Smuin Announces 'Class For A Cause' Supporting Asian Pacific Fund, New Tap Dance Workshop & More

Since launching last April, Smuin Contemporary Ballet has led hundreds of aspiring and professional dancers through Virtual Classes in movement including ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, dance-based fitness, and more. Taught by Smuin dancers and alumni, the latest extension of these popular classes for all levels continues this spring. In addition to an all-new Beginning Tap workshop and a pilot program offering access to select recorded classes, Smuin has scheduled another Class for a Cause on April 9, this time benefiting the Asian Pacific Fund. Smuin's Virtual Classes are extended through May 1 (see schedule below). Classes are offered on a sliding scale from $8 - $20 ($20 price point includes access to recordings), with four-week workshops priced at $100. Students must register at least 30 minutes in advance to receive a Zoom link to participate. For more information or to register, the public may visit www.smuinclasses.org.

Smuin Ballet Master Amy London was asked by Artistic Director Celia Fushille to launch Smuin's virtual classes, which have grown to offer a wide array of dance styles and fitness classes for all levels. London has been Smuin's Ballet Master for 12 years, and with more than two decades of experience as a dance educator and program director she was ideally suited to create Smuin's program. New for April is a pilot program offering students access to recordings of select classes-participants who choose the $20 price option will receive the recordings to watch and dance along with until the following class meeting. This will apply to all classes except ballet and pointe.

Regarding Class for a Cause, London said, "We want to use our art to continue to positively impact issues that are important to our community." Over the past months, Smuin has donated all class tuition revenue from these events to organizations including the NAACP, the African American Art and Culture Complex, Center for Black Equity, ACLU, California Community Foundation's Wildfire Relief Fund, the League of Women Voters, and the San Francisco/Marin Food Bank. An opportunity for dancers to do what they love while supporting causes that are important to the community, this session's Class for a Cause also supports the company's belief that the arts can transcend languages and cultures, bringing communities together and healing divisions.

Class for a Cause

All proceeds for Class for a Cause will go towards positively impacting issues and supporting important organizations in the community.

Allies Through Art

Fri 5:45pm (April 9)
Teacher: Mengjun Chen, Tess Lane
In this session's Class for a Cause, company artists Mengjun Chen and Tess Lane will lead participants through an introduction to Traditional Chinese Cultural Dance. Students will explore and gain an appreciation for the beautiful art form steeped in history. No experience is necessary; participants should simply wear comfortable clothing and ensure they have some space for movement. All proceeds from this Class for a Cause will be donated to the Asian Pacific Fund.

Ballet Classes

Three levels of ballet taught by current and former Smuin company dancers are on offer this session.

Beginning Adult Ballet

Tues 9:30am, Thurs 5pm, Sat 10:15am
Teachers: Tess Lane, Ian Buchanan
Adults who have always wanted to try a Ballet class can join Smuin artists for fun and approachable classes which will guide students through the fundamentals, and continue to build on work from previous sessions. For best progression, a minimum of two classes per week is recommended.

Beginning/Intermediate Adult Ballet

Mon/Wed 10am
Teachers: Valerie Harmon
These classes are geared toward adult dancers with some prior dance experience. Those looking for a greater challenge than beginner-level classes can sign up for this class, which focuses on fundamental Ballet technique through barre work followed by a short (small space) center practice.

Intermediate Adult Ballet

Mon/Wed 6:15pm, Sat 11:45am
Teachers: Terez Dean Orr, Brennan Wall
These classes will focus on continuing to strengthen technique with thorough barre and some center work. Classes include increased ballet vocabulary and aim to challenge and inspire those with previous ballet training.

Intermediate Pointe

Tues 6:15pm
Teacher: Lauren Pschirrer
These classes begin with strengthening and stabilizing exercises followed by pointe work, structured to safely continue pointe training at home. This class is for dancers 13 years and older with at least two years of previous pointe training.

Dance Variety

Versatility and excellence in a wide range of dance styles is a trademark of Smuin and its multi-talented artists. Students are invited to try one class, sample a variety of styles, or enroll in a series.

Beginning Hip Hop

Mon 4pm
Teacher: Ben Needham-Wood
Adults who have always wanted to find their Hip Hop rhythm can join Needham-Wood, who will teach a variety of new moves during a quick warm-up, followed by a fun and original combo.

Beginning/Intermediate Jazz

Wed 5pm
Teacher: Tessa Barbour, Cassidy Isaacson, Ben Needham-Wood
Students will feel like a Fosse star in this classic Jazz class, learning fundamental Jazz technique and dynamic combinations packed with style and fun.

Beginning/Intermediate Broadway Jazz

Sun 4pm, Tues 4pm
Teacher: Weston Krukow, Laura Kaufman
Smuin alum Krukow has spent his time post-Smuin on national and international tours of Broadway's "An American in Paris." Students can join in the fun and bring a dance story to life with a class that brings Broadway style straight to their homes. The second class on Tuesdays is a continuation of the material begun on Sundays.

Intermediate Tap

Tues/Thurs 5pm
Teacher: Tessa Barbour
With or without the shoes, students can "tap" into their inner Fred Astaire or Ginger Rogers, learning fun new rhythms and dance steps from Smuin's resident tapper extraordinaire.

Character

Thurs 6:15pm
Teacher: Mengjun Chen
Back by popular demand! Students will learn the highly stylized flavor and theatrics of Character dance, a style that draws influences from traditional folk and national dances.

Dance-Based Fitness

Taught by Smuin dancers or alumni, these classes emphasize strength, flexibility, mobility, and fun.

Pilates

Sat 9am (April 10, April 17, May 1)
Teacher: Lauren Pschirrer
A full-body workout designed to build strength, improve coordination, balance, control and endurance throughout the body, through specifically designed exercises. Emphasis placed on proper alignment, the importance of the breath, and developing a strong core. Modification for all levels and experience.

Easy Movin' with Smuin

Thurs 10am (April 1, 8 & 15)
Teacher: Valerie Harmon
This low-intensity class features full body exercises for seniors or anyone wanting to focus on balance, stability, range of motion, and coordination, plus a short phrase of movement set to music. The entire class may be enjoyed seated or standing, and additional options will be given to add light resistance work. Optional equipment includes: a towel or belt, and light weights such as soup cans, milk containers, or hardcover books.

Stretch & Strength

Wed 11:30am
Teacher: Valerie Harmon
Pilates-based exercises and full body stretching to strengthen and lengthen! A great way to augment any style of dance by strengthening core muscles and increasing flexibility. Modifications for all levels of experience.

Workshop Series

These workshops are designed to give participants a concentrated introduction to a specific style of dance. Each class package includes video access to a recording to practice between classes.

Beginning Tap

Mon 5pm (April 5, 12, 19 & 26)
Teacher: Tessa Barbour
With or without the shoes, students can "tap" into their inner Fred Astaire or Ginger Rogers, learning fun new rhythms and dance steps from Smuin's resident tapper extraordinaire. Over four classes, students will learn rhythms and tap basics full of fun and style. Each instruction will be recorded, and participants will have access to the video in order to practice throughout the week until the next class meeting.

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