Adult Dance Classes

Contemplative Dance Practice (CDP) is a movement practice developed by Barbara Dilley to support mindfulness, creativity, & personal & group awareness when improvising dance without music. Meditation is followed by solo practice/warm up, followed by group work in the Open Space. This practice is appropriate for artists working in any medium interested in cultivating a stronger somatic (body-based) awareness, for dancers wanting to dig into the mind-body's wisdom, or for anyone wanting to enhance creativity, healing, & presence in a group setting.

This community of practice is facilitated by Gabrielle Barnet, Maia Draper-Reich, and Molissa Udevitz who are dancers interested in deepening their own improvisational practice while nurturing space for community. 

*We welcome newcomers on the first Monday of each month. If you are familiar with CDP, join us any time.

INSTRUCTORS

Gabrielle Barnett is a multi-disciplinary artist and educator who has facilitated contact improvisation practice in Anchorage since 1999, nurturing creativity, and deepening awareness in relationship to self, others, the environment, and the unknown. Key teachers include Karen Nelson, Nancy Stark Smith, Peter Bingham, Carolyn Stuart, and Martin Keogh. With a PhD in Performance Studies she served on faculty with the UAA Department of Theater and Dance from 1996 -2013, where she developed and taught coursework integral to the Minor in Dance. She was an Artistic Associate with Out North Theatre from 1992-1998, and a member of the performance group Venus Transit from 2012-2013.

Maia Draper-Reich has been a member of the Anchorage improvisation community since 2018. She is a dancer, choreographer, and teacher with Momentum Dance Collective. Read her full bio here.

Molissa Udevitz’s creative work is influenced by her professional educator experience, dance background, and love of the outdoors. She grew up studying ballet and modern at Alaska Dance Theatre and earned a B.A. in Dance and B.A. in Environmental Studies from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. In college, she began choreographing modern dances inspired by the natural world and has since expanded to bring dance and mindful movement outdoors to help people connect with nature. Since returning to Anchorage in 2017, Molissa has stayed active in the Anchorage dance community taking classes, teaching, performing, choreographing, and helping build a consistent dance improvisation practice and community. Learn more about Molissa here.

DANCE VIBES | Let your body flow through a diverse blend of dance as Kasha takes through a fun, interactive, and high energy session with a blend of her favorite styles including traditional West African, Afrobeats, and Hip Hop. Let’s Vibe!

SWEAT & SLAY SATURDAYS | Join Kasha for a fun engergetic 60 minutes HIIT style twerkout in the genres of dancehall, soca, hip hop, and afrobeats.

Payment is due at the time of scheduling // CC or Paypal accepted

INSTRUCTOR

KASHA J was born and raised in the land of the midnight sun; dancing has always been a part of kasha's being. She has a strong journey through non traditional dance styles beginning as a principle member of UMOJA African Dance Troupe [1989-1999]. She helmed the role captain of the step team at East High School & was a the hip hop dance instructor with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Alaska.

This mother of two ecstatically reconnected to her passion for dance in 2017 and endeavors to provide, implement, preserve & educate the importance of cultural heritage & embolden cultural understanding & appreciation through non traditional dance styles within the diverse collective of our state. Her artistic mission rests in creating spaces for inclusion & cultural expression while elevating and sharing afrocentric motion through traditional west African, hip hop & Afrobeats dance styles.

Contact Improvisation is a contemporary dance form based on the physical principles of touch, momentum, shared weight, and following a shared point of contact. This dance form cultivates awareness about our movement choices and being present in every moment. Many practitioners refer to this practice as their physical therapy, emotional therapy, mindfulness practice, meditation, or creative re-charge. And did we mention that it is FUN?

Contact Improvisation FUNdamentals will explore basic skills and are suitable for all ages and abilities, first-timers and experienced contact improvisation practitioners - anyone seeking to feel more "in their body." Please bring comfortable clothing (no sharp buckles, clasps, zippers or spangles) and a willingness to play.

You can listen to this TEDx talk to learn more about CI: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gi-OaiQvnTU

You can get an idea about what kind of movement we will be practicing during some of CI FUNdamentals here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8JiB2Nv5Qo

INSTRUCTORS

Gabrielle Barnett is a multi-disciplinary artist and educator who has facilitated contact improvisation practice in Anchorage since 1999, nurturing creativity, and deepening awareness in relationship to self, others, the environment, and the unknown. Key teachers include Karen Nelson, Nancy Stark Smith, Peter Bingham, Carolyn Stuart, and Martin Keogh. With a PhD in Performance Studies she served on faculty with the UAA Department of Theater and Dance from 1996 -2013, where she developed and taught coursework integral to the Minor in Dance. She was an Artistic Associate with Out North Theatre from 1992-1998, and a member of the performance group Venus Transit from 2012-2013.

Mariyam Medovaya has been practicing Contact Improvisation (CI) for 20 years. She also has a background in contemporary dance and yoga. Mariyam appreciates the CI form for its ability to offer multiple experiences depending on what a person is looking for: whether it is deeper knowledge of self, physical exercise, playful fun, meditation, therapy, performance or something else entirely.  

Join established choreographer and teacher Stephen Grantier for a dynamic hip hop class that’s all about having fun while pushing your limits! Each session brings fresh choreography rooted in street style foundations, blending high-energy movement with a variety of music genres. Whether you're perfecting your groove or exploring new styles, Stephen’s engaging and approachable teaching will have you hitting the beat and finding your flow in no time.

INSTRUCTOR

Stephen Grantier is a versatile choreographer and dance educator known for his style that blends street dance foundations with contemporary influences. He has competed all over the world—from Hawaii and Florida to Las Vegas and London—using dance as a way to connect with diverse communities. “Wherever I land, I find a studio and get to know the people,” he shares. He’s worked with a range of artists and studios, sharing his passion for dance with students of all levels. Stephen’s teaching philosophy is grounded in fostering creativity and confidence, encouraging dancers to find their own voice while mastering technique and musicality. For him, hip hop is more than just movement—it’s about self-expression. “The music takes over, and you truly get to figure out who you are.”