"Fabulous "Cha Cha" Variations, with a little Blues Blending!
In this workshop, Ari will quickly review the Cha Cha basics, then introduce a variety of classic and modern combinations that you can blend with blues pulses and which will get you out dancing with the best of them! Perfect for both beginning dancers or for experienced dancers who want to focus on partnering and connection while learning a whole lot more about blending blues with cha cha! (Level: Non-Novice Beg, Int, or Adv (Some basic partner dance skills assumed)
3:00 - 5:30pm: "Getting Fancy with the "Foxtrot"
Ari will start by reviewing the basic footwork & foundations to this fluid and elegantly flowing dance, then quickly move on to some fun variations, as well as introduce how to effortlessly transition from one move to the next.
- 7:30-8:30: Int/Adv "Night Club 2-Step" Sensations: Learn a variety of fun, innovative combinations from Ari's library of moves and inventions; beautiful, flowing, and elegant as always. Ari first introduced NC2S to Seattle over 25 years ago, is known as one of the country's leading innovators in this style, and actively teaches this dance around the world. Perfect for int/adv level NC2S-ers. CLICK HERE to see an example of NC2S. (Level: Non-Novice Beg, Int/Adv: Basic NC2S Left & Right Turn steps and partnering skills assumed) All welcome - No partner needed.
- 8:15-9:15: "Swinging Outside The Box" - Setting Your Tootsies Free! Learn the art of "poly-rhythmic improvisation" and the use of alternate 4, 6, and 8-count rhythms in swing with this fun East Coast Swing based approach to dance that addresses the use of tight partnering, framework, lead/follow connection, and energy to break in and out of 6-count rhythms. Amazingly simple to do, yet so much fun! Perfect for both beginning dancers or for experienced dancers who want to focus on partnering and connection while learning a whole lot more about dancing outside the box. I do play a lot of wonderful swing-fusion & swing-blues when I DJ, so it's the perfect way to prepare for our 2nd & 4th Fabulous Friday Dances at Om Culture. (Level: Non-Novice Beg, Int, or Adv (Some basic partner dance skills assumed) All Welcome, No Partner needed
- 6:30-7:30pm: "Intro to Latin-Blues Blending"-- Fun Double-Pulse Salsa Variations! In this very unique class, you will not only learn some fun basic blues steps and stylings, but more significantly, it will introduce you to the core concept of "effortless dance" -- dancing entirely through energy, where both partners can ultimately lead, follow, and listen concurrently. These concepts will profoundly change the way you think about all of your dancing (not just blues). Not to be missed! Perfect for both beginning dancers or for more experienced dancers who want to work on fine-tuning their partnering, connection, and musicality skill, or who would like to try some role-reversal. This class is also a perfect introduction to the kind of dancing you can experience every 2nd & 4th Friday at Om Culture. (Level: Beg/Int) All welcome - No Partner Needed.
- 7:30-8:30: "East Coast Swing & Beyond!" - Transport yourself back to the wonderful mid century era of the 1940's-1960's by learning the most popular dances of that period - the upbeat fun East Coast Swing. We'll start by reviewing the basic footwork & foundations to the dance, then quickly move on to some fun variations, as well as introduce how to effortlessly transition from one move to another. Perfect for beg/int level dancers. Ideal to take in conjunction with the 7:30pm "Night Club 2-Step" class. (Level: Beg/Int) All welcome - No partner neede
- 7:30-8:30: "An Intro to West Coast Swing - Blues!" - Early WCS was originally based on blues music, movement, and connection, and as such, was an incredible way to learn how to add effortless improvisation and styling to your partnership. In this class, with a very unique approach to dance, you will not only learn the fundamentals of WCS, but more importantly, you'll come away with a much deeper understanding of the fundamental language of energy & flow in dance that can be applied to any style you do! Not to be missed! Ideal to take in conjunction with the 6:30pm "Night Club 2-Step" class since these dances are often done in the same venues. (Level: Beg/Int) All welcome - No partner needed)
- 8:30-9:30: "Intro to Country 2-Step (& Country Swing)" - Also known as the "Texas 2-Step", Country 2-Step in an enormously popular traveling dance done to fun, upbeat country songs that can also double as swing music when the floor gets crowded. The fun part is knowing how to navigate between both styles in the same tune. This class is the perfect introduction to Country 2-Step for social partner dancers, learning some fun, easy-to lead combinations that can be applied to both traveling and stationary movement. (Level: Beg/Int) All welcome - No partn
SCHEDULE
SATURDAY, April 29th, 2017
AFTERNOON WORKSHOPS
1) Noon - 2:30pm: "Fabulous "Cha Cha" Variations, with a little Blues Blending!
In this workshop, Ari will quickly review the Cha Cha basics, then introduce a variety of classic and modern combinations that you can blend with blues pulses and which will get you out dancing with the best of them! Perfect for both beginning dancers or for experienced dancers who want to focus on partnering and connection while learning a whole lot more about blending blues with cha cha! (Level: Non-Novice Beg, Int, or Adv (Some basic partner dance skills assumed)
2) 3:00 - 5:30pm: "Getting Fancy with the "Foxtrot"
Ari will start by reviewing the basic footwork & foundations to this fluid and elegantly flowing dance, then quickly move on to some fun variations, as well as introduce how to effortlessly transition from one move to the next.
EVENING DANCE & FUNDRAISER
7:00 - 8:00pm: Pre-dance lesson with Ari Levitt -- "Swing Your Socks Off!"
Ari will quickly review the basics, then learn some fabulous new East Coast Swing variations from Ari's repertoire of fun dance moves.
8:00 - 11:00pm: Ballroom Dance with the "Swing Fever Big Band"
Bring a finger food or appetizer to share if you would like to contribute.
LOCATION:
The Olympia Eagles Grand Ballroom, 805 4th Ave. E., Olympia, WA
COST:
WORKSHOPS: $25 for each 2 1/2 hour workshop (workshops include a half hour practice at the end). If you take both workshops the evening dance (with pre-dance lesson) is free.
DANCE: $10/person (or FREE if you took both workshops) . Everyone 18+ Welcome.
All Welcome, No Partner needed, No pre-registration required.
Cash or check at the door only.
QUESTIONS: Email: tunafishers2003@yahoo.com
4th Fridays
"Fabulous Variety Dance"
It's our "Best Of..." mixed music night at Om Culture. Enjoy beautiful mix of Swing, Fox, Waltz, Ballroom & Latin tunes, plus a healthy mix of other dance styles (wcs, nc2s, fusion, 1-step, etc). Ari teaches a wonderful all-levels dance class at 7:00 (FREE with dance admission), followed by a fabulous mix of music for your dancing pleasure.
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"LATE NIGHT FUSION SET"
Enjoy late night lyrical & micro-fusion after 10:00pm. So much fun!
Join our 2nd & 4th Friday
FREE Virtual "Zoom" Dances!
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/72191775201?pwd=NzhRYnkzRTZFOHdKOEpVMHUrYW0zQT09
ZOOM Dance Schedule for 2021
- Jan 6th (2nd Fri) LESSON: "Solo Styling, the Hawaiian Way!"
- Jan 20th (4th Fri) LESSON: "Swing Rhythm Breaks"
- Feb 12th (2nd Fri) *Valentine Party! LESSON: "Romantic Rhythms & Stylings"
- Feb 26th (4th Fri) LESSON: Solo Tango Spins
- Mar 12th (2nd Fri) LESSON: Learn how to do "The Camel Walk"
- Mar 26th (4th Fri) LESSON: A Few Fun Charleston Solo Variations
- Apr 9th (2nd Fri) LESSON: One-Pulse "Meringue" Variations and Steps
- Apr 23rd (4th Fri) LESSON: Some Clsssic Vernacular Blues Solo Stylingds
- May 14th (2nd Fri) LESSON: TBA
- May 28th (4th Fri) LESSON: TBA
- June 11th (2nd Fri) LESSON: TBA
- June 25th (4th Fri) LESSON: TBA
- July 9th (2nd Fri) *NO ZOOM DANCE TONIGHT*
- July 25th (4th Fri) *NO ZOOM DANCE TONIGHT*
- July 30th (5th Fri) LESSON: TBA
- Aug 13th (2nd Fri) *NO ZOOM DANCE TONIGHT*
- Aug 27th (4th Fri) *NO ZOOM DANCE TONIGHT*
- Sept 10th (2nd Fri) LESSON: TBA
- Sept 24th (4th Fri) LESSON: TBA
- Oct 8th (2nd Fri) LESSON: TBA
- Oct 22nd (4th Fri) LESSON: "Monster Mash"
- Oct 29th (5th Fri) LESSON: TBA
- Nov 12th (2nd Fri) LESSON: TBA
- Nov 26th (4th Fri) *Tentative* 1-4pm, Heber's Post-Thanksgiving Dance
- Dec 10th (2nd Fri) LESSON: TBA
- Dec 24th (4th Fri) *Holiday Party! LESSON: "Swing Rhythm Variations"
- Dec 30th (5th Fri) LESSON: TBA
The Dept of Health defines those most vulnerable (or at greatest risk) as:
- People 60 and older
- People with underlying health conditions including heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes
- People who have weakened immune systems
- People who are pregnant
The current recommendations are that people at higher risk of illness stay away from large group gatherings as much as possible, particularly if those gatherings include close contact with others. They further recommend the following common-sense advice:
- Stay home if you are sick, or have a chronic condition.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick or at high risk for spreading the virus.
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Get a flu shot if you haven't already.
The most important thing right now is for everyone to stay safe, to take care of each other, to prepare for events being cancelled or postponed, and to actively monitor the latest WHO, CDC, Canadian Public Health, and State Health Department recommendations.
We need to be especially vigilant about this because although we may not personally be in one of those high-risk categories mentioned above, there is a good chance that we will come into primary or secondary contact with others who are. Our Om Culture dances usually draw in a fairly large contingent of dancers and putting these dances on hold until further notice will hopefully help to keep ourselves, our community, our friends, and our loved ones that much the healthier and safer in the days to come.
So be safe out there. We look forward to starting up the Om Culture dances once the virus has run it’s course and the danger has passed, and we want to see you there as healthy and happy as ever! :)
Ari
UPCOMING "Live" DANCES for 2021:
[New Dates TBA once the lockdown is over]
UPCOMING DANCES for 2020:
- Jan 10th (2nd Fri) LESSON: "Latin-Blues"
- Jan 24th (4th Fri) LESSON: "Swing"
- Feb 14th (2nd Fri) *Valentine Party! LESSON: "Romantic Rumba"
- Feb 28th (4th Fri) NO LESSON; Dance starts at 8pm
- Mar 13th (2nd Fri) LESSON: Intro to "Boogie Woogie"
- Mar 27th (4th Fri) NO LESSON; Dance starts at 8pm
- Apr 10th (2nd Fri) LESSON: "Bachata"
- Apr 24th (4th Fri) LESSON: "Intro to Traveling Blues"
- May 8th (2nd Fri) *Waltz Fest NW Party! LESSON: "Waltz Basics"
- May 22nd (4th Fri) *NO DANCE TONIGHT due to Folklife Festival (come dance to Blues at the Armory!)
- May 29th (5th Fri) LESSON: "Swing"
- June 12th (2nd Fri) LESSON: "Night Club 2-Step"
- June 26th (4th Fri) LESSON: "Summer Blues"
- July 10th (2nd Fri) LESSON: "Cha Cha"
- July 26th (4th Fri) LESSON: "Bachata"
- July 31st (5th Fri) LESSON: "Swing"
- Aug 14th (2nd Fri) LESSON: "Country 2-Step"
- Aug 28th (4th Fri) LESSON: "Night Club 2-Step"
- Sept 11th (2nd Fri) LESSON: "Waltz"
- Sept 25th (4th Fri) LESSON: "Night Club 2-Step"
- Oct 9th (2nd Fri) LESSON: "Blues"
- Oct 23th (4th Fri) *Black Cat Halloween Ball! LESSON: "Monster Mash" 7:30 Wine & Cheese, bring finger food to share!
- Oct 30th (5th Fri, tentative) LESSON: "Swing"
- Nov 13th (2nd Fri) LESSON: Tango-Fusion
- Nov 27th (4th Fri) 1-4pm, Heber's Post-Thanksgiving Potluck and Dance (bring yummy food!). No evening dance that night
- Dec 11th (2nd Fri) LESSON: "Connection Skills"
- Dec 25th (4th Fri) *Holiday Party! LESSON: "Swing"
SEATTLE CLASSES
We have great things in store for you!
PLEASE NOTE:
All classes and workshops are on hold during the coronavirus outbreak. Once the quarantine is lifted, if you would like Ari to come to your community to put on a workshop, feel free to get in touch using the CONTACT US page here.
Ari will also be scheduling special one-off workshops in Seattle and will keep you posted via this website, email, and FB. To get onto Ari's email list, please sign up on the CONTACT US page.
Workshop Schedule
(See Times, Location, and Cost above)
Sun, Dec 19, 2021 (10am to 12pm):
"Fantastic Cross-Step Waltz Innovations" (for Int/Adv Dancers)
Add such original steps as the "Seat Belt", the "Neck Strap", the "Double Dutch", the "Copa Catch", and the "Maypole" to your cross-step repertoire! Perfect for int/adv level waltzers. It's our first full workshop after more than a year of no classes, and also the perfect way to brush up your repertoire and prepare for our Fabulous Friday & Sunday dances at Om Culture.
Level: Non-Novice Beg, Int, or Adv (Some basic waltz and partnering skills assumed)
No Partner needed
Sun, Jan 2, 2022 (10am to 12pm):
"The Art of "Freestyle" West Coast Swing!"
West Coast Swing is not only one of the smoothest, sexiest, an funnest forms of swing dance on the scene today, but is hugely popular in Seattle, across the country, and growing strong. If you've never done WCS, this is definitely the class for you! If you've never taken one of Ari's "free-style" WCS classes, you don't want to miss this!
Using Ari's very unique approach to understanding effortless partnered movement, and borrowing from "Fusion" techniques, you will not only learn a whole different approach to WCS that will have you free styling in no time at all, but more importantly, you'll come away with a much deeper understanding of the fundamental language of energy & flow in dance that can be applied to any style you do! Not to be missed!
Level: All welcome - No partner needed
Sun, Jan 16, 2022 (10am to 12pm):
"Hot Blues for Cold Winter Nights!"
Put the cool in your steps with these fun, higher-energy, walking blues variations. Learn to dance to more up-tempo blues music, blending the art of effortless "energy-based" connection with floor movement and styling. This class will also introduce elements of Tango-Blues blending -- a very beautiful free-style, smooth and relaxed dance form that combine the best spects of tango, bachata, and blues. Amazingly simple to do, yet so much fun! Perfect for both beginning dancers or for experienced dancers who want to focus on partnering and connection while learning a whole lot more about dancing blues outside the box.
Level: Non-Novice Beg, Int, or Adv (Some basic partner dance skills assumed)
No Partner needed
All Welcome, No Partner needed, No pre-registration required.
Cash or check at the door only.
Two-Week Tuesday Balboa Intensive
2 TUESDAY's: (Dec 28th, Jan 4th) four hours of class
All classes are held at Ari's Home/Studio (Must pre-register for directions)
PLEASE NOTE: Due to snow and hazardous driving conditions, the Tues, Dec 28th class has been cancelled. We will make Jan 4th class a one time workshop. See you there! (Posted 12/27/21)
- 7:00-9:00pm:
"Beginning Balboa Intensive" - The perfect starter kit that covers all of the Balboa essentials (and a great way to get you prepped for the January & February balboa class series!).
- Balboa is a delightful partnered swing dance from the 1920's & 30's, typically done to faster swing music, rags, and Charleston's. Put a new "zip" & "pop" into your swing by adding some simple, fun, balboa steps and combos to your repertoire -- It's the perfect way to push the envelope into new swing territory and to learn to dance quietly & effortlessly to fast swing or jazz music! Perfect for beginners and for folks who have had some Balboa in the past but would like to brush up! CLICK HERE to see an example of Pure-Bal.
- Level: Non-Novice Beginner (some basic East Coast Swing and partner skills assumed). Also perfect for intermediate and/or advanced dancers who would like to review the basics. No partner needed
- 9:00-9:30pm: Guided Practice for class participants
January 2022 Three-Week Balboa & Tango Intensives
All classes are held at Ari's Home/Studio (Must pre-register for directions)
3 TUESDAY's: (Jan 11th, 18th, 25th) six hours of class
- 7:00-9:10pm:
"THE ART of BAL-SWING" - When the original "pure" Balboa of the 1920's & 30's met up with Lindy, Shag, and Swing of the 1940's & 50's, a new dance form was created called "Bal-Swing" that added more complex flourishes and swing out moves to the Balboa mix. One of the funnest dance forms there is today, Bal-Swing contains moves that can be applied to almost any dance form you do, including WCS, NC2S, Foxtrot, Waltz, and Tango. CLICK HERE to see an example of Bal-Swing.
(*Don't be intimidated by the dancing. All of those dancers started with classes like this one!).
Level: Non-Novice, some basic Balboa, East Coast Swing, & partnering skills assumed. No partner needed)
- 9:00-9:30pm: Guided Practice for class participants
- 7:00-9:10pm: "Tango'd Up in Blues" - Tango is one of the most popular dance forms being done in Seattle today. For folks who have a little Swing, WCS, Blues, Ballroom, or Fusion under their belts, and would like to take their dance to a whole new level by incorporating some fun Tango combos into the mix, this is the perfect class for you! Learn how to garnish and embellish your other dance styles by seamlessly adding a few beautiful Tango moves into the repertoire! (No tango or blues experience necessary).
- (Level: Non-Novice;
some basic social dance & partnering skills assumed. No tango experience needed. No partner needed)
- 9:00-9:30pm: Guided Practice for class participants
FEBRUARY
Three-Week Balboa & Tango Intensives
All classes are held at Ari's Home/Studio (Must pre-register for directions)
3 TUESDAY's: (Feb 1st, 8th, 15th) six hours of class
- 7:00-9:10pm:
"Bigger Better BAL-SWING VARIATONS" - For folks who are comfortable with the balboa basics, come and learn some great new bal-swing combos that will put the "wow" in your step, and elicit more than a few "oohs" or "aahs" from those watching on the edge. While this is the perfect continuation class for those in the January "Bal-Swing" session, you do NOT have to have taken that series to join. We will be learning a wide variety of new material for all involved.
to see an example of Bal-Swing.
(*Don't be intimidated by the dancing. All of those dancers started with classes like this one!).
Level: Non-Novice, some basic Balboa, East Coast Swing, & partnering skills assumed. No partner needed)
- 9:00-9:30pm: Guided Practice for class participants
- 7:00-9:10pm: "Fun with TANGO FUSION: - For folks who have a little Swing, Blues, Latin, Fusion, or Ballroom under their belts and would like to take their dance into new territory by incorporating some fun Tango movement into the mix, this is the perfect class for you! In the first hour, we'll start small, and in the second hour we'll work our way to big! While this is the perfect continuation class for those in the January "Tango" session, you do NOT have to have taken that series to join. It's the perfect way to build confidence and push the envelope into new music and dance territory, all the while gaining insight into innovative and playful ways to solo and partner!
- (Level: Non-Novice;
some basic social dance & partnering skills assumed. No partner needed)
- 9:00-9:30pm: Guided Practice for class participants
LOGISTICS
- 6:45pm: Doors open, warm-up and stretch
- 7:00-9:00pm: Class
- 9:00-9:30pm: Guided Practica
LOCATION:
- Ari's Home Studio. You must pre-register online to get the address. Ari's home studio is located in the Eastlake neighborhood of Seattle, just off of I-5 at the I-5 & 520 intersection
Class sizes are limited to 6 leads and 6 follows, so register soon!Vax + Mask only (please bring proof of vaccine to the first class)
COST:
2-WEEK DECEMBER SESSION (4+ hr's of instruction):
- Both Classes (4+ hrs of instruction @ $12.50/hr) = $50 (SAVE $10)
- 1st Class ONLY (2 hrs of instruction @ $15/hr) = $30 (space available only)
3-WEEK JANUARY SESSION (6+ hr's of instruction):
- All Three Classes ( 6+ hrs of instruction @ $11.50/hr) = $70 (SAVE $20)
- 1st Class ONLY (2 hrs of instruction @ $15/hr) = $30 (space available only)
- 1st & 2nd Class ONLY (4+ hrs of instruction @ $12.50/hr) = $50 (space available only, SAVE $10)
- STUDENTS (under age 25):
- $35 per 2-wk class series (SAVE $25)
- $55 per 3-wk class series (SAVE $35)
TO REGISTER & PAY: Click on the "Registration" button in the menu on the top left side of this page to go to the Registration Page. If you are signing up for the "role reversal" option, please register for the role you would like to dance in the class.
Payment can be made from the Payment page using PayPal or a credit card, or by check sent by mail, or paid at the door just before the first class. Payment by check will help you to avoid the additional online PayPal surcharge.
Class size is limited, so register early!
CLICK HERE to go to the Registration Page