We are offering new classes this summer. Read about them here.
We offer Chinese dance, wugong, and ballet classes that work together to create a well-rounded dancer.
Chinese Dance Class
We offer Chinese dance classes of many different levels aimed for students of various ages from 4 year olds to adults. Each class begins with a Shen yun 身韵 warmup that teaches the fundamental movements and feel of Chinese dance. Classes continue by learning either a classical Chinese dance piece (古典舞) or a folk dance piece (民族民间舞). This year classes are learning: “Happy Chicken” Han dance, a Miao ethnicity dance, a Korean folk dance, an Indian dance, a modern Chinese fan dance, a Japanese dance, a dance from Xinjiang, and a classical Chinese dance. The classes begin in the fall and culminate with our annual gala performance at the end of the spring. Check out the photos from past performances.
Ah-lan rehearsing a dance of the Yi ethnicity.
Wugong Class
The wugong class taught by Ah-lan, is critical for development as a dancer. This is a children’s class and enrollment is by instructor invitation. This class focuses on increasing flexibility strength and coordination. Cartwheels, front walkovers, turns and other advanced Chinese dance techniques are taught. New this year there are wugong classes on Monday and Thursday.
Ballet Class
In China, Chinese dancers are trained in basic ballet. We offer this same training to our dancers through the ballet warm-up. The ballet classes are taught by Alissa. Students learn and perfect barre work like tondue and center combinations that include chaine turns in the process improving their posture and learning to control their movements. Attention is focused on the areas of ballet that are most closely correlated with Chinese dance.
During the summer full length ballet classes are offered that encourage a full understanding of ballet technique and accelerate a students progress. Students who take the class improve greatly in their Chinese dance as well as their ballet.
Boys Class
This class will focus on Chinese dance techniques and Wugong and learn different styles of Chinese Dance. This class will prepare for stage performances. Ah-lan and Alissa will prepare the boys for a performance next June.
Chinese Dance Class for Exercise
This is a new class for adults who want to learn Chinese dance but prefer not to perform on stage. Ah-lan will teach dance styles from different regions of China. Popular Chinese songs will be use to accompany the dances, so you can enjoy beautiful Chinese music while you dance.
Schedule and enrollment: If you have any questions please contact Ah-lan Min at chineseartsprogram@yahoo.com. Please enroll in the classes through the Albany community center by calling 510-524-9283.
handkerchief dance
Class Expectations
Attendance: Students are expected to come to class on time and ready to dance. Parents of young dancers are welcome to watch class from outside the classroom. If the student is unable to attend class please contact all instructors at-least a day prior to the class that will be missed. Due to the nature of performance preparation missing class has a negative impact on the student and on other students in the class.
Attire: Students should wear dance shoes (ballet slippers are advised), and tight fitting clothes that enable the teachers to see the movements. Hair should be pulled away from the face (even chin length hair gets in the dancers eyes and distracts the dancer when turning and practicing other dance moves).
Performances: If you or your child does not want or can not participate in a performance, please inform Ah-lan at the beginning of the year. Otherwise every dancer is included in the choreography and is expected to perform. Performance dates are announced well in advance.
