JACKSON, Wyo. — Whether you’re looking to perfect your movement, focus your mind, or just try something new, Dancers’ Workshop (DW) is full of opportunities for everyone.
“I want to encourage people to not be intimidated, you don’t have to be a dancer,” Kate Kosahrek, DW instructor, said. “We really try to keep it open level as much as possible.”
Kate Kosharek is the Pilates and Open Program Coordinator at Dancers’ Workshop and a dance instructor for the School at DW. She educates her clients in the awareness of alignment, emphasizing that healthy connective tissue and a strong core is key to achieving a balanced body and preventing injury.
Since their online launch in March, DW has been able to offer the go-to classes that community members have come to know and love — Ballet, bootybarre, Gyrokinesis®, MELT®, Modern & Latin Dance, Pilates Mat, Salsa, and Zumba Fitness.
“You can’t replace the energy of a room full of people moving, thankfully we have Zoom. It’s the next best way we can see and interact with each other,” Kosahrek said. DW had tentative plans to create online classes, but the COVID-19 pandemic is what pushed their hand in setting up these digital workshops.
The ability to offer online/on-demand classes has provided safe and convenient ways to get involved while in the comfort of your own home. Kosahrek says that as long as you have enough space to pick your legs up and swing your arms, you are able to participate online. She also mentioned that DW is planning on keeping the online classes after the pandemic.
“Hey, if this is the new normal for a little bit at least we have these tools to keep each other moving and raise that vibration,” Kosahrek stated. “If you pre-register for a class before or during, we record every online class we teach, and that recording is available to everyone who signs up.”
DW still offers in-person classes, but they are limited to small groups under ten people, wearing masks and social distancing. Pilates classes are available up to four people. Those who are interested in joining an in-person class must make an appointment online. The location includes a ventilation system used to air out the studio during classes.
There are also limited workshops that are held outside in the grass, giving dancers an opportunity to release their inner child.
Kosahrek said, “So far its been mostly dancers but we’ve had bystanders come by that looked like they wanted to join. It’s so fun to dance outside because the weather is perfect and we have an awesome green lawn.’’ These outside workshops are free and open to everyone. A large grassy area means you can keep your social distance. “We like to keep things really light and playful.”
Whether you are a first-time dancer, someone who wants to perfect their connection between mind and body, or just simply want to release your inner-child, Dancers’ Workshop has it all.
“Our goal is to really create an environment where people feel safe, try something new, and maybe start a healing process, a journey that you didn’t even know you needed.”
DW remains committed to enriching lives by providing excellence and diversity in movement experiences through education, performance, and outreach for students and audiences of all ages.
