Creation's new timetable for 2009 is now out! If you're looking for street dance classes, hip hop dance classes, dance studios in London or other adult beginners dance classes, then Creation is a good place to start. Check out our timetable below or visit www.creationdance.co.uk for online bookings and more info.
Mondays
6.30pm – Tottenham Court Road – Beginners – 14th September – 30th November
Tuesdays
6.30pm Camden – Beginners – 29th September – 15th December
8.30pm Baker Street – Beginners - 6th October – 22nd December
Wednesdays
7.30pm Holborn – General level – 23rd September – 9th December
8.45pm Earls Court – Beginners – September 30th – 16th December
Thursdays
7pm Hammersmith – Beginners – 24th September – 10th December
8.30pm Clapham North – General level – September 17th – 3rd December
8.30pm Oxford – Beginners – October 1st – 17th December
Fridays
6.30pm Tottenham Court Road – Beginners – 2nd October – 18th December
Saturdays
12pm Clapham - Beginners – September 12th – November 28th
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Friday, June 19, 2009
Poles Apart – Pole Dancings’ Identity Crisis
I’ll start this post with a quote from the Vertical Dance Olympic petition:
“After a great deal of feed back from the Pole Dance community many of us have decided that its about time pole fitness is recognised as a competitive sport and what better way for recognition, then to be part of the 2012 Olympics held in London!
Like the horizontal bar, the vertical bar should have a place in international competitive sport. We believe that like Rhythmic Gymnastic, the Horizontal Bar and Figure Skating, Pole Dance/Vertical Dance is acrobatic, gymnastic, technical and takes a great deal of physical skill and strength to master, earning it a place in the greatest sporting event in the world.”
But Pole Dancing has a problem. And it’s not one that’s going to be solved by adding it to the Olympic roster. Ever since Pole Dancing emerged as a fun and interesting way to get fit in the early naughties, debate has raged between two camps. In one corner, we have the gymnasts, who argue that pole dancing isn’t sexy or erotic, it’s is a gymnastic sport using strength and agility to perform amazing feats on a vertical bar.
I agree.
And in the other corner, we have the dancers, who argue that pole dance is a dance form, therefore it can and should be sexy, erotic or non acrobatic, (should the dancer choose), and most of all, technical, interesting and aesthetically pleasing.
I also agree.
Unfortunately there’s a fierce current running through the pole dancing community that risks stripping (no pun intended) the form of its original allure as it strives to make it respectable and gain international recognition. In a bid to create a main stream sport, it seems to me that ‘dancing’ in pole dancing has been forgotten. Instead the desexualising of pole dance has resulted in many students learning nothing more than gymnastics, but without the grace and fluidity that most gymnasts train for years to achieve.
It has long been the case that gymnasts will take ballet classes alongside their sport in order to create better lines, enhance creativity and more. I wish pole dancers would apply this same level of hard work and commitment to the enhancing of their art form. Many of the worlds’ best competitive pole dancers are ex ballet dancers and possess a technical dance background that gives them an excellent edge on the circuit. So why is it, then, that most advanced students of all major pole dancing schools can perform an excellent butterfly or superman, but are unable to point their toes and extend correctly?
The answer to pole dancing problems lies with the industry itself. In order to gain recognition from an Olympic recognised body, such as the Gymnastics Association, pole dance needs to split into two camps and devise stringent and transparent methods for assessment of the skills needed.
For those people who fall into the first camp, and want to see gymnastic pole enter the Olympics – this means focusing on delivering short, technically difficult acrobatic routines (much the same as gymnastics) with each move marked and scored on the basis of difficulty and execution (noting body position, correct rotations, repetitions, pauses, balance checks etc).
For the dancers, pole dance needs to fall under an accredited syllabus that focus on performance and artistic interpretation, perhaps using a system similar to ballet to name and focus the techniques for various moves, but more importantly to give students a dance foundation. This syllabus needs to separate from the acrobatic moves, much as pointe work is separated in ballet.
Once the international pole dancing community has realised that pole dance does not have to be only a display of acrobatic skill, or that non acrobatic pole dance can be a valid art form, then they can start to lobby for the recognition they require.
More pole dance theatre is needed to move forward in any meaningful sense as a dance form. Some companies are pioneering this approach, mixing Chinese pole and international dance together with traditional pole techniques.
Gymnasts, - stop obsessing over those dancers not performing advanced tricks and start creating a standardised scoring system.
It’s time for pole dancers to divide and unite, and find out who they really are.
“After a great deal of feed back from the Pole Dance community many of us have decided that its about time pole fitness is recognised as a competitive sport and what better way for recognition, then to be part of the 2012 Olympics held in London!
Like the horizontal bar, the vertical bar should have a place in international competitive sport. We believe that like Rhythmic Gymnastic, the Horizontal Bar and Figure Skating, Pole Dance/Vertical Dance is acrobatic, gymnastic, technical and takes a great deal of physical skill and strength to master, earning it a place in the greatest sporting event in the world.”
But Pole Dancing has a problem. And it’s not one that’s going to be solved by adding it to the Olympic roster. Ever since Pole Dancing emerged as a fun and interesting way to get fit in the early naughties, debate has raged between two camps. In one corner, we have the gymnasts, who argue that pole dancing isn’t sexy or erotic, it’s is a gymnastic sport using strength and agility to perform amazing feats on a vertical bar.
I agree.
And in the other corner, we have the dancers, who argue that pole dance is a dance form, therefore it can and should be sexy, erotic or non acrobatic, (should the dancer choose), and most of all, technical, interesting and aesthetically pleasing.
I also agree.
Unfortunately there’s a fierce current running through the pole dancing community that risks stripping (no pun intended) the form of its original allure as it strives to make it respectable and gain international recognition. In a bid to create a main stream sport, it seems to me that ‘dancing’ in pole dancing has been forgotten. Instead the desexualising of pole dance has resulted in many students learning nothing more than gymnastics, but without the grace and fluidity that most gymnasts train for years to achieve.
It has long been the case that gymnasts will take ballet classes alongside their sport in order to create better lines, enhance creativity and more. I wish pole dancers would apply this same level of hard work and commitment to the enhancing of their art form. Many of the worlds’ best competitive pole dancers are ex ballet dancers and possess a technical dance background that gives them an excellent edge on the circuit. So why is it, then, that most advanced students of all major pole dancing schools can perform an excellent butterfly or superman, but are unable to point their toes and extend correctly?
The answer to pole dancing problems lies with the industry itself. In order to gain recognition from an Olympic recognised body, such as the Gymnastics Association, pole dance needs to split into two camps and devise stringent and transparent methods for assessment of the skills needed.
For those people who fall into the first camp, and want to see gymnastic pole enter the Olympics – this means focusing on delivering short, technically difficult acrobatic routines (much the same as gymnastics) with each move marked and scored on the basis of difficulty and execution (noting body position, correct rotations, repetitions, pauses, balance checks etc).
For the dancers, pole dance needs to fall under an accredited syllabus that focus on performance and artistic interpretation, perhaps using a system similar to ballet to name and focus the techniques for various moves, but more importantly to give students a dance foundation. This syllabus needs to separate from the acrobatic moves, much as pointe work is separated in ballet.
Once the international pole dancing community has realised that pole dance does not have to be only a display of acrobatic skill, or that non acrobatic pole dance can be a valid art form, then they can start to lobby for the recognition they require.
More pole dance theatre is needed to move forward in any meaningful sense as a dance form. Some companies are pioneering this approach, mixing Chinese pole and international dance together with traditional pole techniques.
Gymnasts, - stop obsessing over those dancers not performing advanced tricks and start creating a standardised scoring system.
It’s time for pole dancers to divide and unite, and find out who they really are.
Monday, June 8, 2009
NEW DANCE AND FITNESS STUDIOS IN CENTRAL HONG KONG TO OPEN JULY 2009
Hong Kongers looking for dance classes will be excited to hear that a brand new dance studio is opening in Central Hong Kong! Central Dance Studios is proud to announce its upcoming opening on July 20th 2009 on Wyndham Street, Central.
Central Dance Studios has 2 fully equipped dance studios just a stones throw from Queens Road Central and Lan Kwai Fong and easily reached from Central MTR station. Operated by Creation HK - the Hong Kong branch of UK specialist beginners dance school, Creation Dance - the studios aim to provide a place where adult beginners of all ages can learn to dance in a friendly and relaxed environment.
“We are very excited to be opening in this Central Hong Kong location,” says founder Elle Kealy. “We want everyone who is interested in dance to be able to access classes which are not just aimed at the younger dancer or professional dancer with previous training, but also take into account those people who are starting to learn to dance later in life and just want to have a go for fun, fitness and to make new friends. The dance studio will have something for dancers of every age and level of experience.”
Adult beginners can shake their thing in UK style Hip Hop dance class, Urban Groovz while less energetic dancers can choose classes such as MTV Jazz, which recreates routines from classic music videos, or Disco Heaven, a 70’s and 80’s inspired cheesy and easy dance fitness class. Additional classes including Ballet Babies for toddlers, Street Jam Fitness for mums and Guest Instructor classes in a range of styles are set to begin later this year. Private classes are available in a range of styles as well as hen and birthday parties for those looking for a fun activity to get people engaged and having a good time.
The studio will also open its doors to fitness trainers, yoga and pilates groups and other dance companies, artists or members of the public who are looking for a venue to hold their own dance or fitness classes or private training sessions. Those looking for a dance studio to rent in Hong Kong are encouraged to contact Central Dance Studios as soon as possible to discuss their needs.
To sign up for pre-opening discounts on a range of dancing classes as well as special offers and advance notification for Creation’s sell out dance lessons, visit www.danceclassesinhongkong.com and register for the free newsletter online.
Limited Platinum Memberships will be available each month to registered users only.
To learn more about Central Dance Studios or Creation HK, visit their website at www.danceclassesinhongkong.com
Central Dance Studios
1/F A Man Cheung Building
15-17 Wyndham Street
Central
Hong Kong Island
HK SAR
http://www.danceclassesinhongkong.com
info@creationdance.co.uk
Central Dance Studios has 2 fully equipped dance studios just a stones throw from Queens Road Central and Lan Kwai Fong and easily reached from Central MTR station. Operated by Creation HK - the Hong Kong branch of UK specialist beginners dance school, Creation Dance - the studios aim to provide a place where adult beginners of all ages can learn to dance in a friendly and relaxed environment.
“We are very excited to be opening in this Central Hong Kong location,” says founder Elle Kealy. “We want everyone who is interested in dance to be able to access classes which are not just aimed at the younger dancer or professional dancer with previous training, but also take into account those people who are starting to learn to dance later in life and just want to have a go for fun, fitness and to make new friends. The dance studio will have something for dancers of every age and level of experience.”
Adult beginners can shake their thing in UK style Hip Hop dance class, Urban Groovz while less energetic dancers can choose classes such as MTV Jazz, which recreates routines from classic music videos, or Disco Heaven, a 70’s and 80’s inspired cheesy and easy dance fitness class. Additional classes including Ballet Babies for toddlers, Street Jam Fitness for mums and Guest Instructor classes in a range of styles are set to begin later this year. Private classes are available in a range of styles as well as hen and birthday parties for those looking for a fun activity to get people engaged and having a good time.
The studio will also open its doors to fitness trainers, yoga and pilates groups and other dance companies, artists or members of the public who are looking for a venue to hold their own dance or fitness classes or private training sessions. Those looking for a dance studio to rent in Hong Kong are encouraged to contact Central Dance Studios as soon as possible to discuss their needs.
To sign up for pre-opening discounts on a range of dancing classes as well as special offers and advance notification for Creation’s sell out dance lessons, visit www.danceclassesinhongkong.com and register for the free newsletter online.
Limited Platinum Memberships will be available each month to registered users only.
To learn more about Central Dance Studios or Creation HK, visit their website at www.danceclassesinhongkong.com
Central Dance Studios
1/F A Man Cheung Building
15-17 Wyndham Street
Central
Hong Kong Island
HK SAR
http://www.danceclassesinhongkong.com
info@creationdance.co.uk
Monday, June 1, 2009
Learn to dance like Diversity!!!!
Congratulations to Diversity - the amazing street dance group whose winning routine on Britains Got Talent was fantastic! Proving that street dance is as popular as ever, with people of all ages and all backgrounds, we were really pleased to see such an exciting and innovative routine winning and wish them all the best.
Do you want to learn to dance like Diversity?
It doesn't matter if you're over 18 - or even over 30 - we all start somewhere, and Creation's classes are street dance classes for absolute beginners upwards. We can help you get in shape and learn some fun routines too. Check out our website for more details of our dance classes in London, Oxford, Edinburgh, Brighton and Hong Kong.
For Hong Kong dance classes click here
Do you want to learn to dance like Diversity?
It doesn't matter if you're over 18 - or even over 30 - we all start somewhere, and Creation's classes are street dance classes for absolute beginners upwards. We can help you get in shape and learn some fun routines too. Check out our website for more details of our dance classes in London, Oxford, Edinburgh, Brighton and Hong Kong.
For Hong Kong dance classes click here
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