2024 Performance Workshop Series | Spring Edition

We're thrilled to announce we've added three workshops to our spring performance series! More workshops means more opportunities to train. Check out our featured instructors here. Registration for our 8-week and 5-week series is still open. See pricing options below.

This workshop series includes 8-weeks and 5 week set of rehearsals. Single ticket drop-ins are allowed for the first two classes for students to test out the class. Classes are limited, so be sure to reserve your spot in advance. Join one of our artists in a training series for the chance to perform for our 4th showcase on April 28th and second time performing at The Great Star Theatre! Please note, performing at the showcase is not required, as we respect the individual growth process of every dancer. Performing on stage is encouraged, but sometimes dancers need more room to prepare for the big stage. For those that are unable to attend the showcase, or do not want to perform live, you are still able to sign up for the series. Now, let's begin!

Location for Rehearsals:

Rae Studios, 414 Mason St., #705, San Francisco CA, 94102

8-Week Series (March 3rd - April 27th):

$250 Full Series + Showcase | $225 Member's Discount

$35 Single Session (available for first 2 sessions)

(Sales end 03/24)

5-Week Series (March 24th - April 27th):

$175 Full Series + Showcase | $150 Member's Discount

$35 Single Session (available for first 2 sessions)

Show Date & Location:

Sunday, April 28th, 2023 at Great Star 636 Jackson St, San Francisco, CA 94133

Register now on Eventbrite or using the MindBody app.

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Venue for Sunday, April 28th, 2023: Great Star | 636 Jackson St, San Francisco, CA 94133

2024 Spring Showcase | Early Bird Tickets on Sale

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Train with one of your favorite instructors and showcase your journey.

Each workshop series instructor is highly trained and knowledgeable in their practice and will guide you through a series of rehearsals to build a deeper relationship in their movement background. At the end of the series, Rae Studios will host a live showcase featuring all of our performance workshop instructors, students, plus special guest performers.

As a participant, you will receive personalized training, feedback, and resources from our instructors. You'll learn, rehearse, and perform a set personally made for your cohort. You'll also have the chance to show your friends and family all the progress you've made in your workshop series.

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Guidelines and Policies:

• Students are expected to attend all the weekly sessions for their registered workshop series. Students are not required to be at the showcase.

• Students who purchase single session tickets will have those tickets subtracted from the full series total should they choose to move forward with the full series. Avail for both 8 and 5 week series
  

• Attendance policy - Any missed session will be forfeited and credits are not transferable. Missing 3 or more rehearsals may result in removal from the series.
  

• Students are expected to provide their own makeup and outfit for the showcase unless indicated otherwise by the instructor or management team.
  

• Students are encouraged to invite friends and family to see the showcase.

Specials Partners, Vendors, and Amenities:

• Each student participating in a workshop series will receive a special discount code to share with friends to receive 30% off on tickets for the show. Discount code will be available when ticketing launches.
  

• Participants get to attend the Rae Studios Showcase for free.
  

• The showcase event features other performance workshop series groups and guest artists with a featured host.

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2024 Performance Workshop Mentors🎉

JJ Ghera

Heels [Int/Adv] (8-Wk)

Mondays, 9pm-10:30pm

Dates: 3/4, 3/11,3/18, 3/25, 4/1, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22

JJ Ghera is a non-binary native Bay Area dancer/performer and choreographer. They have trained all over the world from Los Angeles to New York to London, most notably at places such as Debbie Reynolds Dance Studio, Millennium Dance Complex, Studio 68, Pineapple Dance Studio, and most recently The Yanis Marshall Heels Intensive and Broadway Dance Center’s Training Program.  Their training consists of various dance styles such as Hip-Hop, Jazz, Street Jazz, Contemporary, and Heels.  JJ’s professional dance career has led him to work with Little Mix, Rebecca Ferguson, Aaron Carter, Xavier Toscano, Adobe, Google and many more. You can also find JJ performing in Drag at local venues in the Bay Area as Evvy Dense.

Workshop Description:

The history of dancing in heels goes back to the early 20th century, However, the teaching of the art of Heels was popularized around the globe in the early 21st century by artists such as Aisha Francis, Danielle Polanco, and Yannis Marshall.  Heels is a choreographed dance class for intermediate/advanced students utilizing any type of high-heeled shoes. This class combines styles of dance from Jazz, Street Jazz, Hip Hop and Commercial dance. In this class, you will begin with a warm up focusing on strengthening the ankles, glutes, hips and core and finish with a short technique portion. This class is heavily focused on grounding dancers, building strong fundamentals and providing a deeper understanding of musicality, performance and quality of movement.  

Register now on Eventbrite or using the MindBody app.

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Salsa [Intermediate] (4-Wk)

Mondays, 9pm-10:30pm

Dates: 4/1, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22

Ava Apple (She/Her), a San Francisco native, has been dancing professionally for over 40 years. She has competed, performed & taught throughout the USA, Hong Kong, Italy, and The Netherlands and has received awards for her contribution to the world of Salsa & Latin Dance at the 2002 West Coast Salsa Congress, the 2003 SF Salsa Congress, and the 2003 Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts 25th Anniversary celebration.

Many well known dancers got their start in Ava’s classes, and on her dance team The Latin Symbolics -  brother/sister duo Junior & Emily Alabi, Alex Lee & Chi Le, Jhon Narvaez & Liz Rojas are just a few that have had successful dance careers after studying with Ava.

Ava and her dance partner Rodolfo Guzman, are well respected for teaching Salsa On 1 & On 2, Bachata, NY Hustle, and Partner Lifts & Drops, and she was one of the first dancers to teach “Same Sex Salsa” classes in the mid-’90’s, in S.F.

She is a highly respected Wedding dance coach/choreographer and LOVES helping couples get ready for their “First Dance”, whether it’s a slow, romantic, Ballroom style they are looking for, or something up-tempo and playful.

Ava has danced in commercials for Fitbit, and Next Insurance, and was a featured extra in “Spirit of ‘76”, and “Center Stage”. She also has danced in music videos for Linda Ronstadt, Rick Springfield, and Timmy Spence.

Workshop Description: Salsa [Intermediate]

Salsa is a Latin dance, associated with the music genre of the same name, which was first popularized in the United States in the 1960s in New York City. Salsa is a partnered dance where the lead takes the follower through a series of spins and turn patterns to music. This workshop is for students who have an understanding of fundamentals or for those who have a secure grasp of the basic elements of salsa and partnered dancing. In this workshop students will spend four weeks learning a choreographed routine focusing on performance quality and execution.

SIGN UP: HERE 

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Tashi Cowan

Hip Hop [Beg/Int] (8-Wk)

Fridays, 9pm-10:30pm

Dates: 3/8, 3/15 ,3/22, 3/29, 4/5, 4/12, 4/19, 4/26

Tashi Cowan is a dancer and teacher who has diverse experience in multiple forms of performance arts.

A Marin County native, she received her first formal lesson in hip-hop at ten years old and has been hooked on dance ever since. She continued her dance education while studying for an Associate Degree in Dance Performance at College of Marin and performed in the 2010 dance productions ‘Signatures of Motion’ and ‘Dance Upon a Song’.

Tashi was recognized by the College of Marin Foundation with the Saragay Stetson Dance Scholarship, a competitive award recognizing outstanding talent within the department. She also has had musical theatre training performing with the Stapleton Theatre Company’s Rendition of “Fame” where she received the Rookie Award.

A graduate of San Francisco State University, she studied abroad in London, England and was a member of the Kingston Cougars Latin Dance Team from 2017-2018, which ranked 2nd and 3rd place for Best Latin Style Dance.

In 2015 she became certified a Zumba instructor and has taught classes at Energy Dance and Fitness in San Rafael, Bay Club, San Francisco and Marin County and Mt. Tam Racquet Club. She continues to train at Mood Studio, Rae Studios, and SF ODC Dance Commons in Heels Technique, Hip Hop and Jazz Funk.

She is constantly learning and growing as a dancer and a person and believes that to dance and being able bodied is a blessing.

Workshop Description:

Hip-Hop is an artistic and cultural movement that started in the 1970s in The Bronx of New York City by Black and Latiné youth who expressed joy through Hip-Hop during a time of oppression. Hip-Hop dance consists of Breaking (commercially known as Breakdancing) and Hip-Hop Party Moves (e.g., Bart Simpson, Biz Markie, Roger Rabbit, Running Man). In this class students will focus on more challenging dance combos that will help with choreography, movement quality and retention. This course is a prerequisite requirement for many of our intermediate and intermediate/advanced classes. Students in this class should have a basic understanding of hip hop terminology, movement and grooves.

Register now on Eventbrite or using the MindBody app.

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Ki To

Jazz Funk [Int/Adv] (8-Wk)

Tuesdays, 9pm-10:30pm

Dates: 3/5, 3/12, 3/19, 3/26, 4/2, 4/9, 4/16, 4/23

“Come as you are.”

At the age of 18, Bay Area native Ki To (He/Him/They), moved to LA with only two suitcases and a dream. Ki To knew he wanted to be a part of the industry when Ki To was co-leader of the Jazz/Hip-hop dance program and joined clubs like Choreo and KPOP. In Los Angeles, he trained at studios such as Playground LA, EDGE, and was briefly a dance assistant/intern at Ruts Studios (Formerly known as Urban LA.) After building a portfolio in both dance and modeling, Ki To now works full-time as a dancer, dance instructor, and model with his main agency. (RAE) He currently teaches KPOP (Intermediate, both ORIGINALS and covers.) This class focuses on kpop dance and lip syncing/facials. He also teaches Jazz Funk (Int/Adv.) which focuses on movement quality, confidence, and power/stamina. Ki To's goal is to host a safe space to teach people how to crush the stage, and give them the tools to dance with an aura.

Ki To has danced for the “King of Viet-Pop” Aka Son Tung in a MV, Hilton, Genentech, WAYMO and modeled for brands such as BENEFIT Cosmetics, EM Cosmetics, Google etc.

Workshop Description:

Jazz Funk dance style is a super-set of Jazz, influenced by Hip Hop. This style of dance is usually fast-paced pointed gestures and quick movements. In this class, you are expected to have basic knowledge of Jazz foundations while learning quick pace combos emphasizing on feminism and intricate movements

Register now on Eventbrite or using the MindBody app.

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Natalie Sklovskaya

Heels [Beginner] (8-Wk)

Tuesdays, 9pm-10:30pm

Dates: 3/5, 3/12, 3/19, 3/26, 4/2, 4/9, 4/16, 4/23

Natalie was born and raised in San Francisco and began her dance journey at age 4 attending Genesis Ballroom Dance Studio. She continued ballroom dancing until age 12 where she switched to Jazz and Hip Hop dance styles. While attending UC Davis, she was a member of Agape Dance Team, where she choreographed performances, helped lead practices, and taught dance workshops. Upon graduating, Natalie was a member of Str8jacket dance team. She is passionate about creating a welcoming dance environment for all students, regardless of their experience level and focuses on emphasizing technique and performance in her classes.

Workshop Description: Heels [Beginner]

The history of dancing in heels goes back to the early 20th century, However, the teaching of the art of Heels was popularized around the globe in the early 21st century by artists such as Aisha Francis, Danielle Polanco, and Yannis Marshall.  Heels is a choreographed dance class for beginner/intermediate students utilizing any type of high-heeled shoes, not necessarily character heels.  This class combines styles of dance from Jazz, Street Jazz, Hip Hop and Commercial dance. In this class, you will begin with a warm up focusing on strengthening the ankles, glutes, hips and core and finish with a short technique portion. This class heavily focuses on learning technique and choreography.

SIGN UP: HERE

Register now on Eventbrite or using the MindBody app.

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Mariel Aquino

Heels [Beg/Int] (5-Wk)

Wednesdays, 9pm-10:30pm

Dates: 3/27, 4/3, 4/10, 4/17, 4/24

Mariel is a Chicago-born 23-year-old that has loved dancing and expression her whole life. She got her start experimenting with choreography with friends in high school, then went on to dance competitive hip hop at Cal. Finding great joy in creating and communicating with groups, she went on to choreograph for various competition and exhibition teams in the Berkeley Dance Community. She's been active in the Chicago and Berkeley hip hop dance scenes and trains in LA when able. In terms of choreography, Mariel draws inspiration from commercial and lyrical hip hop, as well as R&B and 90s grooves. Outside of this, she is currently training in ballet to push her artistic discipline, technique, and athleticism. Ultimately, she aims to offer a class that is not only great exercise, but a safe space to practice creative expression, making mistakes, and enjoying the process!

Workshop Description: Heels [Beg/Int]

The history of dancing in heels goes back to the early 20th century, However, the teaching of the art of Heels was popularized around the globe in the early 21st century by artists such as Aisha Francis, Danielle Polanco, and Yannis Marshall.  Heels is a choreographed dance class for beginner/intermediate students utilizing any type of high-heeled shoes, not necessarily character heels.  This class combines styles of dance from Jazz, Street Jazz, Hip Hop and Commercial dance. In this class, you will begin with a warm up focusing on strengthening the ankles, glutes, hips and core and finish with a short technique portion. This class heavily focuses on learning technique and choreography.

SIGN UP: HERE 

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Darian Gemora

Commercial Hip Hop [Intermediate] (5-Wk)

Wednesdays, 9pm-10:30pm

Dates: 3/27, 4/3, 4/10, 4/17, 4/24

Darian is a Bay Area native growing up in the ‘fog’ since he was born. He started his dance career sophomore year of high school being personally recruited into Funk Beyond Control a hip hop team led by Darnell Carroll. He has trained with So You Think You Can Dance award winning choreographers Phoenix and Pharside Jennings while on the youth team of Academy of Villains. Darian is an avid choreographer for social change and has participated in many Mental Health Awareness performances with Str8jacket for the San Mateo County. During his time in high school he was a lead in his school plays as well as Director of Dance for the rally committee. His training started with Hip Hop but he later dabbled in Contemporary, Lyrical, and Jazz Funk. Darian recently finished back up dancing for the TNT Boys World Tour in 2019 while working on his marketing degree at SF State. His goal is to inspire his students to gain more confidence and help them tell their own stories through dance. If you could sum him up in a few words it would be funny, quirky, and creative.

Workshop Description: Hip Hop [Intermediate]

This began forming as a culture and art movement in the Bronx of New York City in 1970. Hip Hop dance is a range of street dance styles primarily performed to Hip Hop music or sub-genres of Hip-Hop music that has evolved as part of Hip Hop culture with various elements of dance styles. Learn the freshest street moves like the ones on popular TV shows and Crews and traditional Hip Hop elements & styles. Classes will consist of Commercial & traditional Hip Hop style routines.

SIGN UP: HERE 

Register now on Eventbrite or using the MindBody app.

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Sara Templeton

Reggaeton [Beg/Int] (5-Wk)

Thursdays, 9pm-10:30pm

Dates: 3/28, 4/4, 4/11, 4/18, 4/25

Sara is a choreographer, teacher, and dancer born and raised in San Francisco.  She started her professional hip-hop career at sixteen, dancing with Culture Shock S.F. and L.A. and guest performing with independent artists throughout the Bay Area.  While earning her dance degree at Loyola Marymount University, Sara expanded her training to include ballet, modern / contemporary, and dunham technique, and also began a focused re-engagement with salsa and other Latin dances connected to her Puerto Rican heritage.  It was during this time that Sara truly honed in on her passion for choreography and teaching, and the ways in which the intelligence of different dance techniques could cross pollinate for the benefit of the artist.  Sara has performed alongside notable hip-hop artists Allan Frias and Jesse Lee Santos, and has done commercial work with musical groups Blue Boy and Spanish Fly.  Locally Sara has performed and presented work at Dance Mission Theater and ODC, and is blest to have trained with exceptional artists across disciplines including Janice Garrett (modern), Robin Dekkers (ballet), Brandi Chun (jazz funk), Pat Cruz (hip-hop) and others.  Most recently, Sara choreographed the Center Repertory Company’s sold out Spring 2023 musical production of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s In the Heights and continues to teach a variety of dance forms around the Bay Area.

Sara strongly believes in the joy of dance, and is dedicated to fostering a safe and playful space where students can work on sound dance technique while feeling motivated to grow.  When Sara is not in the studio teaching or choreographing, she is experimenting with dance for film, and running her online dance merchandise store ObjectsForArts.  Besides dance, Sara is an ardent, 20-year practitioner of Iyengar yoga, and a strong believer in massages and chocolate.

Workshop Description: Reggaeton [Beg/Int]

Reggaeton is a hybrid dance form built from Salsa, Dancehall, and Hip-Hop influences.  It reflects the musical and cultural journey of Jamaican migrants across the Caribbean (especially Puerto Rico, which is credited with creating 'mainstream' Reggaeton) towards Latin America and the United States. Reggaeton blends Jamaican music influences of Reggae and Dancehall with those of Latin America, such as Bomba and Plena, as well as that of Hip Hop. Reggaeton focuses on strong and sensual hip movements (commonly known as dancing 'perreo') and often incorporates Hip-Hop Grooves and Latin dance technique. In this class, students will learn choreography to gain an understanding of the genre and its associated terminology. See instructor IG to view choreography style.

SIGN UP: HERE 

Register now on Eventbrite or using the MindBody app.

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JanJan Chan

Contemporary [Beginner] (5-Wk)

Thursdays, 9pm-10:30pm

Dates: 3/28, 4/4, 4/11, 4/18, 4/25

JanJan (any pronouns) is a gender-fluid movement artist and storyteller, born and raised in the Bay Area. They’ve been training in various styles, including ballet, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, lyrical, and more for over 10 years now. Their love of teaching started when they used to do club swimming and would teach the younger students as a side job. Although leaving behind their years and dedication of studio training, you can still find JanJan always eager to challenge themself by learning and training in new styles. Their number one priority will always be creating a safe and fun space whenever teaching, allowing dancers to not be afraid to try new things and let dance be therapeutic. 

JanJan started their dance journey at the age of 6. They’ve trained all over the Bay Area, primarily with Westlake School of Performing Arts, West Coast Dance Conservatory, Krazy 8, and Poise’n Brigade. JanJan has taught at all over the Bay Area, including for CY Danceworks, West Coast Dance Conservatory, Heart Beat Dance Academy, and Saint Francis High School. 

Along with dancing, you might also know JanJan from their online content on several social media platforms and their writing as an author. They are very excited to see what’s in store as a movement artist and will always be so grateful for all the opportunities they have been a part of and more to encounter. They can’t wait to see all of you grow!

Want more of JanJan? Click here for all of JanJan’s links!

Workshop Description: Contemporary [Beginner]

Contemporary dance originated from Europe and America in the 19th and 20th century with various styles of expressive dance that combines Modern, Ballet, Lyrical Jazz and other forms of Street dance movements from today.  In this class you will begin center floor with a full body warm up into a beginner class combo.  Your class goals are to strive to connect the mind and body through fluid dance movements.

SIGN UP: HERE 

Register now on Eventbrite or using the MindBody app.

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Risa Ono

Hip Hop [Beg/Int] (5-Wk)

Fridays, 9:00pm-10:30pm

Dates: 3/29, 4/5, 4/12, 4/19, 4/26

Risa (she/her) is a Tokyo native dancer and represented by Rae Dance Agency. She has started dancing Hip Hop, Lock, Street Jazz since she was 16. Once she started her dancer journey, she has performed in multiple events and started making choreography for her school performances / her hip hop team in Japan as well as New York. While she was in New York, she also trained Heels from Army of Sass but also joined a bachata team led by Daniel y Desirée who is the world's most famous Bachata dance couple. The dream job she recently did was making a musical promotion PV for Dokkyo university in Japan as a director/choreographer. Her dance style and choreography focuses on musicality piece so that all of dancers are able to enjoy dancing through the music as well as express/discover themselves.  She is currently teaching Hip Hop at Rae studio as well as UN Plaza.

IG: sonrisa_ddd 

Workshop Description: Hip Hop [Int/Adv]

Hip-Hop is an artistic and cultural movement that started in the 1970s in The Bronx of New York City by Black and Latiné youth who expressed joy through Hip-Hop during a time of oppression. Hip-Hop dance consists of Breaking (commercially known as Breakdancing) and Hip-Hop Party Moves (e.g., Bart Simpson, Biz Markie, Roger Rabbit, Running Man). Students in this class should have more than a basic understanding of hip hop terminology and movement. Class to feature longer combos focusing on musicality and performance quality.

SIGN UP: HERE 

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Valeria Bernal

Reggaeton [Beg/Int] (8-Wk)

Saturdays, 1:30pm-3:00pm

Dates: 3/9, 3/16, 3/23, 3/30, 4/6, 4/13, 4/20, 4/27

Valeria Bernal (she/her) is an instructor and choreographer from Panama City, Panama and currently resides in San Francisco, CA. Since she was three years old, Valeria trained classically at the Academia de Danzas Steps techniques such as ballet, modern, jazz, and tap. As an adult, she trained with other studios that specialized in ballroom dancing, latin styles, dancehall, reggaetón and hip-hop in both her hometown and the US. She is passionate about teaching dance and sharing her lively and cheerful energy with others in any city she resides. The teaching style and choreographies that Valeria has created prioritize the experience of the dancer, creating a space for all to identify their strengths, explore their individuality, and develop self-confidence.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vbmalek/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vbmalek

Workshop Description: Reggaeton [Beg/Int]

Reggaeton is a hybrid dance form built from Salsa, Dancehall, and Hip-Hop influences.  It reflects the musical and cultural journey of Jamaican migrants across the Caribbean (especially Puerto Rico, which is credited with creating 'mainstream' Reggaeton) towards Latin America and the United States. Reggaeton blends Jamaican music influences of Reggae and Dancehall with those of Latin America, such as Bomba and Plena, as well as that of Hip Hop. Reggaeton focuses on strong and sensual hip movements (commonly known as dancing 'perreo') and often incorporates Hip-Hop Grooves and Latin dance technique. In this class, students will learn choreography to gain an understanding of the genre and its associated terminology. See instructor IG to view choreography style.

SIGN UP: HERE

Register now on Eventbrite or using the MindBody app.

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Grace Dong

Contemporary [Int/Adv] (5-Wk)

Saturdays, 1:30pm-3:00pm

Dates: 3/30, 4/6, 4/13, 4/20, 4/27

Born and raised in the Bay Area and now based in San Francisco, Grace has been training in ballet, contemporary, and jazz since childhood. She has worked with choreographers like Sonya Tayeh, Keri LaGrand, Jon Bond, and Brooke Pierotti.

Grace went on to attend Stanford University, where she served as the Director of Innovative Styles, Stanford's student-run contemporary company, and Jam Pac'd, Stanford's only dance group catered to women, femmes, GNC, NB & queer folks. Grace was also one of five Stanford Dollies in the 2017-2018 season, where she performed with the Stanford Band at the Valero Alamo Bowl, NCAA Women's Volleyball Final Four, and other Stanford Cardinal events.

She currently teaches Beginner and Intermediate Contemporary at Rae Studios, where she emphasizes strong technical foundations as the basis for movement and expression!

Workshop Description: Contemporary [Int/Adv]

Contemporary dance originated from Europe and America in the 19th and 20th century with various styles of expressive dance that combines Modern, Ballet, Lyrical Jazz and other forms of Street dance movements from today. In this class you will begin center floor with a full body warm up into a longer and more intense class combo. Your class goals are to strive to connect the mind and body through fluid dance movements.

SIGN UP: HERE 

Register now on Eventbrite or using the MindBody app.

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Tiana Hester

Industry Hip Hop [Int/Adv] (8-Wk)

Saturdays, 3:30pm-5:00pm

Dates: 3/9, 3/16, 3/23, 3/30, 4/6, 4/13, 4/20, 4/27

It looks like you may have a little dancer” - as her mother would tell the story about what the doctor said during her ultra sound. TiAna- in the womb, with the heel of her foot in her mouth, was literally born to dance. In just the small city of Antioch, California at Delta Ballet Academy, TiAna started training recreationally at just eight years old in Hip Hop with LaTonya Watts. She then started training in ballet, as it became a requirement for her to continue with a competitive team. Her ballet teacher expressed to her mother, that there was no way it was her first time training in that style.

It was then that she knew dance was not just a “talent” that she had picked up, but a Gift. TiAna continued to expand her training in other styles such as jazz, lyrical, and contemporary. At the age of twelve, she started competing and traveling as a dancer. She continue to pursue her career through out high school, and started teaching dance once she graduated, in 2008.

In 2012, TiAna moved to New York City to pursue her dance career. She grew tremendously, training at studios like Broadway Dance Center, Alvin Ailey, PeriDance Center, and Brickhouse NYC. She has worked with well known artists; Sevyn Streeter, Justine Skye, Nikki Tino, Demi Grace, and more. TiAna has Choreographed, danced backup, and hosted classes for music labels like Atlantic Records, and Def Jam. While pursuing her dance career, she picked up a love for fitness and established a name for herself as a fitness instructor. TiAna “Your favorite instructor” Hester has been featured in the New York Times, New York Post, Shape Magazine, and Harper’s Bazaar as #4 of the Top 20 Fitness Instructors of New York. In 2019, she brought her expertise back home and has continued to learn and teach as a professional dancer. TiAna is grateful to have trained under so many well known choreographers from the Bay Area, Los Angeles, and New York such as, Corey Action, Allen Frias, Matthew J. Day, Denzel Chisholm, Jerry “curls” Paulino, Antonio “Tony” Jefferson, and more! She has taught and choreographed for over 15 dance studios, and hopes to be able to continue move with purpose, on purpose, and share her visions with the world.

Workshop Description: Industry Hip Hop [Int/Adv]

Have you ever dreamt of dancing in front of 90,000 cheering fans? Or opening for your favorite music artist? Whether you’re a newbie to the dance world or a seasoned veteran, you’ll want to come and learn how to level up your game. Industry Hip-Hop blends all of today's hottest dance trends and moves from across the different Hip-Hop genres. Learn the ins and outs of auditions, making the cut, taking the lesson, and ultimately expressing your truth through movement. This class will push dancers’ performance, styling, textures and dynamics through power moves and grooves.  Students will learn choreography focused on musicality, movement and performance quality. Growth is where the magic happens and the magic happens in class!

SIGN UP: HERE 

Register now on Eventbrite or using the MindBody app.

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Andrea Sendek

Belly Dance [Intermediate] (8-Wk)

Sundays, 1:45pm-3:15pm

Dates: 3/3, 3/10, 3/17, 3/24, 3/31, 4/7, 4/14, 4/21

With a rich background in the performing arts, Andrea Sendek brings a lifetime of passionate involvement in acting, music, and dance to her role as Teacher, Performer, Choreographer, and Director.

Andrea integrates philosophies into her work learned from training and performing, for over 2 decades, belly dance and other dance genres. Andrea began learning belly dance with Mesmera in Los Angeles from 1996-2004. In 2004 she relocated to the Bay Area and began her studies at The Salimpour School of Dance where for 10 years she trained under and assisted both Jamilla & Suhaila Salimpour. Since 2015 Andrea has been learning Arabic drumming and music with Susu Pampanin and Amina Goodyear. In June of 2021, Andrea began studying extensively with Egyptian master Tommy King. She Has taken countless workshops from Egyptian teachers throughout the years some of which include, Dandesh, Yossry El Hefni, Karim Nagi, Tito, Adia Nour, and Mohammed Shahin. Andrea received certificates for completing Shara Saeeda’s Journey Through Egypt courses 1 & 2, her Suhaila Level 4 Advanced Performer Certificate, and her Jamilla Level 3 Certificate.

As a performer, Andrea has an extensive and rich performance background. Some notable performance venues are The Palace of Fine Arts, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, Brava Theatre, and The Shelton Theatre. She has performed and taught across the United States and internationally; some highlights of her itinerary include appearances in Japan, Hong

Workshop Description: Belly Dance [Intermediate]

Belly Dance is a cultural dance style rooted in North Africa, the Middle East, Turkey and Greece.  The origin of the name “belly dance” comes from the French Danse du ventre, which translates “dance of the stomach”.  In this class you will learn in-depth movement, full body isolation, traditional belly dance technique and fundamentals followed by choreography.  Classes begin with a pilates grounded warm up to activate the core and moves into belly dance fundamentals, learning body placement, building on muscle memory and intermediate choreographed combinations. 

SIGN UP: HERE

Register now on Eventbrite or using the MindBody app.

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Kylie Ireland

Shuffle [Beginner] (8-Wk)

Sundays, 2:00pm-3:30pm

Dates: 3/3, 3/10, 3/17, 3/24, 3/31, 4/7, 4/14, 4/21

Kylie (she/her) is a performing artist from southern California now living in San Francisco. Main disciplines including aerial, flow arts, acrobatics, contortion, and shuffle dance! Her 12+ year background is in circus arts which originated in a youth program she was a part of. In high school she started teaching and performing professionally, after graduating studied kinesiology for 2 years, and then moved to Santa Cruz,CA in 2020 to pursue the performing arts. In Santa Cruz is where Kylie discovered shuffling and committed to learning the dance style. Kylie found shuffle dance through videos online, and although she didn’t yet consider herself a dancer, was mesmerized. She loved how people would mix multiple dance styles into shuffling and thought she could do the same with her background. As it slowly began to take a big place in her life it surprised her how much passion she had for this dance. She hopes to show others how much of a positive influence shuffling can have on their mental and physical health. Kylie has performed at birthday parties, festivals, clubs, weddings, community, and corporate events! She feels grateful to be a part of RAE and her goal is to get shuffling into studios as a recognized dance style, give beginners an accessible place to learn, and create more professional opportunities for shuffle dancers. Learning to shuffle has a huge positive impact on her life and she hopes she can share that impact with others. Along with RAE Kylie also teaches at the Hive SF, Acrosports, and SF pole & dance. 

Instagram: @kyliecircus

website: https://www.kyliecircus.com

Workshop Description: Shuffle [Beginner]

Shuffle originated in Melbourne, Australia in the late 1980’s and was danced in the club scene to Electronic Dance music. Over the years shuffling has taken the world by storm from clubs to festivals. Shuffling is known to be inclusive, liberating, spiritual, free of judgment, and true expression. Shuffle Dance connects you with the music you love in a special way. In this class students will learn basic shuffle skills like the running man, and the T-step, while also learning to incorporate their own stylistic movements.

Register now on Eventbrite or using the MindBody app.

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Jessica Rae

Pop Jam [Intermediate] (8-Wk)

Sundays, 3:30pm-5:00pm

Dates: 3/3, 3/10, 3/17, 3/24, 3/31, 4/7, 4/14, 4/21

Jessica Rae is a Filipino business owner and educator around movement and entrepreneurship. She is the founder and CEO of Rae Model & Talent Agency LLC and Rae Studios, located in downtown San Francisco, California. Jessica graduated from San Francisco State University with a BA in Speech and Communications and a lifetime advocate of dance and the arts.

She is an energetic certified Group Fitness and Dance Instructor with a strong background in Cardio Dance, Kickboxing, MMA, and dance choreography.  She promotes healthy minds and bodies through music and movement while building a strong community motivating people to move outside their comfort zone.  Her certifications include: GF, AFAA, CPA and First Aid, Pound Pro, Cize Live, Barre Certified and has been seen coaching for Gap HQ, Athleta, Lorna Jane, Fitbit, William-Sonoma, Airbnb, Eventbrite, Salesforce, Facebook, Marriott, San Francisco Middle School, Dare to Bare amongst other established corporations.  

Jessica currently teaches weekly classes at Equinox and Rae Studios. 

Workshop Description: Pop Jam [Intermediate]

Pop Jam originates from Dance-Pop, a popular music subgenre that originated in the late 1970s to early 1980s. It is generally uptempo music intended for nightclubs with the intention of being danceable. Pop Jam is influenced by various dance styles including, Jazz Funk, Hip-Hop, and Latin dance. Students are expected to have basic fundamentals of these dance genres. This class moves at a true intermediate pace starting with a full body warm-up, and isolations into choreography. Bring knee pads for those who wish to do floor work. Floorwork and standing options are available.

SIGN UP: HERE

Register now on Eventbrite or using the MindBody app.

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Ryan McKee

Hip Hop [All Levels] (2-Day)

Sundays, 3:30pm-6:30pm

Dates: 4/7, 4/14

Ryan McKee has been dancing and choreographing hip hop for roughly 15 years. Some of his largest achievements during this time include getting 4th place on the reality show "Jabbawockeez: The Movement", choreographing an award winning music video for Armaan Malik's song "Aaja Na Ferrari Mein", and dancing in the movie "Manifest Destiny Down 2: Spacetime". His classes focuses on pushing dancers energy, strength, and performance. In which he will also work on building confidence and having fun.

Workshop Description: Hip Hop [Int/Adv]

Hip-Hop is an artistic and cultural movement that started in the 1970s in The Bronx of New York City by Black and Latiné youth who expressed joy through Hip-Hop during a time of oppression. Hip-Hop dance consists of Breaking (commercially known as Breakdancing) and Hip-Hop Party Moves (e.g., Bart Simpson, Biz Markie, Roger Rabbit, Running Man). Workshop to feature longer combos focusing on musicality and performance quality.

SIGN UP: HERE 

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Spotlight Artists: Andrea Sendek | Darian Gemora | Grace Dong | JanJan Chan | Jessica Rae | JJ Ghera | Ki To | Kylie Ireland | Mariel Aquino | Natalie Sklovskaya | Risa Ono | Ryan McKee | Sara Templeton | Tashi Cowan | Tiana Hester | Valeria Bernal

IG: @andreasendekbellydance | @dariananthony_ | @gxdong | @janjanxchan | @jraesf | @jjthekillah | @kithetiger | @kyliecircus | @ohmarq | @natsklov | @sonrisa_ddd | @ryanmckee90 | @coqui.sf | @tashitheeterminator_ | @tianahester | @vbmalek

Location: Rehearsals and Showcase are at Rae Studios, 414 Mason St. 705 San Francisco, CA 94102

DATES:

• Rehearsal Dates: March 3rd - April 27th, 2024

• Show date: Sunday, April 28th, 2023

8-Week Series Rates:

• $250 Workshop Series (8 rehearsals + Showcase date)

• $225 Workshop Series | Member's Discount

• $35 Single Session (Drop-in available for first 2 sessions)

5-Weeks Series Rates:

• $175 Workshop Series (5 rehearsals + Showcase date)

• $150 Workshop Series | Member's Discount

• $35 Single Session (Drop-in available for first 2 sessions)

Registration is required for this workshop series.

Register now on Eventbrite or using the MindBody app.

Our mission is to merge the ideologies of popular dance culture by bridging fitness gym and traditional dance studio mentality into a place that welcomes all levels of dance & fitness in a healthy progressive environment. Our goal is to provide San Francisco dance seekers with community, growth, and participation through artistic outlets of music + movement. Our culture is simple; create a space for dance and community to thrive, water the roots of our passion, fuel our dreams by action, and inspire others to do the same.

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