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Dance Department •••
Dance Director: Eli Kababa


Wayne Day Break Dancing Demo
Wayne Day Hip Hop Demo




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School of Performing Arts

GSDP School of Performing Arts Presents...

The 2008 Fall Student Showcase


The Garden State Dance Project's School of Performing Arts presents our Holiday Student Showcase at the YM-YWHA of North Jersey in Wayne.
 
Due to poor weather conditions, our Student Showcase has been post-poned until:
 
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Y's Rosen Theatre
1:30-3:00pm
 
Dress Rehearsals will also take place on Sunday January 4, 2009 from 9:00am-1:00pm.  I will contact parents personally to discuss the rehearsal schedule for the morning.  Parents are encouraged to pack snacks for their children this day.   
 
This is a free show and is open to the public and all are welcome to attend.

The Garden State Dance Project would like to invite all community members to a show on March 28th 2009. The Peacekeeping Initiative is a dance performance dedicated to one of the most fragile populations in modern society, the poor and the hungry.  We are dancers that seek inspiration from the human condition.  Unfortunately not all aspects of humanity are beautiful.  Without the basic needs of food, water, and shelter the poor and the hungry struggle every waking day to simply survive.  The fight for survival spans continents, oceans, cultures, and religions.  Everywhere people are suffering.  On March 28th 2009, the Garden State Dance Project would like to give back to the members in our community who need our help most.  We as dancers will start our Peacekeeping Initiative at home.  Tickets for the March 28th 2009 performance will be $15.00 or audience members may bring in fifteen dollars worth of food.  The food we collect will be donated to local food pantries in our community.  Children 3 years and under are FREE and seniors are ½ off.  Through art and dance, The Garden State Dance Project seeks to inspire change.
 
For tickets please call 973-595-0100 x 237.

JCC Maccabi Artsfest – NEW ORLEANS YES! It is true! We are bringing a JCC Maccabi Artsfest delegation this year!! Are you a creative person ENTERING GRADES 8-12? Would you like to meet other Jewish teens who share your interests? Are you a dancer, painter, musician, or artist of any kind or genre? If your answer is yes you do not want to miss the JCC Maccabi ArtsFest in the summer of 2009 from August 2-7 in NEW ORLEANS!

The art specialties include the visual arts, acting, creative writing (or broadcast journalism), culinary arts, dance, jazz, musical theatre, photography, rock, vocals, and more! There is more detailed information about the art specialties and artists in residence, as well as a video on our website at www.jccmaccabiartsfest.org.

How our school differs

  • We are not just a collection of instructors, but a professional dance company
  • Students perform twice a year - Fall Family Showcase & Spring Performance
  • Non-competitive  / Arts Based / No Elaborate Costumes Required

General Information Winter/Spring Season 2009:

  • Season runs from Monday January 5th through Friday June 12th
  • Spring Performance - Friday June 12th - 5:00 - 6:30pm in the YM-YWHA Rosen Theatre

MONDAYS


Class Instructor | Mr. Eli Elias

Elias M. Kababa is co-founder and artistic director of the Garden State Dance Project, company in residency at the YM-YWHA of North Jersey, providing the art of dance through instruction, education, outreach, and performance. Eli began his dance career outside of the dance studio. At the age of 15 he studied Tae Kwon Do. After earning his black belt he went on to study his first dance technique, break-dancing. He practiced and learned from local crews in NJ while beginning advanced studies in dance at the County College of Morris where he graduated with an Associate in Fine Art Degree. Since then he has instructed, choreographed, and performed in the Tri-State area. Accomplishments include receiving special recognition at the Prague International Dance Festival for his work in Dance Theater and currently he is in his fourth year with New York City Ballet Education Department where he is a teaching artist in the Ballet Bridges Middle School Program.

Creative Movement Dance Explorers
3:15-4:00 pm
Ages 4-5
$210 Member | $260 Non-Member
19 Week Season Begins 1/5/09 | Ends 6/1/09 | No Class 1/19, 2/16, 4/6, 5/25
Student Showcase 6/12/09 5:30-6:30pm at the Y's Rosen Theatre

Creative Movement uses rhythmic movement, instruments and free-dance to express impulses, ideas and feelings. Dance Exploration is a sampling of true dance techniques, such as ballet, contemporary, hip-hop and even a little break-dancing! This combo of creative movement and dance exploration is designed to help students learn to love dance and movement, as well as help them identify their favorite style(s) of dance so we can encourage them to continue in their choice as they grow!

Hip-Hop | Level I
4:00-4:45 pm
Ages 5-7
$210 Member | $260 Non-Member
19 Week Season Begins 1/5/09 | Ends 6/1/09 | No Class 1/19, 2/16, 4/6, 5/25
Student Showcase 6/12/09 5:30-6:30pm at the Y's Rosen Theatre

This is a beginner level hip-hop class. Students will learn basic movements as well as specialty combinations. Styles include, popping - locking, break-dancing and more!

Hip-Hop | Level II
4:45-5:30 pm
Ages 8-10
$210 Member | $260 Non-Member
19 Week Season Begins 1/5/09 | Ends 6/1/09 | No Class 1/19, 2/16, 4/6, 5/25
Student Showcase 6/12/09 5:30-6:30pm at the Y's Rosen Theatre

This is an intermediate level hip-hop class. Class begins with a warm-up, moves to an isolation practice and ends with practicing a multi-styled hip-hop movement combination. Students will have fun as they develop a real sense for the art of hip-hop.

TUESDAYS

Class Instructor | Miss Ashley

Ashley Spicer has lived dance, in and out, for the past 16 years. Her love and passion for this beautiful art form has brought her to the place where she is now proficient in performing, choreographing and teaching Polynesian & Tahitian, Jazz, Tap, Hip-Hop, Salsa, Theatre, and Cheerleading.  Some of her work includes choreographing the musical Grease, Sound of Music, and Beauty and the Beast.    Accomplishments include, 2002 Cheerleading State Champion. An appearance in Sinque Grier's music video as well as appearing as an extra on the WB's Dawson's Creek and Christina Aguleira’s stripped in NYC.  Some of her performance experience includes performing at Slave Hall of Fame’s Benefit Concert for Hurricane Katrina Relief and the What's Next Concert in New York City as a backup dancer for Justin Timberlake and Sean Paul.  She will be lead dancer in Jeffrey Williams’s upcoming tour.  Her most recent endeavor was competing in FOX'S Hit Show 'SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE'.  After many days of auditions she made it to the top 3% out of 1400 people.  This has only made Ashley more determined to perform and continuing her education of dance. She is very enthused to join the great team here at the YM-YWHA and give the gift of dance.  

Intro Ballet / Tap / Jazz
3:15-4:00 pm
Age 4
$230 Member | $280 Non-Member
21 Week Season Begins 1/6/09 | Ends 6/9/09 | No Class 2/17 – 4/7

Student Showcase 6/12/09 | 5:30-6:30pm at the Y's Rosen Theatre
This is a beginner level Ballet / Tap / Jazz class. Students will learn basic movements as well as specialty combinations. Styles include, Traditional, Broadway, Contemporary and more!

Ballet / Tap / Jazz I
4:00-4:45 pm
Ages 5-8
$230 Member | $280 Non-Member
21 Week Season Begins 1/6/09 | Ends 6/9/09 | No Class 2/17 – 4/7
Student Showcase 6/12/09 | 5:30-6:30pm at the Y's Rosen Theatre

This is an intermediate level Tap/ Jazz class. Class begins with a warm-up, moves to an isolation practice, and then ends the class with practicing the routine of the week. Students will have fun as they develop a real sense for the art of Tap & Jazz.

Waikiki Workout Presented by the Fitness Department
5:00-6:00 pm
Ages 13 to Adult
$ Free - Member | $15 per class Non-Member
21 Week Season Begins 1/6/09 | Ends 6/9/09 | No Class 2/17 – 4/7

In this class you will workout and sweat while you learn dances from the Islands such as, Hula, Polynesian, Tahitian, Merengue, Salsa, Bachatta, & More!


Class Instructor | Miss Kim

Kim Urba graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Richmond, where she majored in Theatre Arts and was a member of the dance company, The University Dancers. Kim has trained in several forms of dance with numerous prestigious teachers and choreographers in New York City, New Jersey, Virginia and London, England. For the past two years, during the month of July, Kim has been running an International Dance Program in Switzerland. Currently she performs, is a lead choreographer, as well as a teacher for the Garden State Dance Project.
 


Tap III
6:00-7:00 pm
Ages 9-12
$250 Member | $300 Non-Member
21 Week Season Begins 1/6/09 | Ends 6/9/09 | No Class 2/17 – 4/7
Student Showcase 6/12/09 | 5:30-6:30pm at the Y's Rosen Theatre

This combo class focuses on teaching age appropriate jazz and tap technique. Dancers get the best of both worlds in a class that begins with a fun rhythmic tap combination warm-up. Dancers then slip on their jazz shoes and learn everything from Broadway to contemporary jazz movement. Styles will vary each week so you won't want to miss a thing. Registration Code:

Lyrical
7:00-8:00 pm
Ages: Open
$230 Member | $280 Non-Member

21 Week Season Begins 1/6/09 | Ends 6/9/09 | No Class 2/17 – 4/7 Student Showcase 6/12/09 | 5:30-6:30pm at the Y's Rosen Theatre
Modern dance is a form of dance which focuses on the expression of inner emotions, using a free-flowing, interpretive style, rather than following the rigid rules characteristic of many dance disciplines.


Belly Dancing with Gia al Qamar
8:00-9:00 pm
To Register Call 973.365.2063

www.Idreamofgia.com
You will unlock the mysteries within yourself as you learn hypnotic undulations, sizzling shimmies & exotic movements that characterize the world's most ancient dance. You will be taught authentic core movements of this sensuous and life affirming dance; including hip circles, figure 8's, hip lifts, drops, snake arms isolation, shimmies, veil dancing, finger cymbals and so much more! Wear comfortable clothing, no jeans or street shoes. Coin hip scarves are optional and will be available to purchase. You can expect a whole lot of fun while making new friends and enjoying the fitness benefits from this very low impact, aerobic dance.
 

WEDNESDAYS

Class Instructor | Mr. Eli

Elias M. Kababa is co-founder and artistic director of the Garden State Dance Project, company in residency at the YM-YWHA of North Jersey, providing the art of dance through instruction, education, outreach, and performance. Eli began his dance career outside of the dance studio. At the age of 15 he studied Tae Kwon Do. After earning his black belt he went on to study his first dance technique, break-dancing. He practiced and learned from local crews in NJ while beginning advanced studies in dance at the County College of Morris where he graduated with an Associate in Fine Art Degree. Since then he has instructed, choreographed, and performed in the Tri-State area. Accomplishments include receiving special recognition at the Prague International Dance Festival for his work in Dance Theater and currently he is in his fourth year with New York City Ballet Education Department where he is a teaching artist in the Ballet Bridges Middle School Program.

Class Instructor | Mr. Adam

Adam has been funky since he was a child. Michael Jackson was his first inspiration as a dancer, and from the moment he saw his friend do backspins, he knew that B-boying was the dance he wanted to pursue. Since then, he's been B-boying (break-dancing) for six years. He's traveled across the country to participate in events, jams, and battles. He's been teaching people who want to learn for a few years now, and has kept a numerous amount of students interested and fully committed to b-boy culture and everything that comes with it.
 

Creative Movement – Mr. Eli
12:30pm -1:15pm
Ages 2 & 3
$230 Member | $280 Non-Member
21 Week Season Begins 1/7/09 | Ends 6/10/09 | No Class 4/8 – 4/15
Student Showcase 6/12/09 | 5:30-6:30pm at the Y's Rosen Theatre

Creative Movement is a form of self-expression where the child uses rhythmic movement, instruments and free-dance to express his or her impulses, ideas and feelings. This class secretly requires students to inquire, think, sense, observe, feel, invent, respond and evaluate…It is both personal and fun! Your child will grow in confidence as they move through an environment that is always accepting of their personal expressions.


Creative Movement | Dance Explorers – Mr. Eli | Assisted by Miss Kristen
3:00-3:45 pm
Ages 4 & 5
$230 Member | $280 Non-Member
21 Week Season Begins 1/7/09 | Ends 6/10/09 | No Class 4/8 – 4/15
Student Showcase 6/12/09 | 5:30-6:30pm at the Y's Rosen Theatre

Creative Movement uses rhythmic movement, instruments and free-dance to express impulses, ideas and feelings. The Dance Explorers component of the class is a sampling of true dance techniques, such as ballet, contemporary, hip-hop and even a little break-dancing! This combo of creative movement and dance exploration is designed to help students learn to love dance and movement, as well as help them identify their favorite style(s) of dance so we can encourage them to continue in their choice as they grow!

Hip-Hop-N-Tumble I – Mr. Eli | Assisted by Mr. Adam
3:45-4:30 pm
Ages 4-6
$230 Member | $280 Non-Member
21 Week Season Begins 1/7/09 | Ends 6/10/09 | No Class 4/8 – 4/15
Student Showcase 6/12/09 | 5:30-6:30pm at the Y's Rosen Theatre
This class begins with a hip-hop isolation technique warm-up. After stretches and exercises, students go to a tumble station to practice one basic tumble technique for a period of time then, move onto the next station and so on. At the end of class, students will combine their tumbling and hip-hop skills in a class ending combination!

Junior B-boy Crew – Mr. Eli | Assisted by Mr. Adam
4:30-5:15 pm
Ages 6-8
$230 Member | $280 Non-Member
21 Week Season Begins 1/7/09 | Ends 6/10/09 | No Class 4/8 – 4/15
Student Showcase 6/12/09 | 5:30-6:30pm at the Y's Rosen Theatre

B-boy is a term that originated from the South Bronx during the birth of hip-hop culture. It refers to a Bronx-boy or a boogie-boy, more commonly known today as a break-boy. In this class students learn break-dance basics such as up-rock, drops to the floor, floor work, flavor moves and beginner level power moves such as backspins and freezes! Focus is placed on the students' ability to freestyle their own movement combo's with style and ease!


Hip-Hop Cardio Workout –Mr. Eli
Presented by the Fitness Department
5:30-6:30 pm
Ages 13 to Adult
$ Free - Member | $15 per class Non-Member
21 Week Season Begins 1/6/09 | Ends 6/9/09 | No Class 2/17 – 4/7

Hip-Hop Abs step aside! This is the real deal a true hip-hop class that makes you sweat without any of those cheesy moves they sell you on TV! Come out and socialize with the Wayne ladies that get down with the get down…From 16 to 66…come on out – let's work-out!

Hip-Hop & Tumble II – Mr. Adam
5:45-6:45
Ages 7-9
$230 Member | $280 Non-Member
21 Week Season Begins 1/7/09 | Ends 6/10/09 | No Class 4/8 – 4/15
Student Showcase 6/12/09 | 5:30-6:30pm at the Y's Rosen Theatre

The sequel to Hip-Hop & Tumble I, this class is the next step for the student that has the developed body control to successfully move through the basics of tumbling and the basic hip-hop dance technique. Class consists of a warm-up stretch, isolation practice, class combo and cool-down.


'Just the Boys' Hip-Hop Techniques Crew – Mr. Eli
6:45-7:30 pm
9-12 years
$250 Member | $300 Non-Member

21 Week Season Begins 1/7/09 | Ends 6/10/09 | No Class 4/8, 4/15
Student Showcase 6/12/09 | 5:30-6:30pm at the Y's Rosen Theatre

It is structured like a New York City dance class! We begin with a warm-up that prepares your body for the movement to come. We move through body isolation techniques, go across the floor, and then we dance until the end of class, as we learn and practice the combination of the week. Our combinations teach popping and locking, breaking, house, step and more. An emphasis is placed on developing freestyle abilities.

Senior B-boy Crew – Mr. Adam | Assisted by Mr. Eli
7:30-8:45 pm
Ages 10 and Up
$270 Member | $320 Non-Member
21 Week Season Begins 1/7/09 | Ends 6/10/09 | No Class 4/8, 4/15
Student Showcase 6/12/09 | 5:30-6:30pm at the Y's Rosen Theatre

B-boy is a term that originated from the South Bronx during the birth of hip-hop culture. It refers to a Bronx-boy or a boogie-boy, more commonly known today as a break-boy. In this class our first priority is to teach the students foundational movement. They will build on this foundation, learning more advanced up-rock, drops to the floor, floor work, flavor moves and power moves such as windmills, head-spins, and air-freezes! As with the Jr. B-boy class, focus is placed on the students' ability to freestyle their own movement combo's with style and ease!
 

THURSDAYS

Class Instructor | Miss Alice
Alice has been teaching dance extensively in local dance schools for the past 6 years, conducting classes in tap, classical ballet technique, pointe, classical ballet repertoire, and contemporary ballet; during this time she has also given private ballet lessons to a number of dedicated students. In 2004, Alice launched her own ballet troupe, Ballet Enchanté, a local performing arts troupe that seeks to share the joy of ballet as an expressive art form with serious dance students and the general community alike. Over the course of the past 4 years, the ballet troupe has given over 50 public performances, with its diverse repertoire of 6 original choreographic projects. Alice graduated from Millsaps College with a B.A. in English and has done graduate coursework in Public Administration at Seton Hall University. She was recently accepted into the inaugural class for a Masters in Dance in Higher Education with a Concentration in Ballet Pedagogy – a program that is being launched jointly by New York University and American Ballet Theatre. Alice currently studies ballet technique with former Boston Ballet dancer, Mr. Warren Lynch, and with the New Jersey School of Ballet; she also serves as a dance coach for the Rettig's Gymnastics Team in Cedar Knolls and is a ballet teacher at Dance Perfect Performing Arts Academy in Rockaway.

Intro Ballet / Tap / Jazz Combo
3:15-4:00 pm
Ages 3-4
$230 Member | $280 Non-Member
21 Week Season Begins 1/8/09 | Ends 6/11/09 | No Class 4/9, 4/16
Student Showcase 6/12/09 | 5:30-6:30pm at the Y's Rosen Theatre
This is a beginner level Ballet / Tap / Jazz class. Students will learn basic movements as well as specialty combinations. Styles include, Traditional, Broadway, Contemporary and more!

Ballet First Steps
4:00 – 4:45 pm
Ages 3-5
$230 Member | $280 Non-Member
Begins 9/11/08 | Ends 12/18/08   No Class 10/9, 11/6, 11/27
Student Showcase 6/12/09 | 5:30-6:30pm at the Y's Rosen Theatre

This class is the next level up from Creative Movement Dance Explorers. It is for the student that enjoys ballet and wants a more in-depth study. This class is dedicated to nurturing an appreciation for the art of ballet while building a strong foundation for the little dancer. Students will develop a basic ballet movement vocabulary while growing in grace, agility, flexibility, strength and technique. This is Ballet's First Steps…

Ballet I
5:00-6:00 pm
Ages 6-9
$230 Member | $280 Non-Member
Begins 9/11/08 | Ends 12/18/08   No Class 10/9, 11/6, 11/27
Student Showcase 6/12/09 | 5:30-6:30pm at the Y's Rosen Theatre

Class starts out with a traditional ballet bare where we focus on and improve upon technique and flexibility.. Then we will move to the center where we will stretch as to make sure the dancers' muscles are warm. The center consists of not just a stretch, but center work, so the dancers can find their center and their balance. Dancers will then learn combinations, which include turns and jumps, then practice them taking them across the floor. Then they will change into their Pointe shoes. To warm up their feet we will give them a traditional releve combination in first and second position, practicing on one foot, transferring weight from side to side. Dancers will learn how to roll through their feet in pointe shoes. Class will conclude with a combination that consists of a medley.

Ballet II
6:00 – 7:00 pm
Ages 9 - 13
$250 Member | $300 Non-Member
Begins 9/11/08 | Ends 12/18/08   No Class 10/9, 11/6, 11/27

Student Showcase 6/12/09 | 5:30-6:30pm at the Y's Rosen Theatre
Whether you're looking to discover what ballet is all about, or just want to improve the technique you already have, this class is what you are looking for. Class begins with a traditional ballet barre during which dancers focus on improving grace, agility, flexibility, strength and technique. Dancers then come to the center, where they put their training to work while focusing on the beauty and life of balletic movement. *Must be thirteen years of age to take Pointe.

 

Class Instructor | Mr. J

Mr. J has been with the Y for over a year as a personal trainer in our Fitness Department. If you know Mr. J, you know of his love for Club Music and the over all dance scene. The current hottest dance style is known as frolicking, which Mr. J will now be teaching here at the Y. Check it out…

 

 

Frolicing 101
7:00-8:00 pm ~ Open to A Wide Range of Ages
$250 Member | $300 Non-Member
Begins 9/11/08 | Ends 12/18/08 No Class 10/9, 11/6, 11/27
Student Showcase 6/12/09 | 5:30-6:30pm at the Y's Rosen Theatre

This class teaches the basics of the club dance known as "frolicing". This style of House stepping may involve steps such as, jumps, leaps, turns, skips, hops, two steps, stomps, hand throws and much more. This dance has the appearance of a "frolicing" nature. Lose control with style! The possible combinations are endless and the instructor will work with students to help them find their individual style within this movement.

Belly Dancing with Gia al Qamar
8:00-9:00 pm
To Register Call 973.365.2063

www.Idreamofgia.com
You will unlock the mysteries within yourself as you learn hypnotic undulations, sizzling shimmies & exotic movements that characterize the world's most ancient dance. You will be taught authentic core movements of this sensuous and life affirming dance; including hip circles, figure 8's, hip lifts, drops, snake arms isolation, shimmies, veil dancing, finger cymbals and so much more! Wear comfortable clothing, no jeans or street shoes. Coin hip scarves are optional and will be available to purchase. You can expect a whole lot of fun while making new friends and enjoying the fitness benefits from this very low impact, aerobic dance.

 

FRIDAYS

'Just the Girls' Hip-Hop Techniques Crew
4:30-5:30 pm
Ages 9 and Up
$250 Member | $300 Non-Member
19 Week Season Begins 1/9/09 | Ends 6/5/09 | No Class 2/13, 4/10, 5/29, 6/12
Student Showcase 6/12/09 | 5:30-6:30pm at the Y's Rosen Theatre

This class is open to all levels. We begin with hip-hop warm-ups and isolations to prepare the body. The class is then taught a routine to be practiced individually and as a crew.

Junior B-Girl Crew
5:30-6:30 pm
Ages 9 and Up
$250 Member | $300 Non-Member
19 Week Season Begins 1/9/09 | Ends 6/5/09 | No Class 2/13, 4/10, 5/29, 6/12

Student Showcase 6/12/09 | 5:30-6:30pm at the Y's Rosen Theatre
In this all girl class, students practice break-dancing moves such as up-rock, floor-work, and power moves as they relate to each girls ability and personal style. Anything you can do, I can do better! Break-dancing is for the ladies too!


 

BELLY DANCING

You can register by calling Gia directly at 973.365.2063

*Tuesday Class 8:00-9:00 p.m.
Beginner/Open Level

*Thursday Classes 8:00-9:00 p.m.
Beginner/Open Level

These Classes are offered as a 6 week session. 
The cost is $108 per session and you can register by calling Gia directly at 973.365.2063. 
Class is open to Y members and non-members.

What will you learn?
You will unlock the mysteries within yourself as you learn hypnotic undulations, sizzling shimmies & exotic movements that characterize the world's most ancient dance. You will be taught authentic core movements of this sensuous and life affirming dance; including hip circles, figure 8's, hip lifts, drops, snake arms isolation,  shimmies, veil dancing, finger cymbals and so much more!  Wear comfortable clothing, no jeans or street shoes.  Coin hip scarves are optional and will be available to purchase.   You can expect a  whole lot of fun while making new friends and enjoying the fitness benefits from this very low impact, aerobic dance.

Don't miss out... Classes have begun, but it is not too late!  You can join a bit late, no problem!  Contact Gia to find out how!  New class sessions starting soon!  Call Gia today to find out all the details. 

Phone 973.365.2063   


For further information, and to learn more about Gia al Qamar visit her website at
www.Idreamofgia.com

Middle Eastern "Belly Dance" comes to Wayne NJ

February 19, 2008

Imagine that your daily routine is changed one day as you find yourself in the doorway of a private room where the flutter of coins on abundant hips jingle in rhythm to exotic music and a multitude of colored silk veils fly past your eyes in a visual feast that makes your heart race!

Imagine then, that you are so strongly drawn-in by the music, the laughter, the sights and the sounds of these blissful women, that you don your own coined hip scarf and start to sway, spin and shimmy as you never have before!

In what far-away land are the curves of an abundant figure and maturity a plus?  You need travel only as far as the Mind-Body Dance Studio at the YM-YWHA, 1 Pike Drive in Wayne, NJ, where Instructor Gia al Qamar offers her twice weekly classes in the ancient art of Belly Dance!

"This is an ancient dance handed down, woman to woman for thousands and thousands of years" explains al Qamar, herself a NJ resident, Belly Dance performer and choreographer for Middle Eastern dancers in the tri-state area.  "It is a dance of the Middle East, a cultural dance that celebrates womanhood."

As opposed to other dances that require a certain level of fitness and youth, al Qamar explains that this is a dance for every woman.  "This dance is natural to a woman's body, there is no right or wrong way to express the story of your life with your body.  The more body, the more life you've lived, the richer your dancing will become!  The dance is for every woman, but as you mature, you'll find that your dancing becomes even more beautiful and sensuous!"  An added bonus, she said, is that students get a great gentle workout from her classes.

Gia al Qamar's Belly Dance classes have been exceptionally popular since beginning last year.  For information on joining the Beginner/Open level classes, which are offered in continuing 6-week sessions, please contact Gia al Qamar directly at IDreamOfGia@aol.com or 973-365-2063 for registration information.

"I cannot tell you how often I see 'body image issues' walk in the door," shared al Qamar, "And proud, determined, confident women leave.  The dance is both magical and live affirming and I cannot imagine the fun I would have missed had I not found this dance myself!"

Meet the Artistic Directors

Elias M. Kababa began his dance career outside of the dance studio. From the age of 15 to 19 he studied Tae Kwon Do. He earned his black belt and obtained a national ranking, qualifying for a chance to compete on the Junior Olympic Team. He believes these studies laid the movement foundation that his dance career is built upon. Eli learned his first dance technique, break-dancing in 1996. He practiced and learned from local crews in NJ. Growing older, he took his knowledge of these movement studies to the County College of Morris where he began advanced studies in dance. He graduated from the County College of Morris with an Associate in Fine Art degree. Since then he has instructed, choreographed, and performed in the Tri-State area.

Other accomplishments include receiving special recognition at the Prague International Dance Festival for his work in Dance Theater. He is in his third year with New York City Ballet Education Department where he is a teaching artist. He is co-founder and artistic director of a the Garden State Dance Project, company in residency at the YM-YWHA of North Jersey, providing the art of dance through outreach, education, instruction and performance.

Kimberly Pinto graduated from the County College of Morris as a Registered Nurse with an Associate in Applied Science degree. Her dance experience includes modern, ballet, jazz, African, hip-hop, and break-dancing. She started her professional training at The Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance in NYC. Professionally she has performed with BEYONDANCE Inc., Freespace Dance, and In Motion Dance. Kimberly's choreography has been shown throughout New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Most recently her work was shown at Ceres Art Gallery in NYC, SWEAT OUTDOORS Festival in Hoboken, and The Outlet Dance Project in Hamilton, New Jersey. Kimberly is a Registered Yoga and Pilates Instructor and teaches at Fairleigh Dickenson University. Kimberly is co-founder and artistic director of the Garden State Dance project.

 


 

Meet the Company Instructors

Tap | Jazz | Ballet | Hula Instructor

Ashley Spicer has lived dance, in and out, for the past 16 years. Her love and passion for this beautiful art form has brought her to the place where she is now proficient in performing, choreographing and teaching Polynesian & Tahitian, Jazz, Tap, Hip-Hop, Salsa, Theatre, and Cheerleading. Some of her work includes choreographing the musical Grease, Sound of Music, and Beauty and the Beast.

Accomplishments include, 2002 Cheerleading State Champion. An appearance in Sinque Grier's music video as well as appearing as an extra on the WB's Dawson's Creek and Christina Aguleira's stripped in NYC. Some of her performance experience includes performing at Slave Hall of Fame's Benefit Concert for Hurricane Katrina Relief and the What's Next Concert in New York City as a backup dancer for Justin Timberlake and Sean Paul. She will be lead dancer in Jeffrey Williams's upcoming tour. Her most recent endeavor was competing in FOX'S Hit Show 'SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE'. After many days of auditions she made it to the top 3% out of 1400 people. This has only made Ashley more determined to perform and continuing her education of dance. She is very enthused to join the great team here at the YM-YWHA and give the gift of dance.


Ballet Instructor

Alice has been teaching dance extensively in local dance schools for the past 6 years, conducting classes in tap, classical ballet technique, pointe, classical ballet repertoire, and contemporary ballet; during this time she has also given private ballet lessons to a number of dedicated students. In 2004, Alice launched her own ballet troupe, Ballet Enchanté, a local performing arts troupe that seeks to share the joy of ballet as an expressive art form with serious dance students and the general community alike. Over the course of the past 4 years, the ballet troupe has given over 50 public performances, with its diverse repertoire of 6 original choreographic projects. Alice graduated from Millsaps College with a B.A. in English and has done graduate coursework in Public Administration at Seton Hall University. She was recently accepted into the inaugural class for a Masters in Dance in Higher Education with a Concentration in Ballet Pedagogy – a program that is being launched jointly by New York University and American Ballet Theatre. Alice currently studies ballet technique with former Boston Ballet dancer, Mr.. Warren Lynch, and with the New Jersey School of Ballet; she also serves as a dance coach for the Rettig's Gymnastics Team in Cedar Knolls and is a ballet teacher at Dance Perfect Performing Arts Academy in Rockaway.
 

Break-dance | Tumbling Instructor

Mr. Adam has been funky since he was a child. Michael Jackson was his first inspiration. From the first moment he saw his friend do backspin's, he knew that B-boying (break-dancing) was the dance he wanted to pursue. Since then, he's been B-boying for six years. He's traveled across the country to participate in events, jams, and battles. He's been teaching people who want to learn for a few years now, and has kept a numerous amount of students interested and fully committed to b-boy culture and everything that comes with it.


 

Tap | Lyrical Instructor

Kim Urba graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Richmond, where she majored in Theatre Arts and was a member of the dance company, The University Dancers. Kim has trained in several forms of dance with numerous prestigious teachers and choreographers in New York City, New Jersey, Virginia and London, England. Currently Kim directs an international summer dance program in Sweden as well as perform and choreograph for the GSDP. 
 

 

 

 

Dance Education

Within Us

Originally designed for the Institute for Urban Social and Economic Development along with The West Side High Collaborative and YouthWORKS, Within Us is a live performing arts experience provided by Garden State Dance Project and In Motion Dance Company. The program Within Us gives students an opportunity to witness artistic expression of movement. The dancers express what is within them only to encourage students to grow in confidence in their own expressions and to discover what is within them. The end discussion period provides students an opportunity to talk about what dance pieces were meaningful to them and why. Students will also be told about different careers in the arts and encouraged to pursue their unique talents.

Recommended Grades" 6th-12th
10-Week Artist In Residency: $895
Single Assembly: $995

"On behalf of Communities In Schools - New Jersey, the YouthWORKS program, and the students of West Side High School, I extend our sincerest thanks for hosting such a wonderful program last week. The "Within Us" dance performance was phenomenal and presented a unique cultural and artistic venue for the students to gain exposure to professionally trained artists. I have received numerous calls and comments from the students, parents, and guests who attended, all were extremely positive. Thank you again for hosting our students."

Kind Regards,

Tamika Stembridge"

The Outreach Department
This part of our page is UNDER CONSTRUCTION! Check back soon or call us for information, thank you!

Performance Company

Presents... The Peace Keeping Project
March 28, 2009
7:00-9:00
Rosen Theatre
$10 per person
Seniors' 1/2 Off | Children 3 and under free

"I have seen many performances in my life but none so mind blowing" ~ Liz Cohen



Photo: Hoboken SWEAT Dance Festival 2006

"The most vivid dance in SWEAT Outdoors could be performed anywhere, however. "Be Still," choreographed and danced by Elias Kababa and Kimberly Pinto, began with the two folding together to create a single creature that morphed into various shapes. The symbiotic duo experimented with cantilevered poses and others where isometric tension kept them in balance as they pulled apart.

The mood changed, however, when it became obvious that Pinto was holding Kababa prisoner. He broke free in a solo, but when he grew exhausted she claimed him again, and they tumbled back into a knot.

Finally they turned sideways to face each other, lovers and antagonists locked together by an invisible force. At this point, absorbed viewers could practically feel the dancers' sharp intake of breath." Robert Johnson - Star-Ledger


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