Open ARENA returns! 10 sessions with a brand new round of community dance classes for Summer to Fall—and you’re invited! Whether you’re a working artist, a dance lover, or looking to move your body in community, we’ve got something for you. Spread the word, mark your calendars, and get ready to dance with us!
July 13-September 18: Monday-Friday, 9:30-11:00am
Register here. Price: $10-$130
Read the full class descriptions.
Mondays with Jake Nehrbass: Get ready to challenge your body and elevate your movement in Contemporary: Take Off. This dynamic class focuses on traveling in and out of the floor with power and control, building the strength and agility needed for expressive, athletic dancing. Dancers will explore momentum, weight shifts, and release techniques while pushing physical limits.
Tuesdays with Sarah McCullough: The core themes of practice include spaciousness and efficiency in movement, sensory exploration, and engaging with the body’s intuition. We will spend time on the floor, upside down, on one leg, and moving through space. Clothing that covers the limbs (particularly the legs) is recommended.
Wednesdays with Nieya Amezquita: We’ll explore momentum, breath-driven movement, and the body’s connection to space through combinations, floorwork, and improvisation. Drawing from a mix of traditional modern techniques, the class invites dancers to take risks, trust their instincts, and find new pathways in motion.
Thursdays with Non Edwards: Somatics, Sensation, and Improvisation: dance from the inside out! This class explores alignment through imagery, exercise, and hands-on partner work. Individually, in partners, and as a group, we will investigate a range of physical and experiential proposals.
Fridays with Alex Arce: Exploring between guided improvisation, collective grooves, and set movement practices to explore weight, momentum, and musicality, as well as the sensations that each energy level brings. The constant is listening to the music, curiosity, and the body’s needs in real time, valuing efficiency, vulnerability, and presence.
Alongside ARENA’s powerhouse ensemble, we welcome a stellar lineup of guest artists:
Elinor Kleber Diggs (New York) on Fridays, July 20 and 31: During our time together, we will consider what it means to connect deeply with ourselves, those around us, and the world at large. Class will include somatic and image-based improvisation, reflective conversation, and phrase work.
Morgan Thorson (Minnesota) on Mondays, August 3 and 17 for MORNING MAGIC: With solo touch-based exercises, images, and poetic-word prompts, we will practice sensing interoception, or feeling the inside of movement with the purpose of discovering habits and sensing the physical imaginary of the unknown. Bring your notebook.