A creative, safe, and non-competitive dance environment for all ages, the Northfield Arts Guild Dance Program offers classes at progressing levels in ballet, tap, jazz, and modern dance. These foundational classes are supplemented by classes in Mexican folkloric dance, as well as introductory classes for young children and a sampler class (Just Dancin') that encourages experimentation with a variety of dance forms.
Our fall dance classes begin the week of September 14. Call 507-645-8877 to register.
Come visit our new dance studio in the upper level of the Center for the Arts . . . this new space will inspire dancers with height and light!
Fall Listing of Dance Classes
Ballet
Rooted in classical French traditions, ballet is the study of an art form
that builds discipline, strength, elegance, and grace.
Ballet 1
Age:
for ages 7 and older
Teacher: Shari Setchell
Day & Time: Monday, 4:00 - 5:00 pm
Fee:
$45m / $50nm per 4 week session
Ballet 2
Age:
for ages 9 and older
Teacher: Shari Setchell
Day & Time: Monday, 5:00 - 6:15 pm
Fee:
$57m / $63nm per 4 week session
Ballet 3
Age:
for ages 11 and older
Teacher: Charisse Ponder
Day & Time: Tuesday, 5:30 - 6:45 pm
Fee:
$57m / $63nm per 4 week session
Ballet 4
Age:
for ages 13 and older
Teacher: Kristin Ostebee
Day & Time: Wednesday, 4:15 - 5:30 pm
(this is the corrected time)
(this is the corrected time)
Fee:
$57m / $63nm per 4 week session
Ballet 4-5
Age:
for ages 13 and older
Pre-pointe, working into introductory pointe toward the end of the year.
Teacher: Charisse Ponder
Day & Time: Tuesday, 6:45 - 8:15 pm
Fee:
$68m / $75nm per 4 week session
Teen/Adult Ballet
Age:
for ages 13 and older
For beginning and intermediate level dancers.
Teacher: Shari Setchell
Day & Time: Monday, 6:15 - 7:30 pm
Fee:
$57m / $63nm per 4 week session
Ballet Pointe
The study of point work is begun only after a student has acquired proper placement and a considerable amount of strength on the demi-pointe. In beginner point classes, point work can be introduced with approximately ten minutes en pointe at the end of class. As students reach the intermediate level, their feet can tolerate longer periods of point work and they can begin the study of all movements en pointe. At the advanced level, point class is an intensive session in which excepts from female variations from the classical repertoire are studied. The ultimate goal of dancing en pointe is to make it seem effortless.
Ballet 5 Pointe
Age:
for ages 15 and older
Teacher: Kristin Ostebee
Day & Time: Wednesday, 5:30 - 7:00 pm
(this is the corrected time)
(this is the corrected time)
Fee:
$68m / $75nm per 4 week session
Modern Dance
Modern dance is an art form using its own unique technique, at times drawing from ballet, and often incorporating stretches and other work on the floor. Modern 1 & 2
Age:
for ages 6 and older
Teacher: Ann Mosey
Day & Time: Tuesdays, 3:45 - 4:30 pm
Fee:
$34m / $38nm per 4 week session
Modern 3
Age:
for ages 12 and older
Teacher: Kristin Ostebee
Day & Time: Wednesdays, 7:00 - 8:15 pm
(this is the corrected time)
(this is the corrected time)
Fee:
$57m / $63nm per 4 week session
Tap Dance
Tap classes are a discovery of the natural inclination to tap the foot with familiar rhythmic motion. Tap focuses on the organization of rhythm, proper weight shift, and fun!
Tap 1
Age:
for ages 6 and older
Teacher: Jessica Page
Day & Time:
Thursdays, 4:00 - 5:00 pm
Fee:
$45m / $50nm per 4 week session
Tap 2
Age:
for ages 8 and older
Teacher: Jessica Page
Day & Time:
Thursdays, 5:00 - 6:00 pm;
Fee:
$45m / $50nm per 4 week session
Tap 3
Age:
for ages 12+
All advanced Repertoire classes will have additional performances during the year.
Teacher: Charisse Ponder
Day & Time:
Thursdays, 8:15 - 9:15 pm
Fee:
$45m / $50nm per 4 week session
See also Tap Dancing, a senior center collaborative class.
Jazz Dance
Jazz is a free, open dance form, which mixes the techniques of ballet or modern dance with the rhythmic quality of tap. Some previous dance study is required.
Jazz 1
Age:
for ages 8+ with previous dance experience
Teacher: Charisse Ponder
Day & Time: Thursday, 6:00 - 7:00 pm
Fee:
$45m / $50nm per 4 week session
Jazz 2
Age:
for ages 11 - adult
Teacher: Charisse Ponder
Day & Time: Thursday, 7:00 - 8:15 pm
Fee:
$57m / $63nm per 4 week session
Mexican Folkloric
This class teaches traditional Mexican dances with sharp rhythmic patterns on high heeled shoes, with interesting visual patterns made with colorful flowing skirts. This class is taught in Spanish!
Mexican Folkloric Dance 1
Age:
ages 5 and older
Teacher: Staff
Day & Time: Saturdays, 9:30 - 10:15 am
Fee:
$34m / $38nm per 4 week session
Mexican Folkloric Dance 2
Age:
ages 7 and older
Teacher: Staff
Day & Time: Saturdays, 10:15 - 11:00 am
Fee:
$34m / $38nm per 4 week session
Mexican Folkloric Dance 3
Age:
ages 10 and older
Teacher: Staff
Day & Time: Saturdays, 11:00 am - noon
Fee:
$45m / $50nm per 4 week session
Other Dance Forms
Homeschool Dance & Music
Age:
for ages 8 and older
From Bulgaria to Beijing and Machaut to Mozart, students will learn folkdances and hear music from around the world! Plus everyone learns to play the recorder. Folkdancing explores movements that form the basis of many kinds of dance, as well as reinforcing coordination and motor skills. Studying the recorder teaches the essential concepts of melody, rhythm, and ensemble, and prepares the student for other instruments (or advanced study of the recorder!). Having music and dance together in one class provides an uncommon opportunity to dance to live music and to play for dancing. Recorders and music will be provided on loan from the instructor.
Teacher: Kate Stuart
Day & Time: Thursdays, 3:00 - 4:00 pm;
Fee:
$45m / $50nm per 4 week session
Ballroom Dance with Brian Sostek
Age:
for ages 15 and older
Have a fun evening brushing up your ballroom skills with a fabulous dancer and teacher. It's helpful to sign up with a partner, but not required.
Teacher:
Brian Sostek
Day & Time: Saturday Dec. 12, 6:30 pm pm;
Fee:
$15 per person
Ballroom Dance
Age:
for ages 15 and older
Get your body ready for the Beaux Arts Ball (or just have a good time!) with this survey of ballroom dance styles. You can sign up a la carte and choose a class or two, or get a discount if you register for the whole series. It's helpful to sign up with a partner, but not required.
Teacher/Genre:
Ian Hathaway and Zach Teska of the St Olaf Ballroom Performance Group
Day & Time: Saturdays, 1:00 - 3:00 pm;
November 7 - swing
November 14 - tango
November 21 - foxtrot/waltz
December 5 - rhumba/cha cha
November 7 - swing
November 14 - tango
November 21 - foxtrot/waltz
December 5 - rhumba/cha cha
Fee:
$25nm / $22.50 m for a single class, OR
$95nm / $85 m for the series of 4 classes
$95nm / $85 m for the series of 4 classes
See also Morning Movement Musings, a senior center collaborative class.
Dance Performances
Winter Dance Performance
Advanced level dancers will present the "NAGCracker" at Winterwalk in the upstairs art studio on Thursday, December 10, 2009.
Spring Dance Recital
The Spring Recital for all classes of the Arts Guild Dance Program is scheduled for Saturday, May 15, 2010 at 3 pm; Location: TBA
New Dance Theater Company
Beginning later in the season, this company will be a wonderful opportunity for dancers to get more performance experience.
Corrected Date for the
parents informational meeting is Sunday, September 27, 4 - 5 pm at the Center for the Arts.
Schedule of Dance Sessions
Classes begin the week of Sept. 14 and run through mid May. The year is divided into 4-week sessions.
Dance sessions begin on the following dates. Payments are due on the first class day of each session. $10 late fee will be charged on accounts not paid by the 2nd week of the session
Dance sessions begin on the following dates. Payments are due on the first class day of each session. $10 late fee will be charged on accounts not paid by the 2nd week of the session
- September 14 - October 5
- October 12 - November 2
- November 9 - December 7(no class Nov. 23-28)
- December 14 - January 23(no class Dec. 21 - Jan. 2)
- January 23 - February 20
- February 22 - March 20
- March 22 - April 24 (no class Mar. 29 - Apr. 2)
- April 26 - May 22
2009-10 Class Fees
Payment for dance classes will run in four week cycles. Discounted rates for individuals taking more than one class per week :
- full rate for longest class
- next two classes at 33% discount
- four or more classes at 50% discount
- price cap for avid dancers: $200 per four weeks
Payments for the first session are due at the time of registration; Payments for succeeding sessions are due the week each session begins. LATE FEES of $10 (per session) will be charged if payment is not received by the second week of the session. Once registered for dance classes, you are presumed to be registered for all sessions that follow, unless you notify the office in writing of your intention to withdraw.
Our Excellent Teaching Staff
Ann Mosey: Dance Artist
Ann Mosey began dancing on her front porch, went on to receive a BFA, spent a decade dancing in NYC on scholarships from the Alvin Ailey School and the Merce Cunningham studio. Ann received a MFA in choreography, with extensive work in teacher education. Doctoral work focused on kinesthetic intelligence and hyper activity disorder. She taught at Ohio State, Arizona State, UW Milwaukee and several colleges throughout the Midwest.
Ann Mosey began dancing on her front porch, went on to receive a BFA, spent a decade dancing in NYC on scholarships from the Alvin Ailey School and the Merce Cunningham studio. Ann received a MFA in choreography, with extensive work in teacher education. Doctoral work focused on kinesthetic intelligence and hyper activity disorder. She taught at Ohio State, Arizona State, UW Milwaukee and several colleges throughout the Midwest.
Kristin Ostebee:
Dance Artist
Kristin was first exposed to the wonders of dance as a student at the Northfield Arts Guild and went on to receive her B.A. in dance performance from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. She currently performs in the Twin Cities as a member of Out on a Limb Dance Company and as a freelance artist. Kristin is currently pursuing her M.S. in Library and Information Science and hopes to someday supplement her dance career by working as a children's librarian.
Dance Artist
Kristin was first exposed to the wonders of dance as a student at the Northfield Arts Guild and went on to receive her B.A. in dance performance from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. She currently performs in the Twin Cities as a member of Out on a Limb Dance Company and as a freelance artist. Kristin is currently pursuing her M.S. in Library and Information Science and hopes to someday supplement her dance career by working as a children's librarian.
Jessica Page:
Dance Artist
Jessica started dancing with Doris Jarchow in tap and ballet when she was 5 and continued for many years with her. She has also studied with Charisse Ponder and studied Ballet, Tap, and Jazz under Toni Sostek while at St. Olaf. Jessica taught tap for several years for the Northfield Starlets. She currently lives in the Wanamingo area on a small farm with her family: husband Scott, daughters Sydney and Sophia and son Hayden. Prior to becoming a stay at home mom, Jessica worked with individuals with developmental disabilities and supervised group homes where they lived. She feels quite blessed to be back teaching tap and hopes her students are enjoying class as much as she is.
Dance Artist
Jessica started dancing with Doris Jarchow in tap and ballet when she was 5 and continued for many years with her. She has also studied with Charisse Ponder and studied Ballet, Tap, and Jazz under Toni Sostek while at St. Olaf. Jessica taught tap for several years for the Northfield Starlets. She currently lives in the Wanamingo area on a small farm with her family: husband Scott, daughters Sydney and Sophia and son Hayden. Prior to becoming a stay at home mom, Jessica worked with individuals with developmental disabilities and supervised group homes where they lived. She feels quite blessed to be back teaching tap and hopes her students are enjoying class as much as she is.
Charisse Ponder:
Dance Artist
Charisse has worked as dancer, teacher and choreographer. She has studied at the Joffrey Ballet in New York City along with a variety of other schools and companies in New York City. She has also studied dance with St. Olaf and Carleton Colleges in Minnesota, and Meredith College in North Carolina. She has performed with the Classical Ballet Acadamy of St. Paul, Minnesota Dance Theatre, The Prairie Home Companion Show Live and other concerts. She currently teaches and choreographs in a variety of schools and theater productions.
Dance Artist
Charisse has worked as dancer, teacher and choreographer. She has studied at the Joffrey Ballet in New York City along with a variety of other schools and companies in New York City. She has also studied dance with St. Olaf and Carleton Colleges in Minnesota, and Meredith College in North Carolina. She has performed with the Classical Ballet Acadamy of St. Paul, Minnesota Dance Theatre, The Prairie Home Companion Show Live and other concerts. She currently teaches and choreographs in a variety of schools and theater productions.
Megan Proft:
Dance Artist
As a 4-year-old making her stage debut in a tutu, it was Megan's dream to be a Latin dance champion. Nowadays, she busies herself as a reporter for the Northfield News, acts in local community theater productions, sings constantly, paints wild splatter art for her walls and plays a mean game of cribbage. Formally trained in ballet, tap and jazz, Megan has explored numerous areas of dance over the years, including her favorite form of dance, partner dancing, and her most recent discovery, belly dancing. As far as hip hop is concerned, she says, "Hip hop dancing is fun. It sits well in your body, because you put your personality into relatively organic moves. And frankly, it makes you feel cool and hip."
Dance Artist
As a 4-year-old making her stage debut in a tutu, it was Megan's dream to be a Latin dance champion. Nowadays, she busies herself as a reporter for the Northfield News, acts in local community theater productions, sings constantly, paints wild splatter art for her walls and plays a mean game of cribbage. Formally trained in ballet, tap and jazz, Megan has explored numerous areas of dance over the years, including her favorite form of dance, partner dancing, and her most recent discovery, belly dancing. As far as hip hop is concerned, she says, "Hip hop dancing is fun. It sits well in your body, because you put your personality into relatively organic moves. And frankly, it makes you feel cool and hip."
Shari Setchell:
Dance and Theater Artist
Shari has been teaching Creative Dance and Ballet at the Arts Guild since 2002. She is a four-time choreographer for Northfield High School’s Rock and Roll Revival and has choreographed several other area high school and community theater shows. She has also worked as a staff member of the Northfield Arts Guild’s Young People’s Theater Workshop, teaching dance and drama. Shari is a certified Global Somatics™ Practitioner and is combining her somatic training with healthy ballet instruction and technique.
Dance and Theater Artist
Shari has been teaching Creative Dance and Ballet at the Arts Guild since 2002. She is a four-time choreographer for Northfield High School’s Rock and Roll Revival and has choreographed several other area high school and community theater shows. She has also worked as a staff member of the Northfield Arts Guild’s Young People’s Theater Workshop, teaching dance and drama. Shari is a certified Global Somatics™ Practitioner and is combining her somatic training with healthy ballet instruction and technique.
Kate Southwick:
Dance Artist
Inara (Kate Southwick) has been studying belly dance at the Cassandra School of Middle Eastern Dance for over 12 years. She has taken workshops from internationally known instructors Raqia Hassan, Dahlena, Tamalyn Dahlal, and Ansuya. Inara has performed with the Guild of Oriental Dance at the Renaissance Festival, Festival of Nations, and various Twin Cities restaurants. She is also a member of Ammala Middle Eastern Dance & Music.
Dance Artist
Inara (Kate Southwick) has been studying belly dance at the Cassandra School of Middle Eastern Dance for over 12 years. She has taken workshops from internationally known instructors Raqia Hassan, Dahlena, Tamalyn Dahlal, and Ansuya. Inara has performed with the Guild of Oriental Dance at the Renaissance Festival, Festival of Nations, and various Twin Cities restaurants. She is also a member of Ammala Middle Eastern Dance & Music.
Kate Stuart:
Dance and Music Artist
Kate Stuart began her career as a school orchestra director but soon realized Mozart and Beethoven were a bit modern for her tastes and she preferred to play Renaissance and Baroque music. Kate has been one of the music directors of the Twin Cities Recorder Guild since 1996, where she teaches recorder, coaches large ensembles and small consorts, and presents workshops in Renaissance dance. She has taught folkdance and historical dance in the Midwest and upstate New York, and for many years choreographed for Madrigal Dinners at the University of Iowa and Eastern Illinois University. And last but certainly not least, Kate is a homeschooling mom to two daughters.
Dance and Music Artist
Kate Stuart began her career as a school orchestra director but soon realized Mozart and Beethoven were a bit modern for her tastes and she preferred to play Renaissance and Baroque music. Kate has been one of the music directors of the Twin Cities Recorder Guild since 1996, where she teaches recorder, coaches large ensembles and small consorts, and presents workshops in Renaissance dance. She has taught folkdance and historical dance in the Midwest and upstate New York, and for many years choreographed for Madrigal Dinners at the University of Iowa and Eastern Illinois University. And last but certainly not least, Kate is a homeschooling mom to two daughters.
Anna Toquillas:
Dance Artist
Anna has over 15 years experience dancing and teaching Mexican folkloric dance, and she has performed professionally in Mexico in ballet and in folkloric dance.
Dance Artist
Anna has over 15 years experience dancing and teaching Mexican folkloric dance, and she has performed professionally in Mexico in ballet and in folkloric dance.
