Master Teachers Come to Dancing Arts Center

The following is a press release issued earlier this week by the regarding its Masters in Modern Dance and NeoClassic Ballet Series:

The Dancing Arts Center (DAC) will invite the public to observe or participate in a four-week dance series, taught by elite instructors of master modern and neoclassic ballet from the major Boston companies, at its school in Holliston from May 17 through June 8.

This unique program is open to everyone. Participants may take one or all classes. In addition to learning from other masters, who are colleagues of the current DAC staff, participants can take class in a different space with a different mix of talent. The DAC's congenial atmosphere, 50-by-30-foot studio with sprung Marley flooring, convenient pre-class warm up studio space and dressing rooms and lavatories for men and women will enhance the experience for all participants.

Four modern masters and one ballet master will lead dancers and observers through their area of expertise. Individual classes are $11 each (usually $17.00). Participants can save money by taking five classes for $50 or eight classes for $75.

Participants can save even more money by taking 10 classes for $90 and get a bonus class (Tuesday, May 3 from 3:45 to 5:15 p.m.) for free. Those who wish to observe class may do so for only $5 per class. Pre-registration is encouraged, but walk-in enrollment will be accepted if space is available.

Mariah Steele of Quicksilver Dance Company will teach two modern classes exploring the use of weight in partnering from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on May 17 and 26. Steele dances for "Sokolow Now!," the Anna Sokolow archival company and Rebecca Rice Dance. In addition to running Quicksilver Dance, Steele is in the process of earning a Masters Degree at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, where she is studying non-profit management and conflict resolution. Her goal is to bring these new skills to Quicksilver Dance upon graduation.

Betsi Graves Akerstein of Urbanity Dance Project will teach two modern classes from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on May 19 and 24th. Akerstein combines Limon, Graham, Taylor and Naharin's Gaga technique with her own style. She is the artistic founder and director of Urbanity Dance. At age 17, she was selected by Mia Michaels to tour across the U.S. on full scholarship with LA Underground.

She has taught at Harvard University and Boston College and is currently on faculty at Boston Ballet School. Akerstein dances for Karen Murphy-Fitch's Falling Flight Project. In 2008, she danced as a street performer for Theatre Mama and Cirque du Soleil's Kooza. Akerstein's other projects include: Contemporary Theatre of Boston's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" (June, 2010) and Urbanity Dance's "The Story of Stuff" (November, 2010).

Kathy Hassinger of Dance Currents will lead three classes, teaching a collection of historical dances by famous choreographers from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on May 31 and June 2. Hassinger is working on a film of famous modern dances, which will highlight their living legacy. She is artistic director of Dance Currents, Inc., and teaches Perspectives in World Dance at Emerson College and ballet for Jose Mateo Ballet Theater.

Lorraine Chapman of The Chapman Company will lead two modern classes from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on June 6 and 9. She and her company are an institution in Boston's modern dance landscape. Chapman has a large following, making this class a great chance to join her fan club.

James Reardon of Boston Dance Company will lead two ballet classes from 3:45 to 5:15 p.m. on June 3 and 10. Reardon's classes are delightful with innovative combinations and musicality. He is a native Bostonian whom most people will remember for his soloist career with the Boston Ballet under the direction of E. Virginia Williams and Violette Verdy. Reardon founded the Boston Dance Company in 1992 with Clyde Nantais.   

For registration or more information about the Dancing Arts Center (dance school), Dancing Arts Academy (academic and dance day school) or the Dancing Arts Ensemble (not-for-profit performing company), contact Karyn Edison at 508-429-7577 or dancingartscenter@gmail.com or visit the web site at http://www.dancingartscenter.com/.