A. HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH PROGRAMS (Sept. 15 to Oct. 15)
1- Latin Dance Class: Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Cha Cha
30 to 90 minutes of instruction covering any combination of the above dances — (cost varies with audience size, venue location, and length of program)
A dance lesson is a great way to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month! This is run live online or in person and can be geared to children, teens or adults. A written summary of some dance steps can be provided which enables participants to review after the class.
2- Introduction to Latin Dance Rhythms: A Lesson for Very Young Children (ages 3 to 6)
9 minutes — $80 video rental
This pre-recorded dance video for young children introduces them to a key Latin percussion instrument and to the Salsa rhythm. This lesson uses common children's songs such as the "Alphabet Song" and “Wheels on the Bus” to illustrate how to step on certain the beats, and closes with a Latin dance demonstration! Video can be shown multiple times within an agreed upon time-frame.
3- Latin Music and Dance: A Great Gift To the World (ages 10 and up)
37 minutes — $225 video rental
Arguably the greatest gift Hispanic culture has given the world is its music and dancing, which are popular in all cultures and corners of the world! Learn about the history and rhythms of these dance styles, and take a basic dance lesson in this pre-recorded video!
4- Hispanic Heritage Celebration
30 minutes to 2 hours —live program (cost varies with audience size, venue location, and length of program)
This program is run live on line or in person, and includes information on the history of Hispanic Heritage celebrations and the role of music and dance in Latin culture. The underlying rhythms of these dances are described along with some comments on their cultural significance. Latin dance performances and instruction are also included. If time permits there may be some social dancing so participants can try out the steps they learned. This program was first developed for a show at the Kennedy Center and you can watch clips here: https://youtu.be/MIxF9Y50XY8 A written summary of basic Salsa steps can be provided; they’re great for review!
B. WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH (March) or WOMEN’S EQUALITY DAY (August 26)
Women & Equality: Women Take The Lead
54 minutes — $300 video rental
1 to 1.5 hours — live program (cost varies with audience size, venue location, and length of program)
a. This program is guaranteed to be empowering and fun! The video program includes interviews with a historian and with artists, remarks about the changing role of women throughout history, Latin Dance performances with women both leading and following. Audience members “guess who’s leading” for an interactive component. Finally, there is a short dance lesson and women are invited to learn the leader’s part if they wish!
b. The live version of this program includes a discussion of women’s changing role in society as they moved toward equality. There is a live performance where dancers take turns leading and following. The audience is invited to guess how many times the lead switched! A dance lesson is included, and ladies are welcome to learn the leader’s part.
C. DISABILITY AWARENESS MONTH PROGRAM (October)
Accessible Cha Cha Instruction (ages 10 and up)
22 minutes — $125 video rental
This pre-recorded video teaches the Latin dance rhythm of the “Cha Cha Cha" to folks with all levels of movement ability. It’s designed to be suitable for those who can walk as well as those who use walkers and wheelchairs.
D. WOMEN’S HEALTH MONTH (May) or MEN’S HEALTH MONTH (June) or NATIONAL HEALTH EDUCATION WEEK (Late October)
Health Benefits of Synchronous Group Movement (ages 13 and up)
45 minutes — $250 video rental
45 minutes to 1.5 hours — live program (cost varies with audience size, venue location, and length of program)
a. The pre-recorded video program explains the enormous health benefits that group synchronous movement offers. These go far beyond the benefits of simply exercising. Punctuated with interviews, lively Salsa performances and instruction, this video gives viewers a “healthy excuse” to take some time out to enjoy Latin dancing!
b. The live version of this multi-pronged program addresses the commonly known benefits of exercise (for heart, bones, muscles, circulation, pulmonary function, etc) as well as some less well-known benefits that come from moving in synch with others. The benefits of synchronous movement include higher pain tolerance, a pervasive sense of well-being, and the feeling of being bonded to those in the group. Some of the underlying research on this is explained and attendees will experience this boost in mood firsthand.
The attendees will sing, tap fingers and clap hands in unison. Some will dance in synchrony, and any seniors who aren't able to dance will stay seated and stomp feet in time with others. This original interactive program will leave attendees both uplifted and enlightened, as they practice matching the timing of others in the group!
It’s good to know that small movements done in unison can have such startling health benefits. It “arms” people with a tool for unlocking feelings of joy and social connection!
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Short Biography:
DanceInTime teaches and performs Salsa and Latin dances. The company has been featured on the ABC News, WTTG Morning News in DC and Baltimore, Telemundo, and the Voice of America, and has produced shows for DC’s Capital One Arena, the Kennedy Center, the DC Convention Center, World Bank Red Carpet Galas, the Washington Nationals Baseball Park, and more. DanceInTime has taught workshops and/or done team performances in Puerto Rico, Miami, NY, San Francisco, DC, Vancouver and Dublin, etc. Director Barb Bernstein tweaks the above programs so they’re suitable to the needs of each audience. She holds a Ph.D. in Education from the University of Maryland and teaches dance for American University’s Health Studies Department.
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