Are your classes suitable for beginners?
We run beginners classes in Contemporary (see timetable). Our Hiphop classes are suitable for beginners to join, and many of the people who come to either class have never tried dancing before. Our workshops usually run at "open" level, which means that people of all levels of experience may attend. Some of the people in class may look a lot more experienced than you, but our teachers are alert to the fact that beginners are included in the class, so don't worry - just relax and have fun!
How much does it cost?
Classes in the first week of Michaelmas term are free for all. Subsequently, you have the option to join as a member in return for discounted rates on classes. Membership costs £10 from when you join to the end of the current academic year.
All classes and workshops are £3 for members, and £5 for non-members. For workshops held at Kelsey Kerridge, you must also pay £2.80 at the reception for entry to the facility. You must remember to bring your membership card and photo ID (e.g. your university card) with you to claim the members' rate. The money collected from classes goes towards paying teachers and hiring venues.
What should I wear?
For all classes, please wear comfortable clothing in which you you can move easily. (Stretchy trousers and a t-shirt or vest are ideal). Jeans probably won't allow you enough movement, so try to wear loose or stretchy pants. For Hiphop, wear clean trainers; all other classes are danced in bare feet. It's a good idea to bring a warm top to wear during warmup and after class, to help keep your body safe and comfortable.
I saw this stuff on telly, isn't it really hard?
Our teachers have been professionally trained to help you use your body safely and effectively. Contemporary dance does not of necessity involve learning steps (like, for example, ballroom); we concentrate more on finding freedom of movement in the body. Often, you can find that with an easy swing of the body that transfers your body weight from one position to another, you can make your body do really impressive looking stuff in a very simple way!
The dancers on television and in professional theatres have been training for years, and yes, it probably is really hard to do what they do. But we can get you started!
Does Contemporary Dance always have to "mean" something?
Like many other forms of dance you will see in performance, like ballet or traditional Indian dance forms, Contemporary dance can tell a narrative, convey an emotion, deal with an issue or explore a theme. It can also be "pure dance", simply a connection of dancer and movement, or an interpretation of rhythm or music. Dancers can always be found dancing for the pure enjoyment of it all, and sometimes choreographers like to work with that feeling of pure enjoyment of movement.
In class, we don't usually worry about meaning anything - we just like to warm up and try out some jumps!
Do I need to be really fit/flexible to do Contemporary?
As we try to work within the body's natural bounds, you'll be able to start off without needing to go down the gym first. Beginners' classes don't usually involve too much strenuous work. Likewise, you won't strain yourself when working in any of our classes - we'll make sure you get a good warm-up in every class before you start to move around too much.
Contemporary usually helps the body to unwind - the author of this article always finds she feels much more relaxed after class! - and with time, you should find yourself growing fitter and more flexible.
Hiphop classes can get quite dynamic, but we won't make you do anything you don't want to!
What is the difference between a class and a workshop?
Classes are run regularly, once a week, and often teachers may build up material over a term's worth of classes so that you can have real progression over the term. Workshops are one-off opportunities to experiment with diverse styles of dance that we may not offer a regular class in. You must be a member to attend classes, but you do not need to be a member to attend workshops (although members receive discounted rates).