement artist and will always be so grateful for all the opportunities they have been a part of and more to encounter. They can’t wait to see all of you grow!
Want more of JanJan? Click here for all of JanJan’s links!
Workshop Description: Contemporary [Beg/Int]:
In this 8 week winter workshop, JanJan will be focusing on storytelling, musicality, and utilizing movement that is authentic to human nature; taking a detour from the technique demand of classical styles. Along with what you will be learning, JanJan strives to create a family-like community through this workshop and ensures to provide a safe and fun environment for each dancer to experiment and grow (mentally and physically). JanJan's 8 week workshop is broken up into 4 segments: foundational technique, choreography, blocking/formation, cleaning. Although labelled beginner/intermediate, JanJan welcomes and encourages all leveled dancers into their workshop, as even the most advanced dancers will learn something new with JanJan's unique style of contemporary.
Kris Shein
Jazz Funk [Int/Adv] (8-Wk)
Thursdays, 9pm-10:30pm
Dates: 10/10, 10/17, 10/24, 10/31, 11/7, 11/14, 11/21, 12/5
Kristian Shein is a Jazz Funk, Hip Hop, and Contemporary Dancer. He has been dancing professionally for 12 years and passionately since 4 years. He was born in Latvia where he received his dance education. He came to America from Moscow where he worked with many dance teams and was the director of his own dance team. He has worked on television, performing with singers and night clubs. In choreography, and in working with people, he focuses on emotions. To dance with the soul and create positive, that’s his position.
“Live this life, enjoy the moment, and do not forget to smile”
Workshop Description: Jazz Funk [Int/Adv]:
Step into the spotlight with exciting Jazz-Funk showcase series, where you’ll not only master high-energy choreography but also learn the art of captivating stage presence. This series is designed for dancers who want to step out of their comfort zone, elevate their performance skills and shine on stage.
What You'll Experience:
• Dynamic Choreography: Dive into fun and energetic routines that will get your heart pumping and your feet moving. I will guide you through each step, ensuring you feel confident and enthusiastic about every move.
• Stage Presence: Discover how to represent yourself with confidence and poise on stage. Learn the nuances of captivating an audience, from facial expressions to body language, and make every performance memorable.
• Introduction to Acting: Enhance your performance with basic acting techniques. Explore how to convey emotions and tell a story through your dance, adding depth and character to your routines.
Whether you've performed before or it's your first time, this series is perfect for dancers eager to make a splash. Let’s dance, perform, and shine together!
Jackson Tran
Jazz Funk [Int/Adv] (8-Wk)
Fridays, 9pm-10:30pm
Dates: 10/11, 10/18, 10/25 11/1, 11/8, 11/15, 11/22, 12/6
Jackson has a diverse background in Hip-Hop, Jazz Funk, and K-Pop dancing. He is a founding member of a K-Pop dance crew based in Santa Cruz called StarChrome. Additionally, he served as a director for JK Family, a beginner-friendly choreography dance crew that blends various dance forms with a passion for Japanese, Korean, and American music. Jackson enjoys exploring new styles and merging different techniques to create choreography that transcends any single genre. Currently, he teaches choreography to students of all ages, from children to adults, at Rae Studios and other studios where he is involved. He plans to continue expanding his skills and evolving as a dance instructor who can express dance through a diverse range of styles.
Workshop Description: Jazz Funk [Int/Adv]:
In this Jazz Funk performance workshop series, students will explore emotive expression through dance, diving deep into their inner selves. The class will learn dynamic routines incorporating Jazz Funk choreography, focusing on mastering techniques such as isolations, textures, and grooves. Emphasis will be placed on teamwork, with students collaborating on blocking and creating cohesive choreographies that highlight their collective artistry. The 8-week series is broken and follows a structured format: choreography, blocking, cleaning. For inquiries, please contact the instructor via instagram.
Risa Ono
Street Jazz [Int/Adv] (5-Wk)
Fridays, 9pm-10:30pm
Dates: 11/1, 11/8, 11/15, 11/22, 12/6
Risa (she/her) is a Tokyo native dancer and represented by Rae Dance Agency. She has started dancing Hip Hop, Lock, Street Jazz since she was 16. Once she started her dancer journey, she has performed in multiple events and started making choreography for her school performances / her hip hop team in Japan as well as New York. While she was in New York, she also trained Heels from Army of Sass but also joined a bachata team led by Daniel y Desirée who is the world's most famous Bachata dance couple. The dream job she recently did was making a musical promotion PV for Dokkyo university in Japan as a director/choreographer. Her dance style and choreography focuses on musicality piece so that all of dancers are able to enjoy dancing through the music as well as express/discover themselves. She is currently teaching Hip Hop at Rae studio as well as UN Plaza.
Workshop Description: Street Jazz [Int/Adv]:
Street Jazz performance WS led by Risa will be a cool experience because Risa is going to bring 2 different expressions focus on Sexy Musical style & Missy Elliot badass vibes. In this series, you will train sharp isolation training / Street Style dance (Hip Hop/Locking) and Sexy Sassy dance movement. Since it is Int/Adv class so Risa will aim to teach all choreography on 1st & 2nd rehearsal so that students can focus on formation as well as cleaning choreo on the rest. (Risa highly recommend students to take her regular class before WS so that you will get some ideas of her style.)
FYI- This is Risa’s last performance WS series as a Rae Instructor, so please x3 join her, and don’t miss it! Risa is excited to make the coolest group and K*ll it with you together!!!
Tiana Hester
Industry Hip Hop [Int/Adv] (8-Wk)
Saturdays, 1:30pm-3:00pm
Dates: 1 0/12, 10/19, 10/26 11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 11/23, 12/7
It looks like you may have a little dancer” - as her mother would tell the story about what the doctor said during her ultra sound. TiAna- in the womb, with the heel of her foot in her mouth, was literally born to dance. In just the small city of Antioch, California at Delta Ballet Academy, TiAna started training recreationally at just eight years old in Hip Hop with LaTonya Watts. She then started training in ballet, as it became a requirement for her to continue with a competitive team. Her ballet teacher expressed to her mother, that there was no way it was her first time training in that style.
It was then that she knew dance was not just a “talent” that she had picked up, but a Gift. TiAna continued to expand her training in other styles such as jazz, lyrical, and contemporary.
At the age of twelve, she started competing and traveling as a dancer. She continue to pursue her career through out high school, and started teaching dance once she graduated, in 2008.
In 2012, TiAna moved to New York City to pursue her dance career. She grew tremendously, training at studios like Broadway Dance Center, Alvin Ailey, PeriDance Center, and Brickhouse NYC. She has worked with well known artists; Sevyn Streeter, Justine Skye, Nikki Tino, Demi Grace, and more. TiAna has Choreographed, danced backup, and hosted classes for music labels like Atlantic Records, and Def Jam. While pursuing her dance career, she picked up a love for fitness and established a name for herself as a fitness instructor.
TiAna “Your favorite instructor” Hester has been featured in the New York Times, New York Post, Shape Magazine, and Harper’s Bazaar as #4 of the Top 20 Fitness Instructors of New York. In 2019, she brought her expertise back home and has continued to learn and teach as a professional dancer. TiAna is grateful to have trained under so many well known choreographers from the Bay Area, Los Angeles, and New York such as, Corey Action, Allen Frias, Matthew J. Day, Denzel Chisholm, Jerry “curls” Paulino, Antonio “Tony” Jefferson, and more! She has taught and choreographed for over 15 dance studios, and hopes to be able to continue move with purpose, on purpose, and share her visions with the world.
Workshop Description: Industry Hip Hop [Int/Adv]
This winter, we’re hitting the road! Get ready to embrace your inner performer with live music, one amazing artist, and you as the backup dancer. Tiana is bringing the world of a professional commercial dancer to the stage, and she wants you to experience it firsthand! While the level is intermediate to advanced, Tiana’s expert teaching will help you master any choreography, no matter how challenging. She welcomes dancers of all levels. This season, Tiana will teach you not only choreography but also the four C’s of mastering it:
1. Conception: How you intentionally receive and internalize the idea or plan of movement.
2. Connection: Building a connection to the storytelling and the creative narrative that complements the choreography.
3. Communication: Executing and conveying the intended message through your performance.
4. Character: Defining who you are on stage as a performer, and channeling that persona during training. Join us for an unforgettable dance journey!
Kylie Ireland
Shuffle [Intermediate] (8-Wk)
Saturdays, 4:30pm-6:00pm
Dates: 1 0/12, 10/19, 10/26 11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 11/23, 12/7
Kylie (she/her) is a performing artist from southern California now living in San Francisco. Main disciplines including aerial, flow arts, acrobatics, contortion, and shuffle dance! Her 12+ year background is in circus arts which originated in a youth program she was a part of. In high school she started teaching and performing professionally, after graduating studied kinesiology for 2 years, and then moved to Santa Cruz,CA in 2020 to pursue the performing arts. In Santa Cruz is where Kylie discovered shuffling and committed to learning the dance style. Kylie found shuffle dance through videos online, and although she didn’t yet consider herself a dancer, was mesmerized. She loved how people would mix multiple dance styles into shuffling and thought she could do the same with her background. As it slowly began to take a big place in her life it surprised her how much passion she had for this dance. She hopes to show others how much of a positive influence shuffling can have on their mental and physical health. Kylie has performed at birthday parties, festivals, clubs, weddings, community, and corporate events! She feels grateful to be a part of RAE and her goal is to get shuffling into studios as a recognized dance style, give beginners an accessible place to learn, and create more professional opportunities for shuffle dancers. Learning to shuffle has a huge positive impact on her life and she hopes she can share that impact with others. Along with RAE Kylie also teaches at the Hive SF, Acrosports, and SF pole & dance.
instagram: @kyliecircus
website: https://www.kyliecircus.com/
Workshop Description: Shuffle [Intermediate]:
8 week shuffle series with Kylie! This choreography will balance both elegance and strength. Series is open to shufflers of all levels, the choreography will be intermediate if you are new to shuffle please don’t shy away-recommend to take classes with Kylie leading up to the series. Kylie will focus on creating a positive community amongst our performance team. Her goal is to push each performer to clean up technique, build confidence in themselves, and gain a deeper knowledge of shuffle dance. You will learn tips on how to master shuffle foundations, new combos, and how to play with musicality.
Structure of series:
-Weeks 1 & 2- foundations, combos, counts
-Weeks 3,4,5,6- build on choreo, formations, intro & outro
-Week 7- details, final touches
-Week 8-details & run though
Tashi Cowan
Hip Hop [Beg/Int] (5-Wk)
Saturdays, 3:00pm-4:30pm
Dates: 11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 11/23, 12/7
Tashi Cowan (she/her) is a dancer and choreographer who has diverse experience in multiple forms of performance arts.
A Marin County native, freestyling to Janet Jackson at 4 years old, she received her first formal lesson in hip-hop at 10 years old and has been hooked on dance ever since. She continued her dance education while studying for an Associate Degree in Dance Performance at College of Marin and performed in dance productions such as ‘Signatures of Motion’ and ‘Dance Upon a Song’ as well as local theatre productions and town parades.
Tashi was recognized by the College of Marin Foundation with the Saragay Stetson Dance Scholarship, a competitive award recognizing outstanding talent within the department. She also has had musical theatre training performing with the Stapleton Theatre Company’s Rendition of “Fame” where she received the Rookie Award.
She has trained at Playground LA and CityDance SF and had workshop intensive training with industry professionals such Brandi Chun (Winner Dance100 Netflix, House of Ninja), Amanda LaCount (Rihanna, Katy Perry) and Aliya Jannel (Beyonce, QueensNLettos). Recently she was a featured choreographer in Rae Studios annual Spring Showcase 2024 teaching Beg./Int. Hip Hop.
A graduate of San Francisco State University, she studied abroad in London, England and was a member of the Kingston Cougars Latin Dance Team which ranked 2nd and 3rd place for Best Latin Style Dance. She’s a certified Zumba instructor and has taught classes at numerous locations in the Bay Area including Bay Club (SF and Marin).
She continues to train at Rae Studios, and CityDance and Mission Theatre in Heels Technique, Hip Hop and Jazz Funk. She is constantly learning and growing as a dancer and believes that to dance and being able bodied is a blessing and joy!
Ig: https://www.instagram.com/tashitheeterminator_/
Workshop Description: Hip Hop [Beg/Int]:
Hip-Hop is an artistic and cultural movement that started in the 1970s in The Bronx of New York City by Black and Latiné youth who expressed joy through Hip-Hop during a time of oppression. Hip-Hop dance consists of Breaking (commercially known as Breakdancing) and Hip-Hop Party Moves (e.g., Bart Simpson, Biz Markie, Roger Rabbit, Running Man). In this class students will focus on more challenging dance combos that will help with choreography, movement quality and retention. This course is a prerequisite requirement for many of our intermediate and intermediate/advanced classes. Students in this class should have a basic understanding of hip hop terminology, movement and grooves.
Andrea Sendek
Belly Dance [Intermediate] (8-Wk)
Sundays, 1:30pm-3:00pm
Dates: 1 0/6, 10/13, 10/20, 10/27 11/3, 11/10, 11/17, 12/1
With a rich background in the performing arts, Andrea Sendek brings a lifetime of passionate involvement in acting, music, and dance to her role as artist, teacher, organizer, and director.
Andrea integrates philosophies into her work learned from training and performing, for over 2 decades, belly dance and other dance genres. Andrea began learning belly dance with Mesmera in Los Angeles from 1996-2004. In 2004 she relocated to the Bay Area and began her studies at The Salimpour School of Dance where for 10 years she trained under and assisted both Jamilla & Suhaila Salimpour. Since 2015 Andrea has been learning Arabic drumming and music with Susu Pampanin and Amina Goodyear. In June of 2021, Andrea began studying extensively with Egyptian master Tommy King. She Has taken countless workshops from Egyptian teachers throughout the years some of which include, Dandesh, Yossry El Hefni, Karim Nagi, Tito Seif, Adia Nour, and Mohammed Shahin.In 2022 Andrea was invited to teach annually at The Crazy Nights Festival in Cairo Egypt alongside of the industries top Egyptian artists. Andrea also takes weekly Egyptian Arabic classes to help with her dancing and understanding of the music she loves to perform to.
As a performer, Andrea has an extensive background. Some notable performance venues are The Palace of Fine Arts, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, Brava Theatre, and The Shelton Theatre. She has performed and taught across the United States and internationally; some highlights of her itinerary include appearances in Egypt, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Canada, and Chile.
Andrea is the founder of Khepri Dance Comapny and Khepri Productions. Khepri Dance Company was featured in the prestigious San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival in 2016. Khepri Productions produces The Catwalk, a local variety show, Cirque Arabesque, and hosts notable artists from Egypt in San Francisco for workshops and shows.
My dance goals are to keep developing my technique, my understanding of my art form, grow my student body, and speak Egyptian Arabic fluently. My big dreams would be to have a fully funded dance company and a regular venue where we can perform weekly with a live Arabic band and do classic shows to sold out crowds!
Website: andreasendek.com
Instagram: @andreasendekbellydance
Workshop Description: Belly Dance [Intermediate]:
In this 8 week winter workshop students will focus on getting their performance chops. We work so hard on technique every week in class and now is the time to infuse it with style, emotion, and presence. Andrea will inform you on the cultural viewpoint of the choreography and music selection, which will help you understand how to style your dance and get into character, she will also guide you on how to tap into your charisma, using your charisma is the secret ingredient to keep your audience engaged and inspired by your performance. Andrea strives to create a fun and safe environment for her students to explore performing. This workshop is designed for intermediate students who have a solid foundation on beginning belly dance technique.
Jessica Rae
Pop Jam [Intermediate] (8-Wk)
Sundays, 1:30pm-3:00pm
Dates: 1 0/6, 10/13, 10/20, 10/27 11/3, 11/10, 11/17, 12/1
Jessica Rae is a Filipino business owner and educator around movement and entrepreneurship. She is the founder and CEO of Rae Model & Talent Agency LLC and Rae Studios, located in downtown San Francisco, California. Jessica graduated from San Francisco State University with a BA in Speech and Communications and a lifetime advocate of dance and the arts.
She is an energetic certified Group Fitness and Dance Instructor with a strong background in Cardio Dance, Kickboxing, MMA, and dance choreography. She promotes healthy minds and bodies through music and movement while building a strong community motivating people to move outside their comfort zone. Her certifications include: GF, AFAA, CPA and First Aid, Pound Pro, Cize Live, Barre Certified and has been seen coaching for Gap HQ, Athleta, Lorna Jane, Fitbit, William-Sonoma, Airbnb, Eventbrite, Salesforce, Facebook, Marriott, San Francisco Middle School, Dare to Bare amongst other established corporations.
Jessica currently teaches weekly classes at Equinox and Rae Studios.
Workshop Description: Pop Jam [Intermediate]:
Pop Jam originates from Dance-Pop, a popular music subgenre that originated in the late 1970s to early 1980s. It is generally uptempo music intended for nightclubs with the intention of being danceable. Pop Jam is influenced by various dance styles including, Jazz Funk, Hip-Hop, and Latin dance. Students are expected to have basic fundamentals of these dance genres. This class moves at a true intermediate pace starting with a full body warm-up, and isolations into choreography. Bring knee pads for those who wish to do floor work. Floorwork and standing options are available.
Sara Templeton
Reggaeton [Beg/Int] (8-Wk)
Sundays, 5:00pm-6:30pm
Dates: 1 0/6, 10/13, 10/20, 10/27 11/3, 11/10, 11/17, 12/1
Sara is a choreographer, teacher, and dancer born and raised in San Francisco. She started her professional hip-hop career at sixteen, dancing with Culture Shock S.F. and L.A. and guest performing with independent artists throughout the Bay Area. While earning her dance degree at Loyola Marymount University, Sara expanded her training to include ballet, modern / contemporary, and dunham technique, and also began a focused re-engagement with salsa and other Latin dances connected to her Puerto Rican heritage. It was during this time that Sara truly honed in on her passion for choreography and teaching, and the ways in which the intelligence of different dance techniques could cross pollinate for the benefit of the artist. Sara has performed alongside notable hip-hop artists Allan Frias and Jesse Lee Santos, and has done commercial work with musical groups Blue Boy and Spanish Fly. Locally Sara has performed and presented work at Dance Mission Theater and ODC, and is blest to have trained with exceptional artists across disciplines including Janice Garrett (modern), Robin Dekkers (ballet), Brandi Chun (jazz funk), Pat Cruz (hip-hop) and others. Most recently, Sara choreographed the Center Repertory Company’s sold out Spring 2023 musical production of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s In the Heights and continues to teach a variety of dance forms around the Bay Area.
Sara strongly believes in the joy of dance, and is dedicated to fostering a safe and playful space where students can work on sound dance technique while feeling motivated to grow. When Sara is not in the studio teaching or choreographing, she is experimenting with dance for film, and running her online dance merchandise store ObjectsForArts. Besides dance, Sara is an ardent, 20-year practitioner of Iyengar yoga, and a strong believer in massages and chocolate.
Workshop Description: Reggaeton [Beg/Int]:
In this 8-week workshop, we will unpack the rhythms, energy, and performance style of reggaeton dance. Sara's focus is on creating a safe and playful space for dancers to explore, take risks, and elevate their skill in three core areas: 1) dancing within the syncopations common in reggaeton music, 2) expressing 'sabor' (flavor/style) in the body and face while dancing, 3) getting out of our head and finding pleasure during performance. To facilitate a meaningful and stress-free process, the first half of the workshop (approximately 4-5 rehearsals) will be devoted to learning the basic choreography/blocking, and the second half of the workshop will be devoted to artistic development. This is to ensure that each participant has the time and space to work with Sara in a tailored way to elevate their skill based on where they are in their dance journey. No prior reggaeton experience is required, however this workshop is best designed for the student who has some experience with choreography-based dance classes. Please note, the choreography in this workshop will be a diluted version of what Sara teaches in her weekly reggaeton classes so that participants can focus more specifically on performance skills. However, any participant who is ready for more of a challenge will be given the opportunity to take on more elevated choreography within the performance piece style .
Tomiko Iyalla
Afro Dance [Beg/Int] (8-Wk)
Saturdays, 1:30pm-3:00pm
Dates: 1 0/12, 10/19, 10/26 11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 11/23, 12/7
Tomiko is a Nigerian-American, multiplidicinary artist with an emphasis and primary work teaching Afro Dance. Using the influence of her Nigerian culture and life experiences, Tomiko brings to life colorful narratives of her people, ancestry, and personal story. Afro Dance stems from West African street style dances; expands through continent + the african diaspora.
Workshop Description: Afro Dance [Beg/Int]:
AFRO DANCE 101 is a 8 week class course drilling basic steps, technique, talk about history, freestyling, and how to blend movement for choreo. Afro-dance is a choreography-based class with some freestyle elements. Afro dance is a huge umbrella of dance styles influenced by East, West, South, and Central Africa. In this class, you will learn the history and foundation, choreography, muscle memory, as well as stylized and freestyle movements.
Event Venue
414 Mason Street,##705,San Francisco,94102,US, United States
Tickets
