NYC Dance Week feat. Jazz & More! Meet Faculty Shelly Hutchinson

"These last couple of years, what's inspired me most as a choreographer and instructor, are classic comeback stories and the human spirit. These tales of tenacity and resilience consistently renew my creativity." - Shelly Hutchinson

Shelly and son, who's already learning to dance ;)

With her 18-month old son in her lap and students from Wednesday's Adult Beginner Jazz class exiting the room and showering her with compliments on a fun learning experience, Shelly Hutchinson is an energetic artist who clearly has also mastered the art of multitasking. Shelly teaches Jazz at Peridance, and is one of the all-encompassing dance studio's roster of talented faculty.

"I began choreographing when I was four years old!" she beamed, trying to put into words how important dance is to her. Shelly explained how she loves teaching beginner's classes and instilling students with the basics and fundamentals of movement. It was almost as if it was her way of bringing sunshine into the world, "I just love putting that out there!" Shelly said.

When considering which dance class is right for you, she advised, "You can never go wrong with a basic or slower-paced class. Though, at the same time, you shouldn't be afraid to push yourself to the next level."

Not only has Shelly pushed herself to new heights, she's working hard to mold, shape and mentor young dancers. Her workshops "Uncovered Choreographers" aims at helping 13-25 year-old dancers discover their unique artistic voices and choreographic styles. The program is also open to established professionals and offers to help them channel and reconnect to "sources of creativity," she adds.

As we wrapped up our brief conversation, Shelly insisted, "The best teacher is the best student." So whether barely beginning or very advanced, the classroom is productive place for all!

Interested in trying a new style? Peridance has several to choose from, see our NYC Dance Week promotions to get started.

We have two more free classes today, Friday June 28th!

Advanced Beginner Ballet with Jamie Salmon 5:30-7:00pm
Open Zumba Workshop with Sifa 6:30-8:00pm

Be sure to register to take advantage of the NYC Dance Week offer:
http://nycdanceweek2013.eventbrite.com/

Interview by Judi Huck

Ballet: Good for the Mind, Good for the Body - Instructor Kathy Sullivan

"Rely on what you know already--music, yoga, Hip Hop… Ballet is just a different language of moving to music." -- Kathy Sullivan

Peridance Capezio Center has a world-renowned faculty of nearly 100 instructors. We sat down with ballet instructor Kathy Sullivan, leading one of our popular Adult Beginner classes, now on promotion with NYC Dance Week.

Photos by Judi Huck, PR + Design at Peridance Capezio Center

For students who come to my class after years of being away from dance or ballet, they usually find themselves pleasantly surprised as to how quickly it comes back to them!  Muscle memory is amazing! One student, for instance, had not taken ballet in quite a while, but once in the class, their reaction was "Omg, there it is!"

For others who are just beginning, I notice a lot of folks who have been curious about taking ballet or dance for some time. They just never had to the opportunity to take a class. This applies to guys, especially! I have a great deal of respect for absolute beginner students, for trying something new and stepping outside of their comfort zone. That takes a lot of guts!!

Regardless of whether a student is getting back in the swing of things or trying ballet for the first time, I always put myself in their shoes and am as patient and understanding as I can be. Honestly, I really like teaching the “foundation” level classes, where you truly have to *teach* and break down the technique. I find that aspect immensely rewarding.

 

Kathy helping a beginning ballet student with a "retire"

No one should feel awkward from any lack of experience. All of us have to start somewhere. You can't give birth to a perfect pirouette, it takes time to develop and requires practice and persistence. The adult students I work with are always hardworking and intelligent; they also learn very quickly.

We address beginner anxiety and shyness by keeping the class atmosphere fun and light-hearted. To help students feel comfortable with their body image, I say that the mirror is a visual tool to help see the ballet form and line, not for criticizing ourselves.

Ballet Attire for Newbies

In terms of what to wear, ballet slippers are ideal but socks are OK to start. In general, it's best to dress in comfortable exercise clothing (but no exposed midriffs) to allow the teacher to see your alignment and posture.

I find with adults dancers, it becomes more than a classroom experience. Like yoga, ballet has a calming, centering effect, and provides a very satisfying feeling after you finish class. It is a great way to start the day and carries over to your entire life!

NYC Dance Week students in "cambre de cote"

Kathy currently teaches: 

Ballet
 Beginner Level

Tuesdays & Thursdays, 8:45-10:00am

In addition to teaching at Peridance and other studios, she is the creator of The Ballet Glider: www.balletglider.com.

Have a question for Kathy? Tell us in the comments!

Gearing Up for NYC Dance Week June 20-29, 2013

We're partnering with NYC Dance Week, organized to promote dance diversity and provide free dance and fitness lessons to the NYC community.

New Students Free with Registration

Tuesday, June 25th 
Beginner Ballet with Kathy Sullivan 8:45am 
Beginner Tap with Karin Rendelman 11:30am

Wednesday, June 26th
Beginner Jazz with Shelly Hutchinson 9:30am
Open Zumba with Leo Arpon 6pm

Friday, June 28th 
Advanced Beginner Ballet with Jamie Salmon 5:30pm
Open Zumba Workshop with Sifa 6:30pm

Sign up here to Take Free Classes: http://nycdanceweek2013.eventbrite.com/

Visit the Dance Week website for more information and the festival's performance/showcase opportunities for emerging dance entities. 

Lovely Peridance staff members in durable, zip front hoodies

Peridance is also pleased to offer the following great discounts, in honor of NYC Dance Week.

• 1 FREE class with the purchase of a 10-Class Card *for new students only
• 2 FREE class with the purchase of a 20-Class Card *for new students only
• 10% off ALL Peridance Capezio Center Merchandise

We've got tanks in two colors, four types of t-shirts, hoodies (as pictured above--and small pink ones for the little ballerina in your life), pants and shorts. Act fast, discount available while supplies last!

Interested in a class, but not able to attend our free NYC Dance Week offerings? See our full list of Open Classes at Peridance.