Hi, Doug!

Finding great dance training in New York will be the least of your worries as a returning New Yorker!

Remember, though, that I have already suggested that you connect with Movement Research, given your interest in Contact Improvisation, Alexander Technique and in the analytical exploration of movement and process. MR is the nerve center for this sort of thing in New York, and this fall you will find courses taught by noted dancer-choreographers such as Vicky Shick, Jennifer Monson, Jeremy Nelson, Yvonne Meier and Daria Fain. Detailed information is available at www.movementresearch.org.

There are many, many more resources available here, and you may one day decide to branch out more widely and explore other forms of dance. However, given your current direction and interests, I think MR would work well.

Wishing you the best,
Eva Yaa Asantewaa

Doug,
It seem like you have things figured out. You will have to find a class and a teacher that you are comfortable with and a way to keep trying new things from time to time. I loved Graham classes when I was younger but I would not take them now. My favorite was the Nikolais/Louis school which is no more :[. You do not mention performing as a goal but if you get the chance too I am sure you will enjoy it. Rehearsing is a much different process than class. I wish I could suggest some classes but I am not familiar with NYC anymore.

Hi Doug,

Eva beat me to it! I too would suggest checking out Movement Research's great offerings. Their fall calendar just came out, and the have some wonderful classes and varied instructors. Also, I'd recommend that you set aside lots of private studio time to integrate what you learn in class - and explore your own way of moving. I can't stress this enough.

Enjoy the adventure,
Gina Gibney

All these comments are right on the money - Movement Research is the place to look at. One teacher I can fully recommend is K.J. Holmes - she teaches C.I. and improv - really powerful teaching. There is also a Monday night C.I. jam that is really great - lots of wonderful dancing. Enjoy!

Doug:

I absolutely agree with the above suggestions at MR; I think you will find a lot of varied resources at your disposal - as well as meet people who will lead you to other jumping off points.

Also, as I know you have a WIDE interest in dance, beyond the modern and contemporary scene, please check out the large monster studios that bring in people from all over the world. Most of them have a rolling faculty, with a few staple jewels. They are fascinating places to explore, as you meet New Yorkers who dance for all reasons, tourists from everywhere, students, other teachers, etc. My suggestions to get started on that exploration:

Dance New Amsterdam
Steps on Broadway
Broadway Dance Center
Ailey School
Baryshnikov Arts Center

From what I know of you, the Alexander technique will be a great adventure and a wonderful segue into the acting world as well. If you take a Simonson Class (Dance New Amsterdam) take Katiti's class. Also, there's a place called Fazil's that rents studio space by the hour for reasonable prices... many aspiring dancers/choreographers rent that space. You find some interesting work happening, too. The building is steeped in tap history. The faculty at Tisch/Julliard/Marymount are great places to bounce off of as well... For ballroom/social dance check out:
http://www.gothamswingclub.org
http://www.strictlywestie.com
http://www.i-h-d-a.com
http://www.yehoodi.com
http://www.steppingoutstudios.com
http://www.swingislove.com

These are all large places to begin a journey; as I think you are interested in walking your own path. Your obvious interest in kinesiology will likely lead you many places too.

I'm happy to give my opinions on teachers, but it's about finding who fits you...

smiles
k.k. :)

Much thanks for all of the great suggestions!!!

Hey, the Alexander Technique did wonders for me - I'd definitely check it out, and their main website at http://alexandertechnique.com

hey doug -- some of my opinions and experiences....

- Develop my own movement style
take millions of classes from all styles -- not just downtown dance -- but from all over the map -- at spaces mentioned above and more -- then pick and choose and narrow it down -- find what interests you and why -- and take it into a studio by yourself. nothing like exploring by yourself (with a lot of info) -- for finding your own voice.

- Learn how to improvise
rent studio space and go for it. then take it to class in order to relate it to others. lots of improv classes in nyc.

- Learn about movement analysis
susan klein and barbara mahler -- teaching at susan's studio still i think? -- and at movement research and more recently at dna as well. not sure who is certified to teach klein -- but some people are and also teach in these places.

- Stay healthy
see leslie kaminoff(best body worker i have been to in nyc)
acupuncture and whatever you tend toward to stay healthy: yoga, pilates, meditation, etc.

Hi Doug-

I would definitely recommend the Mark Morris Studios (http://www.mmdg.org). They have a truly excellent faculty, a gorgeous facility, and are somewhat more affordable than many studios in Manhattan.

Also- Gerald Casel and Pam Pietro teach modern technique classes that are intelligently infused with several different kinesiological approaches, which they will happily explain if you ask.

Good luck with your search!

Not being familiar with NY, I can't add my 2c about good schools there (though it seems ample advice has already been given on that topic), but since you asked, I'm happy to weigh in as a fellow adult learner. My technique has been to take as many classes with as many instructors as possible, which has helped me understand what I do/don't like, and then I hone in on those things. If I have a free moment, it fits my schedule, I have my dance clothes with me, and I can get there, I will try it, regardless of style or level (within reason).

As for the specific areas you want to work on:

For your first two (Develop my own movement style and Learn how to improvise), I highly recommend social dances such as salsa or swing. Get to know the music of the genre and really get into feeling and listening to the musical and rhythmic qualities of that music. Go to clubs and socials and don't be afraid to "shine". This is how I developed my personal style and improvisational ability. Also, taking a choreography/composition class really freed me up to get in touch with the movement that was all me and shed some of my inhibitions and fears.

- Learn about movement analysis... can't help you there

- Stay healthy... yoga yoga yoga

Good luck and keep us posted!!

Thanks again for the suggestions!

One theme that runs through the above recommendations is the importance of being exposed to as many different dance styles as possible and not limiting myself to one approach or genre of dance--definitely a good idea.

Somehow, I have to figure out how to balance all of the things I'd like to accomplish in dance with time restraints. I was talking with Daniel Burkholder (see his comment above) last night before taking his contact improv. class. And his recommendation is that to make good progress you really need to take at least three classes a week.

I'm thankful for all of the above comments too since competitive ballroom is becoming so expensive for me. Of course that's where my heart is. I might try the Alexander technique class as well -- that sounds really interesting. Thanks for posting this, Doug, and thanks to the commenters for their great suggestions!

Hi Doug,
a few more thoughts in addition to saying a big "yes" to all that has already been suggested:

for body awareness work:
Irene Dowd is wonderful -- offers workshops in the city, her knowledge is super-comprehensive and she has influenced many somatic practitioners -- her book, Taking Root to Fly, is still one of my favorite sources for inspiration, imagination, and anatomy all together.

Other movement analysis that you might want to look into (lots of info online) and is represented in some of the suggested teachers above: Body Mind Centering, Bartinieff Fundamentals (related to Laban Analysis), Feldenkrais Method, Pilates.

I loved the salsa classes I took with Eddie Torres in doing research on salsa this past spring -- so would recommend his class.

The so-much-ness of New York's offerings can be daunting; while it is good to experience a little of a lot of different things to begin with, it makes sense to me to find the points of focus that make sense to you, that resonate with you, charge you, get your own creative juices flowing -- and follow them through.

Hi Doug,

Great to be involved here! I would also recommend supplementing any of the classwork listed above with some balanced work in Alexander Technique, Feldenkrais, or another form of movement analysis. These tools can integrate movement and movement patterns through dynamic alignment, and can change the way that you walk, behave, sleep, dance, improvise - you name it. An excellent and affordable teacher with a sliding scale is named Daria Fain - please email me and I'll send you her contact information.

Best,
Jonah Bokaer