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Cuba Fundraiser Dance Classes
Fri, Feb 23 9:00am-7:30pm
The Hunter College Cuba Fundraiser Committee is offering a full day of dance classes to raise money and support for a study abroad trip to dance and teach in Cuba. Participants must register online in advance.
Classes
10:15 to 10:50 am – Free Warm Up
A Free Warm Up from 10:15 to 10:50 am is included with purchase.
11 am to 12 pm – Contemporary Jazz with Maria
Contemporary Jazz with Maria is an adaptable class that focuses on style and energy, providing dancers of all levels with an opportunity to make dance discoveries and find joy in modern-day movement. Using upbeat songs, Maria will lead dancers through a style-specific warm-up, locomotive exercises focusing on traveling and weight shift, and a stylistically unique and musically-driven dance phrase that will be engaging and fresh! Maria’s class emphasizes acceptance, joy, and positive energy.
Maria Collins’ love for dance began at the age of three; she trained, performed, and competed in a variety of dance genres throughout middle and high school in the Baltimore, Maryland area. Upon graduating high school, Maria moved to New York City to attend Marymount Manhattan College. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance Teaching and earned the Gold Key award for excellence in the Teaching Dance Arts concentration. At MMC, she studied the teaching techniques involved with multiple dance genres, ages, and levels. She trained daily in ballet, modern, and jazz. Maria is now pursuing her Master of Arts degree in Dance Education through Hunter College’s esteemed Arnhold Graduate Dance Education Program. She teaches elementary-aged dance in the New York City Department of Education and at Downtown Dance Factory in lower Manhattan.
12 to 1 pm – West Side Story Combination with Jacquelyn
Jacquelyn Scafidi Allsopp a native of Brooklyn New York. Jacque has been a soloist with such companies as Feld Ballets NY/Ballet Tech, Smuin Ballet SF, Metropolitan Opera Ballet, 1st National and International tours of West Side Story, and Momix. She was also the Associate choreographer for Broadway’s 1st national tour of West Side Story (directed by Arthur Laurents and Joey McKneely) in the USA, UK, Europe, and Australia. Jacque has set pieces for Eliot Feld at The Juilliard School and was Associate choreographer and swing for the Broadway showcase of “Shadows” a new dance musical.
Jacque has done both modeling and print work. Her credits include Elle magazine, Baryshnikov Dance Wear, Revolution Dancewear, Dance Magazine, Pointe Magazine, Dance Spirit, Runway shows in Bryant Park and Lois Greenfield Photography. Jacque has been a guest ballet teacher around the world and here in NYC. Most recently Jacque has welcomed three amazing children into this world who are currently her heart and soul, while finishing up a Masters degree in dance education!
1 to 2 pm – Well-Dance with Alexa
Embark on a journey of holistic well-being through our Dance for Wellness class. This unique dance experience goes beyond traditional movement, integrating mindful practices that nurture both body and mind. This class incorporates a warm up encompassing stretching and conditioning exercises, breath work, meditation, and improvisation to create a dance experience that rejuvenates both your physical and mental well-being. Be prepared to let go, challenge yourself, connect with yourself and others, and remember why you love to dance. Let’s dance and be well!
Alexa Annese is an Arnhold Graduate Dance Education Program (AGDEP) Alumni class of 2023 is a lively dance artist, dance educator, fitness coach, and motivator. Alexa possesses tremendous gratitude for her dance roots developed at her dance studio, LaGuardia High School, Adelphi University, and Broadway Dance Center. Alexa has experience in the concert,commercial, and musical theater dance worlds. She performed at the Winter Garden Theatre, Martha Graham School, and the Ailey School, to name a few. She was a backstage dancer for Judy Torres and Angelo Venuto at KTU Beatstock. Whether on stage or teaching, Alexa is committed to inspiring individuals to freely dance out loud as their best version of themselves.
2 to 3 pm – Jazz Across the Floor with Mrs. Raena
Experience the fusion of classic and contemporary in our Jazz Dance Workshop. Immerse yourself in the artistry of old-school jazz intertwined with the energetic vibes of commercial jazz funk. Explore dynamic floor movements, highlighted by a captivating emphasis on leaps and turns. Elevate your dance journey with a rhythmic blend of tradition and modern flair.
Nyraena Simmons, a passionate and dedicated dancer teacher, is currently embarking on her final semester at Hunter College, pursuing a major in dance through the Arnhold Graduate Dance Education Program (AGDEP). Throughout her academic journey, Nyraena has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to both her personal growth as a dancer teacher and her mission to inspire and uplift aspiring talents. One of Nyraena’s most cherished roles is that of a mentor and guide for young dancers. Her journey has been marked by a fervent desire to help others enhance their dancing abilities and build robust foundations. An advocate for dreams, Nyraena finds immense joy in assisting dancers in achieving their goals, particularly by guiding them through the intricate process of audition preparation for New York City Department of Education (NYCDOE) performing arts high schools.
As the esteemed director of Fly Academy of Dance, Nyraena curates an environment where students are immersed in the multifaceted world of dance. From the confines of the studio to the expansive stage, her students not only refine their technical prowess but also explore the transformative power of dance through national and international travel experiences.
Nyraena extends her passion for dance education to the Brooklyn High School of the Arts, where she currently serves as a dance teacher. In this role, she relishes the opportunity to mold and shape the next generation of dancers, fostering creativity, discipline, and a deep appreciation for the art form. With a career spanning both academia and artistic leadership, Nyraena exemplifies the fusion of dedication, artistry, and mentorship in the world of dance. Her impact reaches far beyond the studio, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and aspirations of those she guides on their own dance journeys.
3 to 4 pm – SOCA Dance Party with Dale
Dive into the vibrant and energetic world of Trinidad and Carnival in our exciting dance workshop! Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Caribbean culture as we transform the dance floor into a lively Caribbean Dance Party. This class is not just about movement; it’s a celebration of the spirit and rhythms that define the heart of Trinidad.From traditional Trinidadian dances to the dynamic and colorful movements associated with Carnival, this workshop is a fusion of tradition and celebration.
No matter your dance experience, I will guide you through the steps, helping you embody the essence of Caribbean dance. Join us for an unforgettable experience where you’ll not only learn dance techniques but also gain insights into the cultural significance and stories behind the movements. Come ready to have fun, and let the music carry you away in this lively and engaging Trinidad Carnival Dance Workshop!
Born in Trinidad and Tobago, Dale Qwaine Nathaniel Jr migrated to the US in 2000 and was raised in Queens, NYC. He originally started dancing in church as the praise leader of the dance ministry. Before college he played football for four years at William E. Grady H.S where he became the captain of the team in his senior year. When starting college he went for secondary mathematics education. While at Queensborough Community college he took 2 dance classes (ballet and modern) to complete his P.E credit. There is where he met Emily Berry and fell in love with Dance which made him become a dance major in his second semester. While at Queensborough Dale was introduced to various dance styles & studied various techniques such as Taylor, Limon, Robert Battle, Bartenieff Fundamentals and much more. After graduating from Queensborough college he then later transferred to Adelphi University to continue his dance education. Since graduating from Adelphi He’s worked in various Urban programs and teaching dance in various schools. After being a full-time teacher for the Department of Education (DOE) he’s realized that’s where He needs to be to bring my dance knowledge & inspiration to the youth. Dale has a strong Caribbean background and realizes so do the students and their families in some communities. He’s added soca dance in curriculums to open the eyes of the younger generation to see there’s so much more to dance than they think. Dale is in love with teaching and choreographing. He is excited to be a part of this program to grow as a dancer, teacher and overall human.
6 to 7:30 pm – Paul Taylor Dance Company Guest Teacher
Join us for a class with a guest teacher from the Paul Taylor Dance Company.
Packages
General
- $20 per class
- Full Day Deal: $60 total if all classes taken
New York City Department of Education (NYCDOE) Student
- $10 per class
- Full Day Deal: $35 total if all classes taken
Registration and Payment
Registration and payment is a two step process.
Step 1 – Register
Participants must register online in advance via the Cuba Fundraiser Dance Classes Registration Form for each class they would like to attend.
Step 2 – Payment
Your registration is not confirmed until you complete the payment for the number of classes you selected via the Cuba Fundraiser Dance Classes Payment Form. For payment amount, select “Other” and fill in the total amount based on classes you select.