DANCEVERSITY SUMMER PROGRAM FAQs
How do you choose your instructors?
Our faculty is chosen primarily by their exemplary status in the community as experts in their form. Most of the DanceVersity teachers run their own programs and are professional performers. We also favor instructors who are from the cultures and traditions they practice. All of our instructors are passionate about their art form and sharing it with young people.
How do you address multiple ages and levels in a class?
Participants are divided into two groups by age and are taught separately in adjoining rooms. Our faculty is experienced with addressing the needs of multiple skill levels and ages. Because many of the dances taught are folk dances and are accessible to beginners, students find they are in a learning environment that is supportive of various levels of ability and experience. DanceVersity values community rather than competition, and all classes are approached in the spirit of fun and discovery. Also, many parents have remarked that a strength of our program is indeed the mixing of ages, creating a unique and inclusive learning environment.
Why do you have a “Boy’s Week”?
In our culture boys learn early on that dancing is something girls do, however in other parts of the world that is not the case. Identifying a need for boys to have a place to explore dance, we take advantage of our culturally diverse faculty to offer a week’s programming that emphasizes male styles of dance. As always, girls and boys are welcome to participate any week, but we encourage boys to come week 3 so they can enjoy the camaraderie of males. *Please note that this is an experimental program and we do not claim there will be predominately boys registered, but we do our best to structure the week with classes that would appeal to them.
What is the intention of DanceVersity?
The DanceVersity program serves as an introduction to dance from a global perspective, valuable to both the beginning and the experienced dancer. Each instructor brings a unique cultural perspective to the learning environment, offering an opportunity for children to develop skills in cross-cultural awareness and communication, as well as flexibility and adaptability to new experiences. In addition to supporting physical fitness, self esteem, and an appreciation of the arts, we seek to nurture global citizens with open and curious minds, and hold that as being of equal importance to the actual technique learned.
My child only likes certain kinds of dance. Why can’t we pick which classes to take?
Because our program emphasizes nurturing an open and flexible mind and fostering a willingness to participate in new experiences we encourage all students to take advantage of this unique opportunity and try all dance styles offered rather than picking and choosing what is familiar or comfortable. For this reason, we typically do not reveal the schedule until the first Monday of each week. (Plus, surprises are fun!)
What should my child bring?
-Lunch, snacks, drinks (though there is a water fountain)
-Comfortable clothes for dancing, such as leggings or shorts and a tank top
-If you have them, hard-soled (non-rubber) shoes that will stay securely on feet for flamenco class. (Please do not invest in expensive shoes they will grow out of!)
-Sneakers for bhangra and hip-hop (no flip-flops)
-Black leggings or shorts and a solid-colored shirt with no writing on it for the Friday afternoon performance
*Please note that while most of the classes are traditionally done barefoot, you may prefer to have your child wear something on their feet throughout the day. If so, jazz shoes, ballet slippers, or dance sneakers are an option. (No socks.) Discount dancewear and shoes can be found at this online store: http://www.dancefactoryoutlet.com. You can also try SF Dancewear on College in Oakland.
How is a typical day at camp structured?
Most mornings will begin with a warm-up class based on yoga, modern, jazz, or creative movement technique, followed by two dance classes. During the lunch break (12-1pm) students will have time to relax, play games, or read. Some activities will be provided for their enjoyment, and many choose to practice their routines at that time for the Friday performance. Please note that students will remain in the Ashkenaz building at all times unless permission has been granted from a parent or guardian that they are allowed to go to a nearby restaurant to purchase their lunch. After lunch there will be three more dance classes. Occasionally there may be a video showing, or time to do structured games or art. Students are encouraged to save their snack breaks for between classes, which are 55 minutes long.
When is the Friday afternoon performance?
Each Friday of camp families, friends, and other guests will be treated to a delightful showing of many of the dances the students learned during the week. Please arrive by 2:45, as the show starts promptly at 3pm and lasts about an hour. View a montage of past Friday showcases
Do you have discounted rates?
There is a discount for siblings and multiple week registrations. In addition, if finances are preventing your child from attending, please contact Hannah.
Who do I contact if there is an emergency or I need to reach my child?
Hannah at 415-794-7463
Where is the program located?
Ashkenaz Music and Dance Community Center 1317 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley
How do I register?
REGISTER HERE and pay via PayPal or send a check (made out to DanceVersity)
to PO Box 2404 San Anselmo CA 94979.
