thePULSEWorcester Offers a Full Range of Classes for Adults
October 2005 – In the past, “dance lessons” has been
a phrase associated with young children and uber-flexible teens. Lately,
however, it has been evolving into an art and pastime enjoyed by adults
of all ages, too. In fact, adult dance classes have been popping up all
over Worcester, bringing in the 18 – 40 crowd for exercise, fun,
even self-discipline.
One such place that attracts young adults more serious about dance ~
either as beginners or “returners” ~ is the dance department
of the Performing Arts School of Worcester, located at 29 High Street
(www.pasow.org). “If
you can dance, then we have a class for you,” says Jennifer Agbay,
the program’s Artistic Director. With offerings that include ballet,
jazz, modern dance and flamenco, the choices for adults are wonderfully
diverse.
“We deliver some really, really good classes,” says Agbay.
“Technically, we have a lot of teachers who come from all parts
of the world, and we just have a really nice program for people in the
area.” For those who want to stick with classes attended only by
other adults (as opposed to mixed-age classes), they have the option to
come in three or four nights a week for an hour and a half class. With
most lessons set for after dinnertime or early in the morning, the Performing
Arts School graciously takes into account the busy schedule of most adults.
At Fred Astaire’s Dance Studios on Shrewsbury Street (www.fredastaireworcester.com/),
the 18+ group rules the roost. While there are people who come in at the
beginner level, most have some dance experience and there are some more
advanced dancers, too. Though all appointments and lessons are private,
they are ongoing throughout the year, conveniently flexible for those
with hectic or ever-changing schedules.
With six dance instructors currently teaching anything from latin to ballroom,
the cha cha to samba, everyone
is welcome to either test out the dance waters for the first time or to
take steps towards perfecting their technique. Whether someone’s
goal is simply to learn a graceful waltz or to prepare for a sexy dance
contest, Fred Astaire’s Dance Studios is worth checking out.
Then there’s the fabulous alternative that Dance2Swing Studio (www.Dance2Swing.com)
offers adults interested in the fun and athletic grace of swing. Though
their studio has no set location, it conveniently
travels to offer its services throughout Central Massachusetts, focusing
on Worcester and Leominster.
Dance2Swing hosts dances throughout the year and offers a lesson before
every single event to help out the
newbies. And if swing isn’t your thing, the studio can help you
out with lots of other dance styles, too. Classes are offered in six week
sessions for everything from the jitterbug to the slow blues to the Charleston.
With nearly a thousand people consistently participating in the excitement
of Dance2Swing, it’s a great way to join in some high-energy, low-
commitment fun. “One of the best ways to learn how to dance is to
go to a
social swing dance,” says Alan Cormier, a teacher at Dance2Swing.
“When somebody picks up dancing, it brings another whole new joy
that they’ve never experienced before.”
The Jo Ann Warren Studio on Grafton Street and the Arthur Murray Dance
Studio on James Street both cater to adult students as well. But whichever
studio and teaching approach appeals to you most, remember that gone are
the days when dance students were only thought of as long-limbed, intense
youths pursuing a career that would one day find them on the cut-throat
New York stage. Now, adults of all ages are discovering the wonder of
dance as a form of expression, exercise, social interaction and creativity.
Give it a try, you’ll be glad you did ~ body, mind, and soul!
