BALLROOM
‘Ballroom Dance’ typically refers to Waltz, Tango, Quickstep, Foxtrot and Viennese Waltz. These five dances may be done in 'American' (or 'Social') style, or 'International' (or 'Standard') style.

Waltz originated in the 19th century. Now seen as romantic, in its day it was scandalous, the first time a man and woman danced together in a full embrace! To quote:
"The waltz is a dance of quite too loose a character, and unmarried ladies should refrain from it...very young married ladies may be allowed to waltz if it is very seldom..."
The Gentleman and Lady's Book of Politeness, 1833
Luckily, the beauty of the dance overcame all obstacles, and Queen Victoria, herself a dance enthusiast, developed a passion for the Waltz. The rest, as they say, is history. With two primary styles, the 'Slow' or 'English' waltz, and the much quicker Viennese Waltz, waltz is uniquely written in 3/4 time, with three beats per measure. From country ballads, to tango vals, waltzes continue to capture hearts all over the world.

Foxtrot was named for vaudevillian Harry Fox, who incorporated a bouncy, trotting step into his comedy routines. The energy of the dance was captivating, and the dance caught on across the states. Today, the Foxtrot has evolved into a dance of social elegance, characterized by smooth, graceful, gliding movements. Written in 4/4 time, it can be danced as a simple social dance, an athletic competitive dance, or developed into the kind of romantic routines epitomized by Fred and Ginger.

Quickstep is often done to the same music as Foxtrot, played more quickly. As that implies, Quickstep incorporates many of the same moves as Foxtrot. In addition, it is characterized by playful kicking, hopping, and leaping patterns which so beautifully express the joyful exuberance of the music.

Ballroom Tango is Argentine Tango revised for a North American and European public. Unlike the improvisational Argentine dance, ballroom tango steps are codified, in the manner of other ballroom dances, and characteristic moves (such as 'flares,' which relate to 'boleos,' etc.) impart 'tango spice.' Ballroom Tango music, too, adapted, adding drum percussion unfamiliar in Argentine Tango. The international or 'Standard' style epitomizes the percussive development of tango, with quick head and torso movements and high drama!
Class Schedule

BELLY DANCE The ancient art of belly dance is a dance of isolations--when combined together these isolations create a sensual, exciting and beautiful dance form.

Andrea's belly dance classes combine Arabic, Turkish and gypsy style techniques, with an emphasis on Arabic style for beginners. As students learn the isolations, they stretch and tone their muscles, gently building strength while increasing flexibility. Short combinations of movements are taught as the students progress; choreography is created for the more advanced students. To help students understand the rhythms and music of the Middle East, finger cymbals are introduced in the open level classes. Belly Dance with Andrea combines Arabic, Turkish and North African dance traditions to create a fun and uplifting dance experience. Andrea's classes are fun and welcoming, and are great  for stretching, toning, strength, flexibility and artistry.
Andrea’s bio; Class Schedule

Oreet's 'Sharqui' belly dance workout fuses the body-loving, soul-stimulating elements of belly dance with the burn of an aerobic workout. This is safe and intense workout is for all women no matter their fitness level or body type.
Oreet’s bio; Class Schedule

CHA-CHA
Description coming soon!
Frankie's bio; Class Schedule

FLAMENCO is a rich and vibrant dance form whose characteristics are said to have emerged from the Spanish, Islamic, Sephardic, and Gypsy cultures that have existed in Andalucia, the southern region of Spain.  Known by its percussive heelwork, highly ornamental hand and arm movements, and powerful emotion, flamenco is a dance form that creates a close bond between audience and performer.  As a style, Flamenco continues to evolve, often merging characteristics of modern dance, jazz, and ballet into its already complex and beautiful forms.
Kristina Kulin’s bio

HIP HOP Bust a move with Darnell Oliver, Director of Addiction Dance Group!
Darnell’s bio; Class Schedule

PILATES Started as a rehabilitation and conditioning regimen by Joseph Pilates during WWI, the Pilates Method is an evolution in physical education, using principles that improve the coordination, flexibility and strength. Each exercise is designed to make you work from the inside out involving the core muscles: deep flexors and the abdominal layers that control posture and are the prime movers of the limbs. Pilates helps you look great and feel strong, as you gain better posture, flexibility, coordination, strength and balance.
Beatriz’s bio; Class Schedule

SALSA Legendary salsa -- aka mambo -- is ever increasingly popular in studios and clubs, with thousands contributing their creative energy to the dance. The latest and most exciting salsa incarnation is "NY on 2" style, as is taught here at Empire Dance. We are honored to have Frankie Martinez -- widely considered the foremost young salsa dancer/choreographer -- heading the Empire Dance program. Salsa is a highly rhythmic, sexy and exhilerating dance, with plenty of opportunities for dancers to do simple or intricate partner work, as well as to break out individually, doing what are called "salsa shines."
Salsa Instructor's bio; Class Schedule

SAMBA The dance of Brazil's Carnaval focuses on body isolations and rhythmic movements of the hips and torso. This exciting dance provides a great workout. The moves are not just great for Brazilian parties -- they are perfect for any popular dance floor!
Michele's bio; Class Schedule

STRIPTEASE WORKOUT As instructor Kimberly saw the pole fitness craze explode, she noticed that the pole moves were fabulous, but the students couldn't duplicate them in their own homes. She wanted to teach women sexy moves that they could actually perform for their lovers...or just for themselves in the comfort of their own bedroom with no equipment needed! This class gives you all that, while also providing a good workout and a load of fun in an all-women class. Privacy is provided -- no spectators are allowed -- to allow the students the freedom to try out the new moves. No nudity. Private lessons are also available.
Kimberly’s bio; Class Schedule

SWING LINDY Characterized by jumps, spins, turns and throw-outs, all danced 'in place,' i.e., not traveling around the dance floor. Exuberant swing caught fire during WWII, a blaze that raged through the jazzy 50's at the Savoy and elsewhere, and was rekindled in the 90's, sparked by an unforgettable GAP ad! From its origin in 1927 the dance has undergone many alterations, and paved the way for other swing-style dances, including Lindy, Lindy Hop, American Swing, Boogie-Woogie, Hustle, Jitterbug, Jive, Modern Jive, Ceroc, Rock and Roll, and West Coast Swing. Swing is written in 4/4 time. Single Swing, Double Swing and Triple Swing are three basic patterns that add individual style and musicality to the dance. Swing ('Jive' in International parlance), the quintessential American dance, is part of the 'Latin' or 'Rhythm' competitive categories.
Instructor bios; Class Schedule

TANGO Argentine Tango originated in South America, notably Argentina, where the dance developed in tandem with an extraordinarily rich musical and cultural tradition. Tango, the dance and the music, continues to thrive and develop new passionate adherents around the world. Tango, according to instructor Robin Thomas, is about connection through the embrace and the music. The steps are improvised around a very loose structure leaving almost unlimited possibilities for self expression. Tango is addicting, but profoundly satisfying.
Tango Instructor Bios; Class Schedule

Tango Level 1 covers musicality, connection, the embrace, walking, checksteps, playing with the rhythm, very simple turns, backward ochos. Level 1 courses can and should be taken multiple times. Instructor permission required to advance a level.

Tango Level 2 covers turn to the right and left in cross feet and parallel, introduction to milonga and vals, sacadas, introduction to boleos, and more complex musicality. Level 2 contains the essentials  of everything you need to know in tango to be a moderately accomplished tango dancer. Level 2 courses can and should be taken multiple times. Instructor permission required to advance a level.

Tango Level 3 is everything you need to know to become a truly accomplished tango dancer: volcadas, colgadas, barridas, ganchos, alteraciones, boleos, more complex milonga, and very sophisticated musicality.

Tango, Followers’ Technique The followers technique class is open level. It covers posture, walking and pivoting technique, musicality and embellishments.

Tango Leading, for Followers An open class for followers who have no or little experience leading. As followers learn to lead tango, they gain a fuller understanding of the dynamics of the dance.

Tango, Open Embrace Open level. Some experience required (a knowledge of tango walks and ochos). The class covers combinations of turns, sacadas, barridas and more in the open embrace.

WEST COAST SWING
Description coming soon!

YOGA A journey into relaxation and stretching.

Vinyasa Yoga BEGINNER/OPEN LEVEL: We will stretch, sweat, laugh and play in this class. You will challenge yourself and take care of yourself at the same time. This class is like a yoga playground where nobody throws sand and everyone plays. Shizu draws on her yoga study as well as her dance and athletic background to offer a safe, fun and non-competitive class. The class is in two sections: the first hour is the 'active' yoga session, the second is a half-hour of guided relaxation and cool down. Students are welcome to stay for just the first part, or for both sections of class.
Shizu’s bio; Class Schedule

c 2006 Rebecca Linker