Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
Dave Ambrose: Contra Dance
Dave Ambrose has been an avid contra dancer for 20 years and through his time on the dance floor has become an accomplished dance caller and teacher. He has a lot of experience working with beginners and can get them up to speed and enjoying contra dancing in an easy half-hour lesson.
Contra Dancing is a couple’s dance enjoyed in America since the 1800s when it arrived from Europe. Anyone familiar with American square dance will recognize many of the figures and moves of contra dancing. It is danced to traditional fiddle tunes organized in two melody sections. One time through the music brings the dancers back to the beginning of the dance once again. Couples form in a long line with two couples facing each other. As the dance progresses each couple finds itself dancing with a new couple after every round of the music. The caller calls out each new figure before it is to be executed so that the dancers have a cue for what comes next. Before the start of each dance, the caller will walk the dancers through the sequence of figures. All figures are done to a count of eight and a typical dance will have eight figures. So after 64 beats or steps, the dancers find themselves with a new couple to dance with and the music starting again from the beginning of the tune.
Contra dancing is the perfect way for people of all ages and skill levels to participate. There's no fancy footwork involved- a simple walk step is all that's needed.
Contact: 503-741-8412 davesfire@charter.net
Erin Carlsen: Dance Fitness
Erin Carlsen has loved moving her body for as long as she can remember. In her early years she trained at Leisure Quest Dance Studio here on the Oregon coast. She fell in love with the game of soccer around that same time and went on to play in college. The foot movement, grace, and stamina required for soccer felt similar to that of dance.
In 2013, Erin became a certified Zumba instructor. After running her own small dance fitness business for a couple of years in Seaside, she moved over to Encore Dance Studio where she has been teaching for the last three years. After a short stint of performance dance with a local Burlesque group, Erin decided that dancing for fitness and freedom was her chosen form.
Erin has worked on creating original choreography and a class style reflective of who she is. She combines hip-hop, reggaeton, and Latin rhythms to create a high energy, body toning class that leaves her students feeling empowered and strong. Her mantra is “no mistakes.” She believes, “You win the moment you decide to act on becoming a more empowered you.”
When she is not dancing or chasing her kids around, Erin teaches Sociology, Women’s Studies, and Lives in Transition courses at Clatsop Community College. She is also the Director of a local grassroots non- profit organization that offers advocacy and hot meals to those sufferings from homelessness and poverty.
Contact: eringracefree@gmail.com 503-741-1661
Daylight Cums: Dragalution Choreography
Daylight Cums is the physical form of Marco Davis' performance art. She had her debut on the streets of New Orleans Halloween of 2012. In 2013 she presented the world with her DRAGALUTION in Astoria!!! She loves to dance and loves teaching at the AAMC!
Contact: marcogerarddavis@gmail.com 541-654-2412
Marco Davis: Tap, Modern, Odd Fellows Dance Collective
Marco has an MFA in dance from the University of Oregon 2007. He enjoys teaching, especially for adult beginners. While earning his degree he was awarded a teaching fellowship at UO & taught jazz, tap, modern, improvisation & ballroom for three years. During that time he also worked at several area high schools, choreographing musicals & teaching dance classes. He also taught dance at the Shedd Institute & for the Summer Musical Theater Camp, as well as choreographing for Lane Summer Musical Theater & the UO theater department. He was also an outreach educator for ArtsBridge America & the UO Repertory Dance Company. Most recently, he's been teaching at CCC & choreographing for Coaster Theater & the Opry Company. He is excited to be given the opportunity to be teaching at the AAMC!
Contact: 541-654-2412 marcogerarddavis@gmail.com
Amanda DeBock: Ecstatic Dance
Amanda is a Washington native, born and raised in Port Orchard, WA. For Amanda, ecstatic dance is an opportunity to still the mind and allow the body to move in whatever way it wants to. Amanda was immediately drawn to the liberating and transformative power of ecstatic dance after her first class in 2021. As a breathwork practitioner and registered nurse, Amanda's passion lies in assisting others in healing and integrating through self-expression and embodiment.
About Ecstatic Dance:
This is a safe and sacred space for you, us, to move together as one. While this is a no-contact dance class, you will have the opportunity to feel a deep connectedness to others.
Our class is open to all ages and all levels of dance experience, we welcome families and children to participate. Come alone or with a friend, wear comfortable clothes and bring an exploratory openness to the creative and healing activity of movement as medicine. A place where you are encouraged to get out of your own way and allow yourself to be surprised and fascinated with the gift of being embodied.
We will begin with a brief opening circle. Then, we will move into a free-form dance exploration guided by a dynamic and eclectic mix of music ranging from tribal beats, up-beat reggae, world fusion to electronic dance music.
No registration, drop in, suggested donation of $15 per person. However we understand that everyone's financial situation is different, we trust that you will pay what is aligned with your true current abundance.
"Dance is a way to find yourself and lose yourself at the same time" -Gabrielle Roth
No registration, drop-in with a $15 suggested donation.
Contact: 360-850-8494 amanda.debock@gmail.com
Nat Gilgien: Ballet, Contemporary Choreography
Chicago Native, the PNW became Nat’s second home in 2016 when she moved to Seattle. Recently settling in Astoria, her dream was to get back into the dance realm and share her love for it in the community.
Nat has been dancing pretty much since she could walk and professionally danced from the age of 6 to 19, as well as taught hip- hop, ballet and contemporary. Nat has experience in contemporary modern, ballet, pointe, jazz, hip-hop, and strength conditioning. She has danced for renowned studios in Chicago such as Joel Hall, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Visceral Dance Center, Gus Giordano Dance School, and Ruth Page Center for the Arts. Nat wants to create a safe space for all individuals where anyone can express themselves freely. Dance is her outlet to do so, and she wants to spread that amongst others too.
About Nat's Classes:
Intro to Contemporary Choreography
This will be a contemporary based class strictly doing choreography and some technical training for all levels. The class will be an hour long and each week we will learn new choreography to various music types. Students will learn to use movement to invoke the emotion they’re grasping from the choreo/ music and have the opportunity to be creative with improvisation.
There is no dress code, however, please wear clothing you’re comfortable moving and stretching in. Bare feet and or socks will be preferred footwear.
The costs for this class will be $20. I will be offering a monthly rate which will be $15.00 per class but registering for 4-weeks is required and payment of the 4-weeks will be taken at the time of registration.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED, register via email: communalgroundsvintage@gmail.com. I understand times are tough and if you like to attend a class and can't afford the cost, please reach out to me. We'll make it work!
I also offer private lessons, but I do have some requirements. Please call me at 630.492.9550 and or email at communalgroundsvintage@gmail.com to find out more about one-on-one offerings.
Contact: 630.492.9550 communalgroundsvintage@gmail.com
Julia Gingerich: Contemporary Modern
Julia attended the University of Arizona and then Western Oregon University where she graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance. She received much of her classical training with the School of Oregon Ballet Theatre from 2002-2006 and the Houston Ballet Academy. Julia has taught, choreographed and performed all across Oregon in Eugene, Portland, Corvallis, Hood River and now Astoria. She has taught all ages from tots to elders and in various avenues like dance studios, high schools, conferences and churches. Born to move, Julia has lifelong experience in many different forms of dance: Ballet, African, Modern, Musical Theatre, Jazz, Liturgical, Salsa, Swing, Irish and Baroque to name a few. Julia has traversed the plains of musical theatre and classical music with her experience as an actress and pianist. Recently, Julia has been the Dance Coordinator for a local fundraising event called Dancers Unite. Additionally, Julia is the founder of two former non-profit dance companies; The Spirit Moves Dance Company and Sparrow Dance Company. Julia has a passion for art outreach and she hopes all individuals find their avenues to be able to move. “Everyone can dance!” she says. “Each person has their own dance inside of them, they must only find their own way to express it!” It is with great excitement that she has come to the AAMC to create athletic, yet expressive, contemporary modern movement in the hopes to fill some movers’ souls.
Please note Julia is currently on break.
Contact: 503-502-3118 julia.gingerich@gmail.com
Jessamyn Grace West: Belly Dance, Belly Dance Choreography
Jessamyn began taking Egyptian Cabaret and Turkish style Belly Dance from Saqra and Aziza in 1994. After moving from a small town in Central Turkey to her hometown of Portland, Jessamyn relocated to Astoria in 2005 and founded the Astoria Arts and Movement Center in 2011. For Jessamyn, Belly Dance is a way of cultivating essence, honouring your passion and practicing self-reverence. Middle Eastern and Northern African music moves her tremendously, and she loves that Belly Dance is improvisational- allowing movement and the body to experience everything the music has to offer.
Jessamyn has also been an Equine Massage Therapist since 2005, has read Tarot since 1994, is the Executive director for the Astoria Downtown Historic District Association and is proud to have recently served as Astoria City Councilor for Ward 4.
Contact: info@astoriaartsandmovement.com 503-791-5657 www.jessamyngrace.com
Julie Kovatch: I.T.S. Belly Dance, Poi Spinning
I.T.S.- Improv Team Style Belly Dance: Julie's passion for expressive motion led her to belly dance and poi spinning. She is a certified Sigil School Improvisational Team Style (I.T.S.) instructor and teaches this dance style which is a modern, team-style approach to belly dance that is recognized worldwide. This energetic dance is all about dancing as a group, having fun and being actively engaged in the moment. Dance together anywhere to any music once you learn this dance language. I.T.S. classes are held Thursday evenings at 5:30 p.m.
Poi Spinning- Julie loves the balance of mind and body that spinning brings. It's a combination of physics and dance. Work with the laws of motion and use momentum and inertia to create beautiful movement and dance by spinning weights through the space around you. Private lessons and group workshops are available to learn poi spinning.
Contact: juliehrubes@hotmail.com 406-598-2378
Tia Larson: Kids Classes, Choreo for Teens & Adults
Tia grew up here in Astoria and has enjoyed teaching many genres of movement to all ages, babies to adults since 2004.
She loves the physical, creative and emotional release that movement provides. Her classes and choreography are intended to facilitate artistic expression and community connection at the same time.
Contact: 503-791-6466 tiana_marie84@yahoo.com
Tammy Loughran: Zumba
Dance has been part of my life since I was a girl. In middle school, I practiced tap dancing in the garage and at the bus stop, most likely amusing all the cars that passed by on my busy street. By the time I went to college, aerobics became a consistent form of exercise—good music, dancing and all the while burning calories and taking care of my body—what’s not to love about that!?! I have gone through every era of aerobics from Jane Fonda videos to Jazzercise to step aerobics finally bringing me to my all-time favorite of ZUMBA! Its great combination of the Latin music I have always loved, fun dance choreography and great fitness benefits pushed me to get certified as an instructor in 2016. I also recently received certification in ZUMBA Toning which combines all the great aspects of Zumba with the benefits of weight bearing exercise by incorporating light weights in the dances. I grew up in Portland, attend Willamette University for my undergraduate degree and Texas A&M for my master’s in communication. My husband and I own a business in Astoria, and we are happy and busy helping in our community where we can. I am very involved in my church, St. Mary, Star of the Sea as well as with the Astoria Parks, Recreation & Community Foundation. I have a great husband, 3 grown children, and one lovable dog.
Contact: 503-791-6303 theloughrans@charter.net
Mel: Bachata
Mel (they, them) is a native to the PNW, raised in the PDX area, dancing from one stage to the next in musical theater productions. Eventually teaching theater, they went on to continue pursuing dance and studied ballet, tap, swing, and contemporary before enrolling at a ballroom dance studio—they were offered a job teaching there on their second lesson.
Continuing to teach, perform, and compete, they fell in love with Latin styles, particularly Latin club styles. Moving on to teach independently and study dance in South America, they offer private lessons in salsa and bachata in Portland in addition to the Saturday Beginner Bachata class here at AAMC. Their dance specialty is sensual bachata, and their teaching specialty involves students who are new to the dance style or new to dance in general, using a holistic approach to demystify the music, steps, and history.
About Mel's Bachata Class:
This engaging class will help you develop a solid foundation for dancing bachata, an addictive style with origins in the Dominican Republic and further developing distinctive genres in New York and Spain. This is a beginner level course—absolutely no prior knowledge in bachata or any dance required! We'll learn the rhythm and body movement, begin to increase flexibility and Latin movement techniques, practice multiple variations of the basic steps, and understand what it means to lead and follow as we rotate partners throughout the class.
Classes are run as monthly units—at the beginning of every month, the very basics will be emphasized, and then material will progress and build upon material already covered. Every month will feature something new, and it is designed to be repeated. This solidifies your new skills and keeps adding new moves and techniques! Improvement takes time and repetition. You are more than welcome to drop in at any time of the month. Just please note that because of the layered structure, the first class of the month will be easier than the fourth class of the month if you have no experience.
You don't need to wear fancy shoes, but you will find that lightweight options that stay on your feet (versus workboots and flip flops) will prove most useful. Bring a water bottle and get ready to groove! Traditionally, the lead role is done by a man, and the follow role is done by a woman, but there are no gender roles in partner roles—pick whichever role you'd like!
No pre-registration is needed. $10 for 1 drop-in class or $35 for a 4 drop-in class pass. Please arrive 10 minutes early to register for your first class. Contact: Bailaconmigopdx@gmail.com
Estelle Olivares: Argentine Tango, Ballroom
Estelle found dance by way of the stage. She started performing at an early age and dance quickly became her muse of choice. Following her passion, she trained and performed in many forms, including ballet, tap, jazz, modern and ballroom dance; Argentine Tango is the dance closest to her heart. She has been studying Argentine Tango in Portland since the late 1990’s and has had the pleasure of working with several local and international tango dancers and performers.
Estelle is excited to bring her knowledge and passion of tango to Astoria! Her teaching style is fun and inviting, focusing on the concepts and culture of the dance. No experience is necessary for her classes and a partner is not required.
Contact: admin@healthfordance.com https://www.healthfordance.com/dance
Kim Postlewaite: Zumba Dance Fitness
Kim took her first Zumba class in 2012 and fell in love with the music, the energy, the fun dance combinations… but most of all the smiles of those around her. Zumba has changed her life and she enjoys sharing that joy with others. Kim received her Zumba certification from the lovely and talented, Gina Grant in October 2014 and is currently a member of ZIN. She started teaching in March 2015 and is excited to be a part of Astoria Arts & Movement Center sharing her love of dance and fitness. Kim values trying new things and getting out of her comfort zone as this keeps her happy and healthy; striving to be the best person she can be. The love of dance has been a lifelong passion. Currently Kim studies tap dance at the Maddox Dance Studio and has been performing for many years with the Main Street Tappers in the annual Tap Festival in addition to the Spring Recital. Kim leads a full life enjoying walks on the beach, clam digging, gardening, volunteering, traveling and spending precious time with family and friends. She lives in Gearhart with her husband Heinz; together they have four grown children Jonathon, Natalie, Alexandria and Mariah that all live in Oregon.
“Dance with your heart and your feet will follow…”
Contact: 503-440-2153 nccutting@msn.com
Abigail Rivas: Hip Hop
Born and raised in the heart of Los Angeles, California, Abby started to shape her love for dance 13 years ago. Throughout the years she has learned various chapters of dance, from Ballet to hip hop. The second she learned the history and culture of hip hop, she fell in love with it. Abby participated in many choreographer projects where she had the opportunity to learn what it takes to be a dance teacher, and that became her lifelong dream. She wants to bring diversity and culture, just like how Los Angeles introduced her to dance.
Hip Hop, every Friday from 4-5pm:
Class is open to all ages and any level of dance experience. My goal is to introduce hip hop culture and its movement.
Dress code is whatever you feel comfortable to move in. Note: It can be a highly intensive class for people sometimes, so bring your water bottle and please stay hydrated!
Class will be $10/ person. Please pay before class starts. If unable to pay, contact me and we can definitely work something out!
Options to pay:
- Cashapp- $xojess02
- Paypal- @abz57182
- Apple pay- (323) 395-4433
Contact: 323-395-4433 arivas0172@gmail.com
Joy Sigler: Zumba
When you listen to music do you imagine yourself creating beautiful movements to match the rhythm? If you answer yes, then you are not alone! I have been doing just that for as long as I can remember! The study and exploration of dance has been a part of my life from age 13 to the present. During regular studies in college I managed to always add Modern, Jazz, Modern Ballet and Dance History to my schedule. Currently I have added the study of Tap to my experiences and my husband, and I continue our twenty-year enjoyment of Ballroom Dance classes as our schedule allows. I taught Dance fitness from 1988-1992 and started teaching Zumba Fitness in 2013. Zumba Fitness is a safe a creative formula for fitness enthusiasts and lovers of dance! I am passionate about using world rhythms throughout the hour class and encouraging all participants to modify the choreography to fit their individual goals and inspiration.
I have a Bachelor's of Science degree from Oregon State University which includes course work in Food Science, Nutrition, Biology, Anatomy/ Physiology and Psychology. I enjoy being available to answer questions and to encourage class participants in pursuing all aspects of healthy living.
The Love of Movement is a love for life, EMBRACE IT!
Contact: 503-440-2547 joysiglerzumba@gmail.com
Rich Small: East/West Coast Swing, Latin, Ballroom, Country
Rich Small began his dance career in the early 1980’s in the Social Dance Club atmosphere. Rich and his Partner quickly rose to the top and became National Champions. As a member of the 159th Army Show Band, his music and dance talents were combined to choreograph and perform at USO type shows in San Luis Obispo and the Los Angeles’ Hollywood Palladium. Recognized as a leader in the dance industry, he was invited to be National Teaching Director for the CWDI Dance Organization, where he held that post for over 10 years.
Although Rich has focused on teaching social dance, he has taught and choreographed for numerous competition couples and dance teams, as well as his own performing team. Prior to retirement, Rich conducted dance workshops in New York, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Washington, Oregon and California. His dance business was centered in the San Francisco Bay area where he worked out of several studios including his own in Walnut Creek and Martinez, California. With an incredible work schedule teaching in and out of town he still found time to choreograph and perform at major dance events and social dance with his friends and students.
Since Retiring to Seaside, Oregon Rich has been teaching part time at the American Legion in Seaside and has volunteered at the Seaside High School teaching several semesters of dance classes and Choreography for the Seaside High School Drama and Choir Departments.
Humbled by the greatness of his mentors, he always quotes Fred Astaire who once said in an interview regarding his dance achievements…” I’m 72 years old and still learning how to dance!” His classes are designed to help you find the joy in dance!
Contact: 503-739-5995 or richiesmall@msn.com
Katelyn Smith: Heels
Born and raised in Southern California, Katelyn fell in love with the beauty of life on the Oregon Coast the moment she arrived. She was choreographing routines in her living room and with her friends long before ever setting foot in a dance studio. When she did join her local studio she only fell deeper in love with being a dancer and studied several genres; always wanting to expand her knowledge and further develop her skills. Katelyn believes the dance floor is for any and everyone and strives to create a welcoming environment where students can feel challenged, but encouraged and excited to try new things.
Contact: 971--601-5402 kay.smith829@gmail.com
Connor Swan: Salsa Fitness
Connor Swan was born and raised in Redlands, California, and thanks to the city’s admiration for stage performance, he immediately took to the arts as soon as he could. Dance has been a passion of Connor’s for many years, and he has several areas of expertise in the field, including choreography, drag performances, show choir, and musical theater. He has been a trained vocalist for the last 10 years, with a background in music theory, along with studying choral music and composition.
Contact: 971-286-8345 or connorswanmusic@gmail.com