Below is a list of classes and events that are currently being offered at
The Academe.  For a Biography of the Instructor, please click on Instructor's Name.

 

LESLIE SANSONE'S WALK LIVE CLASS

Leslie Sansone's Walk Live Class comes to Michigan!  Many of you have walked with Leslie's in home Walk Away the Pounds videos.  Well, Leslie has decided to certify individuals from all across the US to conduct LIVE WALKS in their respective areas.  So MICHIGAN here we are! The walks are very simple to do, based on four simple steps, varied to give you a total work out.  There are so many benefits to walking, and joining others is another one of them.  For a preview of what you can expect, go to www.walkathome.com.   COME ON OUT AND JOIN US!

 

JACKI'S AEROBIC DANCING

Jacki's Aerobic Dancing, originated 40 years ago and is still choreographed by Jacki Sorensen herself.  It is a medically approved, progressive, aerobic course that is created for the non-dancer that features a wide variety of motivating music and challenging steps.  It firms your body and strengthens your cardiovascular system.  Pace yourself through class by monitoring your heartrate and participating at a level comfortable for you.  Get up and off the floor with our exclusive concept VERTIFIRM, which spot exercises the upper and lower body with the use of optional free weights. 

Come dance for your workout!  Visit our website at www.jackis.com  Instructor is certified, CPR trained and has 9 years teaching experience. 

Instructor: Pam Gee 734-668-7260 for additional information.

 

BALLROOM DANCING

Welcoming singles, couples and dancers at all levels.
Two left feet? . . . No problem. If you can walk you will be able to dance!

Private lessons and Beginner and Intermediate group classes for Waltz, Rumba, Tango, Swing Cha-Cha, foxtrot . . . Wedding Packages and more!

In the beginning stages of your dance training we recommend you take at least a few private lessons before attending your first group class. Private lessons may be taken with or without a partner and may be scheduled at your convenience seven days a week. During these lessons you will learn the rudiments of dancing, like moving, leading or following and timing. Here your dancing skills and knowledge develop concentrating on the dances of your choice.

Our group lessons consist of between 8 and 20 students and are designed to convey step and style knowledge. Group classes allow students to learn new steps with a variety of different partners in a fun, social atmosphere. Both singles and couples are welcome to attend. We rotate partners throughout the class to give everyone the opportunity to dance with different partners and make new friends. Group lessons will help you to explore variations in each dance and the feeling of dancing with different partners.

Please check the calendar to all our group class times.

INSTRUCTOR:  NATALIA VAIL was raised in Russia and has been enamored with dance since the age of six. Natalia enjoyed professional Dance Performances in Moscow, England, Canada and USA . . . Now, she brings her dance expertise to Ann-Arbor dance team. She uses a variety of dance forms including classical ballet and modern dance to get the body moments flowing to promote a constant flow, which is seen in ballroom dancing: Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Cha-Cha, Rumba, Swing . . .

 

 

 

 

 

CONTACT: 734-478-2233

COST:    Group Lesson $10   Package of 12 groups $100  
Call for Private Lessons - 734-478-2233

*Introduce a new friend to a Group lesson and you pay only half the price for this class!
*Introduce a new friend to a Private lesson and your group lesson is free!
*** Wedding Packages also available!

 

MUSIC TOGETHER

Music Together is an internationally recognized early childhood music program for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and the adults who love them.  Registration includes twelve forty-five minute classes, an illustrated songbook and a C.D. 

DATE/TIME:    Tuesdays 10-10:45a.m.; Thursdays 10-10:45a.m. and 11-11:45a.m.; Fridays 10-10:45a.m.;  Saturdays 10:30-11:15 a.m.

INSTRUCTOR:  Robin Robinson

CONTACT:   (734) 929-2133 or www.robinsongsforkids.com

 

 

LITTLE DRAGONS KARATE

 Introductory level of karate for ages 4-6

DATE/TIME:  Tuesdays, 6:10-6:50pm

COST:  $90 per 8 week session

INSTRUCTOR:   Barbara Christensen

CONTACT:  (734) 665-2840 or blchristensen@earthlink.net or

www.AnnArborOkinawanKarate.com

  

  

YOUTH KARATE

ALL LEVELS - ages 7 - up:          Tuesdays, 7-7:50 pm

INTERMEDIATE LEVEL - ages 10 and under:          Thursdays, 5-5:45 pm

INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED - ages 11 and up:         Thursdays, 4-4:50 pm

COST:  $45/mo. for once a week; $60/mo. for twice a week

INSTRUCTOR:   Barbara Christensen

CONTACT:  (734) 665-2840 or blchristensen@earthlink.net or

                  www.AnnArborOkinawanKarate.com

 

ADULT OKINWAN KARATE

The Okinawan Karate club for adults is a Shorin-ryu Karate Do style incorporating armed and unarmed blocking, striking, kicking, locking, throwing and moving techniques. Our system involves 19 empty hand forms or Katas, gradated two-person exercises, sparring, the study of traditional Okinawa weapons, and Toyei Torite Jujitsu. It is our belief that the study of Shorin-ryu Karate Do is to promote good health, focus the mind, strengthen the body, used for self defense and have a wonderfully good time learning it.

Head instructor Missy Siudara in a 3rd degree Black Belt in Shorin-ryu Karate Do and a 2nd degree Black Belt in Toyei Torite Jujitsu.

The director of the Okinawa Karate Club,  Barbara Christensen, is a 7th degree Black belt and a recognized Master Instructor.

 DATE/TIME:  Sundays, 10:30 a.m. - 12 Noon

COST:  Please contact Instructor for more information

INSTRUCTOR:  Missy Siudara

    

 

    POSTURE and ASHTANGA YOGA

Posture Yoga:  This class will focus on strengthening the core muscles while opening and stretching the hips. This allows for proper posture and a healthy spine. Poses are held to build endurance; breath work will release tension so that flexibility of the spine and hips can be achieved. This class is a must for anyone that spends hours sitting at a desk or driving long hours a day.

Ashtanga Yoga: This practice intends to heat up the body promoting increased flexibility while detoxifying and strengthening your entire being.

Classic Sun Salutations combined with variations of these, help the body regain its natural range of motion, providing overall health and well-being. The class moves at a comfortable pace, making it a welcoming environment for all interested to come.

First time Yogis are welcomed!

 

DATE/TIME:  Posture Yoga Saturdays from 9-10:15 a.m.  and Ashtanga Yoga Fridays from 5:30-6:30pm.

First class: $5.00   Drop-ins: $13.00   10 class card: $115.00 ($11.50/class)

Instructor:   Ita Reyes - RYT

You can contact Ita at:   itayoga@comcast.net or (734)604-5697

ItaYoga.webs.com

INSTRUCTOR:  Ita Reyes CYT- Certified Yoga Instructor.

 I have been cultivating my practice for 7 years. I had always been curious about Yoga. However, just like many others, I felt intimidated by it. One good day, I decided to give it a try and see what would happen. That first experience was not very pleasant, to say the least. In a room full of people, with no experience whatsoever, I felt I could not do anything right. But once at home, my body started giving me signs that it had indeed benefited from the poses. I decided to give it another try because of how well my body felt after that first practice - it wanted more. I continued putting my body through the classes and my mind through the torture of being self conscious and uncomfortable. Finally one day, I reached the true goal of Yoga practice. My mind became quiet, my thoughts ceased, and I began a journey within that left me in blissful peace. That day, my transformation began. A new way of thinking, of seeing things, of handling challenges, of self appreciation and compassion were all ignited in me. I've never looked back.

I received my Yoga Teacher Certification from Sun Moon Yoga. This has been one of my most prized accomplishments. The experience and the lessons continue to make themselves relevant and useful in my life. Every day is a new opportunity to learn something that I can bring to my students to deepen their practice.

I teach Yoga because I truly believe in its power to heal, in its power to transform your life into a healthier, less stressful, and more enjoyable journey.

 

BOLLYWOOD BHANGRA By BOLLYFIT 

Do you dream of energizing fitness that's a spa experience you look forward to, not dreaded exercise? Awaken to BollyFit, Fitness through Dance. Fitness that's Fun. 

BollyFit™ is the Fitness through Dance™ sensation illuminating Michigan.  BollyFit synthesizes the artistic elements of Indian classical, folk and Bollywood dance styles in a dynamic dance experience.  A spiritual thread is woven in and participants awaken consciousness through dance.  Clock time slips by and, by the way, you've worked up a sweat and strengthened BollyMuscles!  

BollyFit attracts a spectrum of souls - from never-before dancers to grandmothers who haven't danced in 30 years - who experience increased athleticism and emanate aliveness into the universe!  Students have come to BollyFit's flagship Ann Arbor classes from as far as Battle Creek, Chicago and Canada. 

No dance experience necessary.  If you are a dancer waiting in the wings, come join us!

 COST:  Please contact Instructor for details.

DAY/TIME:  Mondays at 7:15-8:15 p.m.; Tuesdays at 5:00-6:00; Thursdays at 7:15-8:15pm.

INSTRUCTOR:   Anuja Rajendra

CONTACT:    Call 734-657-6680 or visit   www.bollyfit.com.

 

BollyFit Kids (Ages 4-7)

Do you dream of a dance experience for your child that is active but not competitive?  That aligns learning and 'lightness'?  Awaken to BollyFit Kids, where hearts pump to the energizing music of Bollywood and beyond and your sweet peas learn a dance number synthesizing traditional and modern steps.  Cultural connections around the world are reinforced through fun visual aids.  For BollyFit's highly competent and caring teachers, success is "to awaken a life-long love of world dance and music in all children."   BollyFit Kids is a unique opportunity for families.  It's learning new things, in new ways, with new friends.  Performance opportunities for registered students.  If you have a young dancer waiting in the wings, come join us!  Register early as class fills fast.   

 INSTRUCTOR: Anuja Rajendra

BollyFit Creator and CEO Anuja Rajendra is an experienced dancer and choreographer and magnetic motivational speaker.  A loyal Michigander, success to Anuja is eliciting the dormant dancer within every body in her home state and helping Michigan reach the top of the charts in the "healthiest state" category for both physical and spiritual well-being. 

Anuja trained in Indian classical, folk and Bollywood dance styles since the age of six and performed professionally across the United States and in Canada and India since she was twelve years old. She believes that being fit, moving to music, and joy are natural states and that BollyFit is one of many vehicles that can guide us to return home. 

To meet growing demand and make the program more accessible, Anuja developed the BollyFit Guide for Guides™ program to certify instructors to teach classes featuring her proprietary content and choreography.  

Her private clients include Michigan-based U.S. National and Four Continents Ice Dance Champions Meryl Davis and Charlie White. Together with their coaches, Anuja developed a traditional Indian folk dance for Meryl and Charlie's 2009-2010 competitive season that they hope to showcase at the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver, Canada. 

Anuja and her husband live in Ann Arbor with their dancing buddies – two smiling sons and a beloved dog adopted from a Michigan rescue

 

 

SWING DANCE

FRIDAY NIGHT SWING:  The Friday Night Swing Dance Party includes free beginner lesson at 8pm which covers the swing basics and another dance move every week, and then open dancing at 8:45pm featuring two different swing DJs every week.  Dance styles include lindy hop, east coast swing, charleston, blues, and balboa.  We are very beginner friendly! Contact us at www.aactmad.org/swing.

DATE/TIME:  Fridays 8 p.m. to 12 Midnight

 COST:  contact www.aactmad.org/swing for more information