HomeBlog PostWanna Take Dance Classes at Movement Research? 6 Things to Consider!

Wanna Take Dance Classes at Movement Research? 6 Things to Consider!

Marielys Burgos Meléndez, Katherine Paola De La Cruz

Two dancers at level floor during Sara Shelton Mann's class. One is lying on their back with arms and legs extended out while the other is kneeling next to them with hands gently touching the pelvis of the dancer at rest. Behind them another dancer can be seen doing the same holding gesture. The Judson Memorial Church altar serves as background. Photo by Rachel Keane.

-“What is the level of your classes?”
-“I am not a dancer but I would like to dance, where do I start?”
-“I was a dancer in my youth and would like to reconnect with dancing, what class can I take?”
-“I do not live in NYC but I would love to take classes, what are you offering online?
-“I will be visiting NYC, what is your schedule this week?”
-“Where do I find your class schedule?” 

These are some of the FAQs (frequently asked questions) we receive through Social Media DMs. 

Whether you are a long-time participant or artist at Movement Research (MR), or you just found out who we are -WELCOME!-, below are 6 things to consider when you are signing up for a dance experience:  

  1. Process Process Process!!! MR is an Artists’ Services Organization. What does this mean? Our focus is on education, professional development, artistic process, and ongoing experimentation of movement art forms. We are NOT a presenting venue. Instead, we support artists’ creative investigations by offering resources such as subsidized rehearsal space, in-process showing platforms, and artistic residencies -no artistic outcomes are required; RESEARCH & PROCESS is what we are all about!!
  2. Affordable Classes and Workshops in the New York City Metropolitan Area ($). We have historically kept class costs at a $14 rate and recently increased it to $16. The current value for in-person dance/movement classes in NYC is between $17-$25 per hour.  In our commitment to continue offering affordable classes, workshops, and events we implemented a SLIDING SCALE payment format -pay what you can- and have been hosting ongoing FREE classes since 2020. We encourage attendees to DONATE or Become a FRIEND of the organization. Donations help us keep fair hourly compensation rates for teaching artists.
  3. CommuniTIES: We aim to cultivate a community with diversity and inclusion at the core. We celebrate all bodies, movement backgrounds, and interests. Whether you are a young emerging dancer, a retired professional artist, or a human who wants to move your body, shake it off, explore new things, or get experimental, YOU ARE WELCOME HERE!!
  4. NO-Comparison – NO Competition: MR is a non-competitive dance and movement forms laboratory for people of diverse backgrounds and experiences. Have fun!!
  5. OPEN LEVEL CLASSES: MR does not assign levels to movement or somatic classes. Nonetheless, due to the content, some Ongoing Classes may require contemporary dance knowledge or experience. This is the case with the Trisha Brown Dance Company class and the Morning Class series depending on the rotating teacher. Remember, Movement Research is a laboratory, and teaching artists offer skills based on their own movement background and artistic curiosities. If prior knowledge to any dance form is required it will be noted in the class description. We suggest you join classes with a curious and playful body-mind! Check out our Classes & Workshops descriptions here.
  6. We have developed a unique non-academic comprehensive program in somatic studies. The Physical Inquiries and Somatic Practices program offers experiential and practical knowledge in anatomy, kinesiology, and body awareness. All movers can expect to learn somatic tools to deepen their understanding and/or improve everyday activities, their overall lifestyles, and their technical dance skills.

So, what class should you take? That is up to you!! 😉

Go to the CALENDAR on our website,  READ the Class or Workshop DESCRIPTION, click on the name of the Teaching Artist, and feel it out.

Do not forget, you are signing up for a dance experience!! 

If you still have questions about our classes and programs please send an email to info@movementresearch.org

For questions about accessibility please send an email to accessibility@movementresearch.org

We are thrilled to dance with you!

Marielys Burgos Meléndez

Marielys Burgos Meléndez

AfroBorikua artist-scholar, researcher, somatic educator, writer, dancer, and audio describer. She is a  2023 Bessie´s Award nominee for Outstanding Performance (Ensemble) alongside Rafael Cañals and Christopher Unpezverde Núñez for their work in The Circle.

Read more

Katherine Paola De La Cruz

Katherine Paola De La Cruz

Katherine Paola De La Cruz is an Afro-Dominican dancer and choreographer based in Brooklyn, NY. She graduated in 2020 from Hunter College with both a BA in Anthropology and Dance.

Read more