CLASS DESCRIPTIONS & LEVELS

• BALLET: Dancers will explore the language, movements, and traditions of this dance form but with a perspective reflective of Whim W’Him’s contemporary approach. Dancers will learn essential movements of ballet with an inclusive, accessible approach that honors the dancer as an individual.
• BALLET CONTEMPORARY COMBO: This welcoming class provides an introduction to the language, movements, and environment of ballet and contemporary dance classes. Dancers ages 4 to 7 will be introduced to basic structured exercises and the creative concepts used in technique classes (please note specific age ranges on class schedule). While still incorporating structured play and imagination, this class prepares students with the mental and physical skills helpful in technique classes.
• CREATIVE MOVEMENT: Explore imagination and learn new skills mentally, physically, and socially in this class for dancers ages 3 to 5. Dancers will learn basic principles of dance technique and physical coordination while also experimenting with structured forms of improvisation to express themselves. Please note this class is designed for dancers to take without a caregiver.
• CONTEMPORARY: Drawing on influences of modern, ballet, jazz, hip-hop, and many other forms, contemporary classes will allow dancers to explore a broad range of movement languages. Dancers will gain an understanding of technical safety while breaking from traditional conventions as they explore a wide range of movement qualities, dynamic level changes, and both choreography and improvisation.
• HIP-HOP: Hip-Hop is an umbrella that houses a range of ideologies and aesthetics, including but not limited to Krump, street style, break dance, commercial style, popping/locking, cyphers, and more. Within Dae’s hip-hop class, dancers will engage and learn about dance, culture, and style. We will also discuss and learn about the history of hip-hop culture and its influences to the 21st century. This class celebrates diversity in skill, learning ability, and individual growth.
• WHIM COMPANY EXPERIENCE: Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a Whim W’Him dancer? Working with different company members in sessions, dancers will explore dance techniques, choreography, and skills that inform the groundbreaking dance pieces the company performs!
• HIPPIN’ & FLIPPIN’: A fun and engaging introductory class to hip hop and acrobatics. The focus will be on beginner hip hop foundations and tumbling foundations. Safety first and fun second!
• IMPROVISATION: Dancers will research and investigate their own movement desires and learn new creative tools of improvisation. A core aspect of many contemporary dance practices improv provides a space for dancers to embrace their unique instincts while expanding their approach to dance.

If you have questions about appropriate leveling, please email dancecenter@whimwhim.org.

• CREATIVE MOVEMENT/COMBO: Open to dancers of any experience level but please note the age ranges listed for specific classes.
• BEG: Open to new dancers or dancers with 1-2 years of experience.
• INT: Open to dancers with 2 or more years of experience or with knowledge of vocabulary, ability to learn and remember choreography, and readiness for a faster pace.
• ADV: Open to dancers with 3 or more years of experience or with ability to combine more complex combinations of movement, retain longer sections of choreography, and readiness to refine and hone an established technical knowledge.
• OPEN: These classes are open to dancers of all levels. Teachers will provide modifications and adaptations throughout classes to provide dancers with options that will both meet them at their level and appropriately challenge them. Dancers will be given opportunities to try new things that suit their experience.

• ADV/PRO COMPANY CLASS: Take class alongside Whim company members with rotating faculty including company dancers, visiting choreographers, and other teaching artists. Classes can range from ballet to contemporary depending on instructor and the company’s rehearsal schedule.
• AUTHENTIC MOVEMENT: Authentic Movement is a movement practice which fully engages body and mind as they are: right here, right now. The practice is a deceptively simple self-directed movement experience. A mover moves with eyes closed, (allowing a deepening attention to one’s kinestheticexperience) in the presence of a witness, who holds a compassionate non-judgmental space for the mover. After the movement time the mover speaks with the witness to bring conscious reflection to one’s experience. The classes will include centering and guided warm-time time. The class is open to those with some or no experience with conscious self-directed movement.
  * These classes are session-based. Drop-ins are not permitted. Each session will hold an initial introductory session that is open to new participants. Subsequent sessions are only for students who enroll in the session.
• BALLET: Dancers will explore the language, movements, and traditions of this dance form but with a perspective reflective of Whim W’Him’s contemporary approach. Dancers will learn essential movements of ballet with an inclusive, accessible approach that honors the dancer as an individual.
• CONTEMPORARY: Contemporary: Drawing on influences of modern, ballet, jazz, hip-hop, and many other forms, contemporary classes will allow dancers to explore a broad range of movement languages. Dancers will gain an understanding of technical safety while breaking from traditional conventions as they explore a wide range of movement qualities, dynamic level changes, and both choreography and improvisation.
• CONTEMPORARY REPERTOIRE: Explore the diverse repertoire of Whim W’Him in this unique class for dancers with previous technical training. Following a warm up, dancers will explore the work from our archive of incredible new creations!
• IMPROVISATION: Dancers will research and investigate their own movement desires and learn new creative tools of improvisation. A core aspect of many contemporary dance practices improv provides a space for dancers to embrace their unique instincts while expanding their approach to dance.
• HIP-HOP: Hip-Hop is an umbrella that houses a range of ideologies and aesthetics, including but not limited to Krump, street style, break dance, commercial style, popping/locking, cyphers, and more. Within Dae’s hip-hop class, dancers will engage and learn about dance, culture, and style. We will also discuss and learn about the history of hip-hop culture and its influences to the 21st century. This class celebrates diversity in skill, learning ability, and individual growth.

If you have questions about appropriate leveling, please email dancecenter@whimwhim.org.

• ABSOLUTE BEGINNER: These classes are designed specifically for those without previous dance experience. While dancers with some experience are welcome to join, these classes provide a pace for everyone to feel comfortable and have fun.
• BEG: Designed for dancers with no prior experience or some previous experience, these classes will provide space for dancers to learn the basics for the first time or continue to refine and hone their skills.
• INT: Designed for dancers with a sound technical foundation and experience learning and retaining combinations of movement. Classes will move at a faster pace through more challenging material.
• ADV: Designed for dancers with significant experience and established technical skills. Classes will work on advanced technique as well as more detailed aspects of artistry and expression.
• PRO: Designed for dancers who currently or have previously worked as professional dancers.
• OPEN: These classes provide space, instruction, and adaptations for dancers of all experience levels.