Morningside DanceWorX

with Jamie Chen

This class invites Teachers College students with prior ballet experience to rediscover the beauty of classical ballet while strengthening technique, musicality, and artistic confidence. In a welcoming and supportive studio environment, students will build on foundational skills through progressive barre, center, and across-the-floor work, with an emphasis on efficient movement, musicality, coordination, and artistic expression.

Each class blends technical training with artistry, encouraging students to move with greater precision, confidence, and joy. Through individualized feedback and guided practice, students will deepen their understanding of ballet vocabulary, refine movement quality, and develop sustainable movement habits that support lifelong dance practice.

Whether students are returning to ballet after time away or continuing their training, this course provides an opportunity to challenge themselves, reconnect with movement, and experience the artistry and discipline that make ballet a timeless and rewarding practice.

with Eto'o Tsana

This class explores the dynamic possibilities of contemporary movement rooted in African and Afro-diasporic traditions. Through rigorous investigation of flow, spatial elements, and rhythmic syncopation, students will develop a nuanced vocabulary that honors ancestral movement principles while engaging Western contemporary movement qualities. The class centers embodied learning, inviting students to discover how African diaspora frameworks fuel innovative, expressive work. Dancers will build strength, musicality, and creative confidence as they investigate the richness of African-rooted movement as a living, evolving practice.

with Hayoun Chun

 "Ballet 101" is designed for adult learners who are new to ballet or at a beginner level. Learners of all ages and genders are welcome, and no previous experience is required. In this course, participants will learn the essential components of ballet, including basic postures, movements, spatial directions, and rhythm. The foundational skills from this class will help learners progress to intermediate ballet class or explore other forms of dance.
This class is based on the Vaganova Ballet Method, a renowned Russian ballet training system, and incorporates anatomical explanations of body structure to provide a comprehensive, safe, and supportive approach to learning ballet. It embraces a diversity of body types, movement abilities, and experiences, ensuring that each individual's needs are met.
 Each class consists of three main components: floor exercises, barre work, and center work. During floor exercises, learners will focus on building strength and flexibility. At the barre, they will work on improving body alignment and posture while learning basic ballet movements. In the center, they will apply variations of basic movements and enhance their spatial awareness and musicality. By the end of the semester, learners will have developed a well-conditioned body and strong ballet foundations, which will not only benefit their ballet practice but also be applicable to other physical activities and daily life. Ballet 101 will empower each learner to continue their dance journey with confidence and a sense of accomplishment.

with Hayoun Chun

"Ballet 102" is designed for adult learners who already know the basics of ballet or have taken “Ballet 101.”  In this class, they will practice using one hand at the barre and dive deeper into center steps, including basic turns and jumps.

While the class structure is similar to "Ballet 101" by including floor exercises (15-20 mins), barre work (40-45 mins), and center work (25-35 mins), this level places a much greater emphasis on the center. Shifting the focus toward center work will naturally build greater core stability, balance, spatial awareness, and confidence to dance freely. The class also offers the opportunity to string basic steps together into longer, fluid combinations, allowing learners to experience a deeper sense of artistic expression and musicality.

To support this artistic growth, the class continues to follow the renowned Vaganova Ballet Method, integrating anatomical and kinesiological principles to offer a safe, supportive, and comprehensive approach to learning ballet techniques. We continue to warmly embrace diverse backgrounds and abilities, ensuring that every individual's growing needs are met. Through this approach, learners will be fully prepared and empowered to advance their dance journey. 

with Kellyn Mylechreest

Ballet Bites is an open-level ballet technique class for students of all backgrounds and abilities. Following the structure of a classical ballet class with a barre and center combinations introducing jumps and turns, this class invites students to taste the flavors of Ballet in a warm and welcoming environment.

with Alaina Wilson

The Ballet Technique Laboratory offers a noncompetitive, nonjudgmental environment where dancers of diverse identities, experiences, and technical backgrounds can engage with ballet in a way that is responsive to their individual goals, inquiries, and needs. The class will be gender-neutral, allowing students to experience ballet outside of prescribed gender roles, encouraging them to explore and express themselves freely and authentically.

with Nimisha Mahiyaria

This class is designed for both beginner and intermediate level students eager to explore Bharatanatyam Dance, a traditional Indian Classical Dance from Tamil Nadu. The class aims to teach students the fundamentals of Bharatanatyam combining history, terminology, technique and storytelling for the purpose of helping students create and share their own embodied dance stories. At the beginning of the semester classes will entail a short lecture, a traditional Bharatanatyam warm-up that will include rhythmic footwork, mudras (hand gestures) and abhinaya (facial expressions & eye movements) followed by learning short traditional Bharatanatyam dances. Once students gain familiarity with the technique they will have the opportunity to develop their own choreographies in the form of a solo, a duet or group choreography inspired by what they studied in class thus far. At the end of the semester students will share their Bharatanatyam stories and engage in reflective peer-discussions to collaboratively learn each student’s approach to choreographing a Bharatanatyam dance based on their unique understanding and relationship to Bharatanatyam.

with Jen Draghi

This session will be a fun and upbeat dance class for any level student who loves Broadway styles of dance. Dancers will leave with their heart beating, feeling connected to their physical body, and embracing their new class community. Whether you're a seasoned dancer, someone returning to dance class, or just someone who wants to have a full-bodied joyful experience, this class is for you!

with Kellyn Mylechreest

In this class, we will explore the dynamic fusion of contemporary dance with jazz funk and hip-hop  -inspired choreography. Geared toward dancers with some experience in the studio, this class is open to any moving body who is looking for an opportunity to release some tension in a groovy, supportive, and high-energy environment! We will dive into fun movement that explores space, embodied rhythm, flow, and timing to some of today’s most popular hits.

with Monica Silva

In this class, you will explore movement in a way that honors your body’s experience and wisdom while discovering creative tools for self-expression and dance-making.

The class is designed to help you recognize and embrace the expressive potential of your body by listening to it, moving with awareness, and connecting with others and the environment.

Together, we will expand our movement possibilities in a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive space where all abilities and backgrounds are valued.

with Diane Tomasi

This class is a unique blend of improvised and contemporary movement that incorporates and explores basic foundational inverted and partnering skills. Students will use skills learned to encourage safe movement practices and to develop palettes for choreographic and creative choice. Students will work alone and with peers to create movement, teach movement, and will be invited to share their creations in front of peers and to reflect constructively on what they see from their community, and their experiences inside of the work.

with Eto'o Tsana

KongoBeats is a core-centered, hip rhythmic, high energy, uplifting, and culturally rich Kongolese Mbongi (Village) class that focuses on both traditional and urban dance styles from the HEART of Africa; The Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Republic of the Congo. This experience encompasses the base of the past to understand the now, the present, and the future through the sounds of traditional Ngoma's (drums), Ndombolo, Soukouss, and fusion Congo-beats. This class is a brave and free space for individuals to connect with themselves, others, their embodied movement vocabulary, build meaningful connections through central African dance. We'll prioritize self-care through self-expression, explore the meaning of (re) imagining cultural preservation, and through mind, body, voice, and empathy, build community. Whether a seasoned dancer or a novice to the style, all populations are invited.

with Kellyn Mylechreest

Looking to destress? This class offers a holistic exploration of movement through the integration of modern dance techniques, yoga-inspired practices, and relaxation methodologies. Geared towards beginner movers, this class invites you to discover the joy and stress-relieving benefits of expressive movement while connecting to your inner self and others through movement.

with Nimisha Mahiyaria

This class is designed for beginner and intermediate dance students who are eager to explore the foundational principles of modern dance. Students will experience a variety of movement exercises that emphasize the natural flow of energy through the body, focusing on the concepts of gravity, suspension, and release, and explore how these techniques can support emotional expression within movement.

with Jen Draghi

Tap into your inner rhythm! This class begins with a short warm-up to loosen up the body for fabulous footwork, followed by targeted drills to enhance your speed and clarity. By incorporating terminology and history, this class offers a deep dive into the true essence of tap. It’s also a unique opportunity to explore your personal learning style—whether you connect through visual cues, audible rhythms, or mathematical patterns. Come find out what clicks for you and experience a dance form where you are both the dancer and the musician.

with Eto'o Tsana

In this class, participants will learn foundational steps and rhythms of Caribbean and Latinx dance forms while building physical coordination and musicality and fostering cross-cultural connections through shared movement experiences in a supportive community atmosphere. 

Registration Procedure:
● All classes are for adults ages 18+
● Participants must hold a Teachers College, Barnard, or Columbia University ID or be an Arnhold Institute partner. Guests outside of the TCCU community will need prior approval to register. Email Kellyn at MorningsideDanceWorX@tc.columbia.edu to learn more. 
● Once the online registration form goes live, it is on a first-come, first-serve basis.
● Registrants may select more than one Class Series for which to register.
● Instructions for payment submission will be sent once your registration is confirmed.
● Please note that completing the online registration form does not guarantee you a spot in a Class Series. You must submit your payment by the deadline in order to keep your spot(s). If you fail to submit your payment by the deadline given, you will be automatically dropped from the Class Series.

Cost:

The cost breakdown per dance class is $15. Classes during Fall 2026 are offered in 4-week sessions with full registration fees ($60) due before the first class of the session. We are excited to offer our community dance classes at a below-market cost while ensuring our professional dance artists/instructors are compensated fairly! We are occasionally able offer drop-in classes, so join our email list for updates and new offerings. 

Late Registration:

If you missed our registration deadline, you may be able to join the remaining weeks of a Class Session for a prorated fee, subject to instructor discretion. Please email Kellyn at MorningsideDanceWorX@tc.columbia.edu to request more information. 

Dance Studio Policies and Requirements:

Please review our Dance Studio Policies.

Payment:

Instructions for payment submission will be sent by our Morningside DanceWorX Program Coordinator once your registration is confirmed. Payment is due by the registration deadline.

Registration fees go directly toward instructor salaries. Our payment policies are in place to ensure each class meets the minimum enrollment necessary to pay our doctoral student instructors fairly and on time. 

If a course is under-enrolled, it is subject to cancellation. Registrants will be offered a full refund or the option to join another class series during the same semester only. 

Attendance:

Dancers are responsible for attending all classes within each class series. If the student knows in advance that they will not be able to attend class, please email Kellyn at MorningsideDanceWorX@tc.columbia.edu to inform your instructor of your absence. There are no refunds for missed classes.
In the case of a class being canceled due to inclement weather or an instructor’s illness, makeup classes may be held.

Refunds:

Requests for refunds must be made in writing to Kellyn at MorningsideDanceWorX@tc.columbia.edu before registration closes. Refund requests received after the start of the Class Series will not be approved and processed. In addition, there are no refunds for individually missed classes.

Accessibility:

Accessibility accommodation requests can be made upon registration confirmation. The Arnhold Dance Education Research Studios have an ADA lift available for use.

Questions?

Email Kellyn at MorningsideDanceWorX@tc.columbia.edu