Anabella Lenzu doesn’t use playlists in her dance classes. Instead, she puts on full albums. “I feel like if I play different songs from different composers, it’s too distracting,” she says. On the other hand, she feels like “one album is an exploration.” She wants class to be a journey—akin to a show. Even if […]
In 1983, Israeli dancer and choreographer Igal Perry opened the doors to his brand-new Peridance Center in downtown New York City. Two students attended his first class. “That was a bit frightening,” he admits, laughing. “But now, I have little to worry about.” Peridance has since grown into an irreplaceable fixture in the local dance […]
The twist-o-flex is a standard popping move in which you divide your body into three sections and turn each section individually. Although you can rotate in any order, Ms. Vee’s variation of twist-o-flex rotates the lower body (hips and feet) first, then the head and finally the upper body (shoulders, ribs and arms). “It’s kind […]
Unifying a diverse group of dancers in a drop-in class can be a challenge, but Suzana Stankovic takes it in stride in her open adult-beginner ballet class at Peridance Capezio Center in New York City. “I get all kinds of students,” she says. “That’s one of the reasons why I love teaching open adult classes.” […]
For dancing in heels, Quigley (right) prefers high boots. Teachers share the philosophies and materials that make them successful in their careers and classes. You’d think a “Stiletto Heels” class would be excruciatingly painful. Surely spending an hour or more in a pair of sky-high heels, performing Beyoncé-esque choreography full-out can’t feel good. And yet, New […]