About this Event
What makes our program unique?
Every class begins with a 15-20 minute non-verbal warm-up designed to allow participants to learn how to articulate their bodies within a wide range of styles. Additionally, the warm-up previews moments that will be covered in the class while systematically raising the heart rate up to anaerobic levels.
The bulk of the class consists of carefully layered choreographed dances inspired by a variety of dance genres. The primary focus of Worldanz DCF is to present people with physical challenges that will help them attain balanced, strong, and intelligent bodies. In order to do this we draw from traditional and contemporary forms and combine them in a way that complimentary muscle groups are being used methodically throughout the class. Additionally, we reformat the movements in order to maximize their physical exertion levels, while still preserving the cultural integrity of the movement. All of our dances can be experienced in layers where novice movers can follow easily and feel engaged in the movement while more experienced dancers can delve into the intricacies of the form as well as increase their athletic abilities. Though we present participants with a wide range of movement possibilities in order to expand their physical range, ultimately everyone is encouraged to listen to their bodies and discover their innate physical intelligence. We believe this is the best way to prevent injuries and move in a healthy way through life.
Our secondary focus yet highly valued goal is to create a playful, creative environment where people feel free to express themselves. Many of our pieces have opportunities for people to improvise and interact playfully in class. We believe that a deep sense of community is what keeps people coming back. Though the physical results of Worldanz DCF are highly measurable, we place our value on the ultimate enjoyment of our members. We believe the process of reaching a healthy weight and developing a strong and agile body should be above all else FUN. By sharing the ecstatic nature of dance together, we create an exhilarating experience that people want to repeat often and regularly. Worldanz DCF aims to build a welcoming space where people feel accepted and encouraged to unapologetically explore their full range of movement.
The global dance element brings in the mental and spiritual component that sets our program aside from others. Not only are participants challenged to reach high exertion levels, but they are also challenged to move in unfamiliar ways. Because of the wide range of styles that we draw from, even high level athletes and dancers attending Worldanz DCF find our program highly engaging. With the understanding that every genre of dance expresses the essence and nature of that culture, physically experiencing the dance of that country allows you to experience its unique identity. When presented with 10-15 of these identities within an hour, participants are forced to expand their sense of self and physically experience the mindset of many cultures at once. Our goal in Worldanz DCF is to continue to provide a sense of expansion by always researching and drawing from new elements. It is common for our teachers and participants to feel inspired to travel and experience many of these cultures first hand. We work as a team to adapt the information to our format so that we can physically communicate the essence of these cultures. While still providing one of the hardest workouts in the market, we seek to remain continually inspired on a cellular level. With the global dance community as our template, we aim to remain in a state of awe about the world at large and our place within it.
We want everyone that steps out of a Worldanz DCF class to say "WOW, what was that? I want to do it again!
Like our warm up, our cool downs explore a much greater movement range than all other fitness formats. Worldanz DCF believes that a proper cool down is essential to returning the body to homeostasis after intense exertion. We begin by bringing the heart rate down with fluid movements drawn from contemporary dance, Afro-Haitian, and dancehall. After relaxing the nervous system and connecting to the spine through a series of undulations, we lengthen and open the muscles and connective tissue with movements derived from ballet and yoga. Instructors as well as participants are encouraged to listen to their bodies and identify as well as address their individuals needs through proper form and correct alignment.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Tannery World Dance & Cultural Center, River Street, Santa Cruz, CA, USA, United States
USD 0.00 to USD 20.00
