Ann Arbor Ymca

Ballet
Ballet is a classical dance form that promotes grace, confidence and musicality, plus strength, balance and alignment. It can be learned and enjoyed at any age and benefits both beginning students and those with more experience.  A new Ballet Basics class (for ages 11 and up) is especiall designed for beginners wou would like to experience ballet and its fitness-enhancing benefits.   Beginning II students should have had at least six months to a year of training at the Beginning I level.  Age 11 and up.

Ballet Fit/Power Barre - NEW!
A current fitness trend emphasizes the beneifts of ballet exercises.  This class uses movements and principles from classical ballet to build strength and power in all your major muscle groups while also increasing your flexibility and range of motion.  We will do mat, barre and standing exercises taken not only from classical ballet, but also modern dance, pilates and yoga.  No previous dance experience is necessay.  Please come with bare feet or wear socks or ballet slippers.  Age 14 and up.

Beledi Dance
The dynamic, graceful and popular dance of the Middle East is also known as “belly” dance or Oriental Dance.  Students new to this fitness-enhancing style will be able to enjoy dancing to rhythmic percussion and unique melodies from the very first class.  Level I-II presents basic movements and steps, short choreographies and use of the veil. Dancers in Level III continue with more advanced technique and choreography and begin working finger cymbals. A veil of sheer fabric (3 yards long by 45 inches wide) is required, but some veils are available for class use. Before advancing to Level III, students should have attended prior sessions of Levels I-II.

Contemporary Jazz
This class combines contemporary jazz styles with comtemporary music for and upbeat and energizing dance experience.  Students learn the basics of jazz isolations, turns and step combinations.  No experience is necessary. Age 15 and up.

NIA
Get in shape and move to great music in this unique fitness-promoting class. NIA integrates concepts from dance, martial ways, and various healing arts (e.g. Feldenkrais® and yoga) to provide cardiovascular conditioning (low impact), flexibility, strength and balance. Participants move naturally and fluidly to music in a workout that is readily adapted to all fitness levels. Bare feet are required unless the participant has a previous medical condition. Instructors are NIA certified. Age 15 and up.

Gentle NIA
This is a NIA class (see above) that has been modified for those who want a slower approach. This 45-minute class is gentle, kind to the joints and appropriate for all fitness levels, especially if you're just starting a fitness program or rejoining after a hiatus. And it's fun! Movements are done naturally to great music, and many can be performed while seated.

Bollywood Dance
Join the party and enjoy this trendy and popular dance style that features cool moves and energizing music. Bollywood refers to the Indian film industry whose films are famous for their dance numbers and pulsating music (think “Slum Dog Millionaire”). This class combines elements of Indian “film dances” with folk and classical styles to form a fun and dynamic aerobic workout. Age 15 and up.

Swing Dance
Swing Dance is a dynamic American classic that is also one of the most versitle and easy to learn.  It is equally suited to traditional swing and contemporary dance music and adaptable to contemprary dance style.  Basic steps and technique provide fun and exercise in class adn enable students to readily participate in the local social dance scene.  No experience or partner is necessary. Age 15 and up.

West African Dance
This beginning class is an introduction to a world of West African dance that provides an amazing full-body workout that you don't want to miss! Enjoy exciting, high energy movement and a sense of freedom that comes from celebration. This is a style built on tradition and community. Taught by Jacyln Morrow, who's performed with Like Water Drum and Dance and currently performs with the Tree of Life Drum and Dance Society. This is a seven week class that begins on Thursday, April 26.  Age 15 and up.