Adult Performing & Literary Art Classes

Adult Performing & Literary Art Classes
Fall 2009

Come join us as we explore the Performing & Literary Arts. The classes below provide a great opportunity to gather with friends, take a break from life, and let it all out. Adult classes and workshops are open to students age 16 and above.

Click here for registration information.

The Cemetery Walk

DATES: September 9-October 10
AGE: 11-adult
REHEARSALS:
Wednesdays: 6:30-8:00pm
Saturdays: 10:00am-noon
PEERFORMANCE: Saturday October 10 at Phelps Cemetery
DIRECTOR: Kristen Underwood
COST: Adults volunteer | Age 11-17: $90 tuition

Work with director Kristen Underwood to create a character inspired by a past resident of Decorah. Theatre games, voice and diction exercises and individual coaching will give you the tools you need to bring your character to life in this site-specific, outdoor theatre event slated for Saturday, October 10 in beautiful Phelps Cemetery. (Adults may have a more occasional rehearsal schedule than listed.)

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Storytelling

DATES: September 9-October 14
TIME: Wednesdays 3:30-5:00pm
COST: $60
INSTRUCTOR: Richard Simon Hanson

Storytelling is an art form as old as humankind itself. What better way to experience it than in this multi-generational class where students (age 8-adult) will explore together just what it is that makes a really great story… and how to tell one. Focusing on storytelling as a performance art, discover ways to connect with your audience by sharing stories, both true and invented, under the guidance of a professional storyteller and local treasure.

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Pilates

DATES:
Fall I: September 9-October 14
Fall II: October 20-December 2 (no class November 25)
TIME: Wednesdays 9:00-10:00am
INSTRUCTOR: Karen Berland
COST: $55 for one session, $100 if registered for both by Sept. 9

Pilates floor exercises concentrate on development of core strength, flexibility, and mind-body awareness. Pilates practitioners report that their bodies become stronger, longer, leaner, and more able to move through their daily lives with grace and ease. Bring your own mat and see for yourself! Karen is an SCW Certified Pilates instructor.

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Mindfulness for Everyday Life

DATES: September 8-October 13
TIME: Tuesdays 7:00-8:30pm
INSTRUCTOR: Lee Zook, MSW, PhD
COST: $65

Sitting meditation, walking meditation, body scan meditation, and yoga will all be explored and practiced in this class designed to teach mindfulness as a path to stress relief and everyday peacefulness. Mindfulness techniques have spread to traditional medical settings across the country where they have been found to benefit those with a variety of physical and emotional challenges. Learn and practice these life-enhancing techniques with a qualified instructor in a supportive environment.

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Swing Dance

DATES: October 21-December 2 (no class November 25)
TIME: Wednesdays 6:30-7:30pm
INSTRUCTOR: Alan Hockersmith
COST: $60/pair

Jump blues, country swing, big band, and old time rock and roll are all on the jukebox for this fun filled six-week course, perfect for those who want to learn this simple and versatile social dance. Couples are encouraged, but not required. Named “local swing dance pioneer” by the Twin Cities’ City Pages, Alan was a driving force behind the resurgence of Swing Dancing in the Twin Cities from 1995 to 1999. Now it’s Decorah’s turn!

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Do the Two-Step

DATES: October 21-December 2 (no class November 25)
TIME: Wednesdays 7:45-8:45pm
INSTRUCTOR: Alan Hockersmith
COST: $60/pair

This time honored dance has changed little from it’s beginning as the Foxtrot, and is adored by many for its smooth motion and easy pace. Join Alan in learning to glide and twirl to the sound of Decorah’s very own Footnotes, Parisian café classics, ballroom ballads, and honky-tonk tunes. Couples are encouraged, but not required.

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Jazz Workshop

DATES: October 20-November 24
TIME: Tuesdays 6:30-8:30pm
INSTRUCTOR: Tom Savre
COST: $55

Open to all musicians interested in developing their improvisational skills in collaboration with others. The history and philosophy of jazz music will be discussed, but most of our time will be spent performing songs as a group and exchanging musical ideas by taking turns improvising dynamic melodies over a wide range of rhythms, musical styles, and chord changes. A moderate proficiency with your instrument and the ability to read music charts will make this workshop most enjoyable for you. Please indicate your instrument when registering. Contact Tom (tsavre@earthlink.net) if you have any questions about your ability to participate.

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