Dance Core

About Dance Core:

Dance Core is an ongoing series of dance technique classes and unique movement approaches dedicated to professional development. Cultivate your unique approach through a mix of somatic practices and contemporary dance techniques. For over 38 years, NDH has offered somatic movement and contemporary dance classes. Dance Core classes focus on combining somatic approaches with dance training.

Participants should have a background in dance at an intermediate to advanced level and NDH invites those that are curious to try classes out to see if their experience and background supports their interests, comfort level, and the demands of the class.

Class Registration and Payment:
You may register and pay online via the links below on this page. If you prefer to register and pay in person, please call 306-525-5393 or email [email protected]. NDH accepts cash, cheque, credit card and e-transfer payment.

Registration one day prior is greatly appreciated.

If you would to receive emails regarding upcoming classes and performances, please sign up for the newsletter at the bottom of this page.

We look forward to seeing you in studio at New Dance Horizons (2207 Harvey St).

Itcush into Dance with Kana Nemoto

Days: Tuesdays & Thursdays
Dates: April 1, 3, 8, 10
Times: 9:15 AM - 10:30 AM
Cost: $20 a class

Class Description:

These Itcush into Dance classes will introduce some of the key concepts in Itcush Method and integrate into more dynamic movement in the Small Chair exercises. Each week we will focus on one or two elements of the Small Chair exercises to help participants understand and explore within their own body. The classes will start with a few floor exercises to release and realign the body, then move into basic to intermediate level Small Chair exercises.

Instructor Bio:

Kana Nemoto is a certified Mitzvah Technique (MT) and Itcush Method (IM) teacher. After finishing her B.Sc. in Health Science in Japan, Kana moved to Canada to fully immerse in MT and IT training. She also supplemented her training with a related M.Sc. Study in Kinesiology. Since her certification in 2014, Kana has expanded her practice in Japan, Canada and Taiwan through online and offline private sessions, classes, and workshops, and continue dedicating to helping people release their body and mind.

Contemporary Indigenous Dance Practice with Marcus Merasty

Days: Tuesdays & Thursdays
Dates: April 15, 17, May 6, 8
Times: 9:15 AM - 10:30 AM
Cost: $20 a class

Class Description:
A contemporary dance class influenced by Indigenous dance forms led by Nehiyaw dance artist, Marcus Merasty (originally from Treaty 6 territory, Pelican Narrows, SK).

Focusing on technique and floorwork, the class begins in a circle, moving into somatic warm-ups incorporating breathwork and gradually progressing into fast paced explorations going across the floor.

Instructor Biography:
Marcus Merasty is an independent multidisciplinary artist with ancestral roots from Wapâwikoscikanihk, Pelican Narrows, Saskatchewan and of Asinîskâwitiniwak, Rocky Cree, heritage.
He completed the Professional Program at the School of Contemporary Dancers in Winnipeg, MB, in 2021. A Past
Artist-in-Residence at New Dance Horizons (NDH), Regina, SK. Marcus’ passion lies in exploring Indigenous contemporary dance performance and creation. In 2024 their work was presented at the Remai Modern (Saskatoon, SK) and at NDHs Stream of Dance Festival (Regina, SK). Recently Marcus has worked as an interpreter for; The Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra, The Globe Theatre, NDH/Rouge-gorge, and Lara Kramer.

Itcush into Dance with Ashley Johnson

Days: Tuesdays & Thursdays
Dates: May 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29
Times: 9:15 AM - 10:30 AM
Cost: $20 a class

Class Description:

This movement class takes the student through a series of floor, chair and standing patterns based on the system of dynamic alignment, the Itcush Method.

Through gentle guided practice we aim to embody the somatic principles of internal sensing to find a mobile center and activate the inherent rippling motion of the spine. Each class involves dynamic improvisational tasks, a focus on nervous system regulation and creating a structure that is supple, mobile and strong. Previous experience in dance and/or equivalent somatic movement form is recommended. No equipment needed.

Instructor Bio:

Ashley Johnson is a dance artist and Registered Somatic Movement Educator trained in group facilitation and hands on bodywork as a teacher of the Mitzvah Technique/Itcush Method and Continuum Movement.

Upon completing a diploma in Dance from Grant MacEwan College and a BA in Dance from University of Calgary Ashley spent ten years apprenticing with movement pioneers from around North America. She trained extensively with her primary mentors Amelia Itcush and Emilie Conrad until their passing.

Ashley has taught a somatic approach to injury rehabilitation and movement coaching across western Canada and diversified her approach while living in Northern Saskatchewan. She spent the last 15 years working as a teaching artist in public schools, health centers, libraries, galleries and other public institutions. She currently teaches as part of New Dance Horizons Dance Core program and Somaspheres.

She believes moving is a way of knowing and learning to live in our bodies is a social revolution that begins with reframing strength, mobility and posture. Ashley undertook extensive training with high performance kinesiologist Shauna Sky and mentored under arts educators and martial artists to understand a moving body that is complex, beautiful and ever changing. See her work at www.constantlyseekingsoftness.ca

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