Hip Hop, Tap and Zumba Top JNDS’ Newest Class Offerings

June 2013 - by Victoria Kickham

JNDS has added some new beginner- and advanced-level classes starting this month, so if you’ve ever wanted to try Hip Hop or if you’ve been thinking about dusting off your old tap shoes, now may be the time to commit to a new dance class. All the new options promise to make you sweat and help get in shape for summer—with a bonus brain workout as you learn choreography. That beats the gym any day, if you ask me.

Starting June 5, Kit Pang will teach Hip Hop 1-2 on Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Kit has taught and performed throughout Boston, New York and internationally, and is the founder of Spotlight|The Choreographers' Showcase, a dance showcase in Utica, N.Y., where emerging and established choreographers showcase their original works. Kit recently returned to Boston to pursue his career in dance and arts administration, bringing his energetic class to JNDS. Students will learn routines that explore Hip Hop as well as other popular styles such as Popping, Locking, Krumping and Breakdancing.

Also on Wednesdays this summer, Lindsay Corkum will teach Hip Hop 2-3 at 7:30. Lindsay specializes in Hip Hop and dances for local groups BossTown and New Age, a contemporary-based Hip Hop group. Lindsay describes her class as “intermediate/advanced Hip Hop with a contemporary edge.” Incorporating smoother moves and occasional Contemporary dance-inspired movement, this class offers students a new, edgier take on Hip Hop dance.

Also starting in June, JNDS and Boston Youth Moves faculty member Nikki Sell will offer a five-week beginner/intermediate Tap Workshop. Held Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., the workshop will run June 6 through July 11 (with no class Thursday, July 4) and is perfect for beginners or experienced tappers looking to brush up on their skills. Nikki says the five-week intensive is “sure to get you shufflin’, flappin’ and ball changin’ in no time!” Pre-registration is required; the workshop cost is $85.

If you’re looking for something completely different, check out Justin Waithe’s Zumba class on Friday nights at 6:30. Zumba is a fitness program that combines dance with aerobic movement. A singer/dancer who has studied throughout Boston and New York, Justin is a certified Zumba instructor. He counts the style’s creator, Colombian dancer/choreographer Beto Perez, as a key influence and mentor.

The new JNDS classes balance out some recent schedule changes. Mikalya Martin’s Wednesday night Hip Hop was cancelled as of May 15, and Nikki Sell’s Techno Ballet Workout on Tuesday nights was cancelled as of May 14. (Techno-ballet devotees can still get their weekly dose of torture on Thursdays at 7:30, though.) In another change, Nikki Sell’s Modern Jazz 2 moves to Wednesdays at 6 p.m. beginning in June.

Check out the JNDS website for more information and a full class schedule.