Dance in Flight swarmed the Smothers Theatre stage on Feb. 5 presenting an eclectic mix of ballet lyrical dances and a Tae Kwon Do-infused routine. While some individuals may only dream of one day also taking the stage others find themselves inspired to jump out of their seats and start moving to the music.
Luckily they do not need to move far. In addition to the popular group exercise classes offered through Campus Recreation students may also participate in three different instructional courses: ballet Salsa and Tae Kwon Do. So far only 30 students are enrolled in these classes.
According to Ember Strand coordinator of fitness programs for Campus Recreation unlike group exercise classes instructional courses focus on the development of a skills-set over a period of time.
Francesca Smith Salsa instructor said the instructional courses have more of an “arc” or learning curve.
“That means that we try to learn new things each week that we’ll build on what we’ve done previously wrote Smith in an e-mail. This is different from a class like spinning or yoga where you can just drop in for a week or two and expect to get pretty much the same experience every time.”
Ballet according to the Campus Recreation Web site is perfect for those seeking to keep in shape. The course aims to help individuals hone their ballet technique and learn new skills while receiving a great workout.
Rebecca Witjas who teaches the ballet course danced professionally in New York City with the New York Dance Quintet and Facets Dance Company. She has now taught ballet and modern dance at Pepperdine for seven years.
Though ballet encourages prior experience both Salsa and Tae Kwon Do welcome individuals of all levels. Tae Kwon Do taught by junior Michael Martin is a mix of tough physical activity and mental training. Martin who has a black belt in Tae Kwon Do also choreographed Dance in Flight’s “The Warrior Within.”
Salsa according to Smith who has danced for approximately nine years considers the dance form more than just exercise. “It’s a social event that helps you meet new people and have a lot of fun she wrote in an e-mail. Salsa is one of the most popular types of music (and dance) that you’ll hear when you go out so you’d be surprised at how easy it is to take what you’ve learned in my class and go out on the town with your friends.” Perhaps these classes are just what Pepperdine students with two left feet need to regain the courage to get back on the clubbing scene.
“Many other universities offer instructional courses and as Campus Recreation grows we continually try to meet the industry standards Strand said. Also many instructors of these courses come to us and ask to teach a class.”
Overall Strand said that instructional courses benefit individuals by offering professional instruction at an affordable price.
“Campus Recreation encourages all of their programs to expand Strands said. We are also open to offering any and all courses requested by the student body.”
All courses meet in the Ralphs-Straus Tennis Pavilion and cost $75 per semester or $10 per class.