Your Neighborhood Studio

How are you celebrating National Dance Day?

2011-07-26T14:36:00.000-07:00

Check out the video from last year:

This year we are not only going to BOOGIE, but we are also going to donate with dance!

YNS is selling "When in doubt...DANCE!" summer tank tops (in both Men's and Women's sizes) and all proceeds will go to World Access Project (www.worldaccessproject.org), a company that provides wheelchairs to disabled people in Mexico who cannot afford them. You can buy the tanks at YNS or during the event!

Be ready to learn some moves from your favorite YNS instructors as we dance our block party parade up the boardwalk!

RSVP on FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=117181878368848

For more information contact:

310-876-3498

www.yourneighborhoodstudio.com

Tahitian Dance Breakdown

2011-06-28T12:20:00.000-07:00

It's finally beginning to feel like summer in Los Angeles. Exchange your tank top and leggings for your favorite bikini and tropical sarong for this week's DANCE BREAKDOWN. Leolani Gallardo takes you on a breezy, island adventure as she guides you through her Tahitian Dance class combination. Sweat to the beat of the drums and rock your hips to hip hop, reggae and Polynesian music.

Tahitian Dance with Leolani

Wednesdays
6pm-7pm

This Tahitian dance fitness course is designed for all levels. Tahitian dance comes from Tahiti located in the French Polynesian islands. It consists of fast rhythmic hip shaking, slow sensual hip movement as well as storytelling with the arms and hands.

About the instructor:

Leolani Gallardo has over 18 years of dance experience with hula halau Keali'i'O Nalani, and Tahitian dance troop, Nonosina. She has been competing and performing internationally throughout Hawai'i, Tahiti, US, Mexico and Japan since the beginning of her dance career. She recently just graduated from UCLA with a Bachelor's Degree in World Arts and Cultures, Cultural Studies emphasis. In 2009, she took a year off from UCLA to do a dance contract with Tokyo Disney, perfoming in "Mickey and Minnie's Polynesian Paradise dinner Luau Show." She also was a guest assistant choreographer on Fox's "So You Think You Cand Dance - Season 7." helping with the television show's first Tahitian dance routine ever.

To find out more information on Leolani visit www.dancewithleolani.com

<a href="http://www.sodahead.com/fun/what-class-do-you-want-to-see-in-the-next-dance-breakdown/question-1926275/" title="What class do you want to see in the next DANCE BREAKDOWN?">What class do you want to see in the next DANCE BREAKDOWN?</a>

Questions View Results

Cardio Hip Hop Breakdown

2011-06-24T14:13:00.000-07:00

Wil-son Williams leads this week's DANCE BREAKDOWN: Cardio Hip Hop. This cardio intensive hip hop class gives you the opportunity to learn dance styles from old school, funk, street and Afro-fusion styles... that you can take to the club, to the street... or to your living room!

Check it out!

Cardio Hip Hop with Wil
Tuesdays and Fridays 10:30am-11:30am

About the Instructor:
Wil-son Williams is a professional dancer and dance fitness instructor. He has formal training from acclaimed Tap and Jazz Broadway performer Maurice Hines. Wil-son has performed at the Apollo Theater in New York, on the television show "People Talk" and at The Freedom Theater in Philedelphia. As a student at The High School for Creative and Performing Arts in Philadelphia Wil honed and refined his skills. This prepared him for performances with The Los Angeles Choreographers and Dancers Company, specializing in dance techniques such as African, Latin, Modern and Hip Hop.

For more information about Wil visit www.clubzumba.com

<a href="http://www.sodahead.com/fun/which-class-do-you-want-to-see-in-the-next-dance-breakdown/question-1913411/" title="Which class do you want to see in the next DANCE BREAKDOWN?">Which class do you want to see in the next DANCE BREAKDOWN?</a>

Questions View Results

When in doubt...DANCE: A YNS Member's Success Story

2011-06-13T16:12:00.000-07:00

Laura Damschen is not a dancer. She is a normal person who just simply can't live without it. This LA County Kindergarten teacher found her passion for dance just over three months ago and lost 22 pounds in the process. Her fitness success stems from the pure joy and therapy that dancing gives her and she just can't get enough.

Laura grew up in Orange County and moved to Los Angeles one year ago to work in an inner city charter school. Moving to the big city gave her more opportunities to meet a diverse group of friends, try new things and stir up her creative side as well. Like most LA residents, she signed up for a gym membership to maintain her health goals. Being a teacher in the community, she enjoyed taking the group fitness classes. However, she disliked how every class felt "like a cattle call." Laura's curiosity perked up one night when she saw a Zumba infomercial. She had heard about the Zumba fitness craze but had never seen it done or had the means of trying it before. Her friend introduced her to Your Neighborhood Studio, where she tried her first Zumba class and immediately fell in love.

"The instructors [at YNS] are so talented, interesting, caring and engaging," she said. She felt an immediate connection with the instructors and loves the fact that they not only give corrections to their students but they also give high fives! "I'm not thinking about the workout when I'm in class...my shirt may be drenched in sweat but when one song ends, I find myself thinking, what song is next...let's keep dancing!"

She began her YNS addiction with all cardio-based “follow-the-leader-style” classes, like Zumba, Cardio Hip Hop, Cardio Carnivale, Cardio Bellydance and Cardio Disco. She since has worked her way towards more choreographed dance classes like Burlesque, Cabana Cabaret and Booiaka. Although, choreography is new to her, and she doesn't nail every step, she says she leaves each class with "a new sense of accomplishment." She aspires to keep expanding her dance vocabulary and technique.

Since her first visit to YNS in March 2011, Laura has lost 22 pounds. The dance classes she takes are her sole workout on top of her Weight Watchers diet plan. She started attending 1 class a week at the studio and now attends 4-5 classes a week. Once the school year ends, she plans to spend her summer vacation dancing every day and adding new hobbies to her schedule like guitar and art/painting lessons.

Laura cannot imagine her life without dance. When she tells her friends about her new passion for dance, "they tell me I'm glowing," she said. No matter how hard or crazy her work day may be, she makes time for her dance classes. Dance is, in fact, her therapy. She further explained, "Someone made me feel bad one day and instead of turning to eating or sitting around feeling bad for myself, I came to dance at YNS." Her frustrations and worries melt away when she dances. Laura Damschen is living proof of the YNS motto: "When in doubt...DANCE!"

Do you have a similar success story? We'd love to hear more about it!

Questions View Results

Zouk Lambada Breakdown

2011-06-08T13:04:00.000-07:00

Grab a partner for this week's DANCE BREAKDOWN! Shani Meyer guides you through a Zouk Lambada partnering combination that fuses Brazilian and Caribbean dance styles. This style involves a lot of connection with your partner with flowy head movements along with smooth hip movement. Zouk Lambada is popular worldwide and can be seen all over Europe, Brazil, and Asia. Today, Zouk is prominent in the US areas including San Francisco, LA, DC and NY. CHECK IT OUT!

ZOUK LAMBADA
Thursdays
9pm-10pm

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:
Shani Meyer was born in Isreal, where she started studying dance and trained in Ballet, Modern, Jazz as well as Gymnastics. It wasn't until her trip to South America in 2006 where she discovered her passion for Latin and Brazilian rhythms. In Brazil, she became very passionate about Zouk Lambada and has since trained with the top instructors in Argentina, Brazil, Spain and Isreal. She is dedicated to spreading her passion for Zouk by teaching and bringing guest instructors to the US.

Questions View Results

Bollywood Bhangra Beats Dance Breakdown

2011-06-02T18:28:00.000-07:00

Learn the art of Bollywood dancing from the industry's most respected Bollywood choreographer and instructor, Achinta S. McDaniel, teacher of LA's longest-running Bollywood dance classes and director of the world famous blue 13 dance company. Bollywood Bhangra Beats is an electrified whirlwind of heart-pumping, shoulder bumping, hopping, jumping Indian dance for ALL levels of women and men.

Check out this week's DANCE BREAKDOWN with Achinta! Warm up those "peacock hands" and "monster arms" for this energetic bollywood piece!

Bollywood Bhangra Beats

Thursdays 8pm-9pm

Achinta McDaniel is a pioneer of modern Bollywood dance in the United States. She is known for her experimentation with international styles and her theatrical, inventive staging of many genres. McDaniel’s choreography appears in feature films, television, commercials, music videos, and live theatrical dance productions from LA to Mumbai, and she has worked with Todd Haynes, Anupam Kher, Boman Irani, Kavita Krishnamurthy, Manasi Scott, and many more. In 1999, McDaniel founded blue 13 dance company, the country’s first contemporary Bollywood dance ensemble, since enjoying great success in creating live touring dance productions in her signature Bollywood-Tech™ style. The press describes, “Truly beyond all spectacle [is] the dancing seductress artistic director Achinta S. McDaniel, who brightens up the stage with her presence and brings to the crowd a wave of enthusiasm that leaves them yelling from their seats.” McDaniel is LA’s top Indian Dance Instructor, teaching her famous Bollywood Bhangra Beats™ and many other dance classes with The Blue School all over the city for a decade.

For a full list of classes and upcoming Bollywood performances, please visit www.blue13dance.com.

Questions View Results

GROOV3 Dance Breakdown

2011-05-26T16:15:00.000-07:00

Ben Allen guides you through his GROOV3 class in this week's YNS Dance Breakdown. Get ready for a high energy, dance-your-butt off cardio funk combination. This week, Ben's class includes some old school moves as well of some of his own dance vocabulary (we especially love his "booty hey's")! Throw on your flyest kicks, turn up your favorite jam and get ready to join the GROOV3MENT!

GROOV3

Thursdays 7pm-8pm

GROOV3 is a one hour, beginner-friendly cardio dance class with a LIVE DJ! Targeting non professionals with the emphasis on important tools to healthy living - confidence, weight management and an overall sense of well-being - Ben creates easy-to-learn dance combinations for all levels to enjoy and really DANCE, SWEAT, LIVE!

To learn more about GROOV3 and their upcoming events visit:
www.dancesweatlive.com

About Ben:
Ben has worked in film, television, live stage shows and has taught all over the world. One of the most rewarding experiences he has to date has been teaching - motivating and inspiring others through his gift of dance has been a dream come true. He recently started a production company called Real Dance Productions (www.realdanceproductions.com) which puts dance related events and fundraisers throughout the year and aims to unite communities and, in turn, change people's lives through dance. You can also follow Ben on www.danceplug.com as he hosts each week's Danceplug dish, keeping you up-to-date on the latest news in the dance scene.

Questions View Results

Two more reasons why you should dance...

2011-05-13T15:15:00.000-07:00

Why do you dance? Is it a hobby of yours...or is it your passion? Do you dance to express yourself or do you dance simply for fun? Most people dance because it makes them feel good. Dance is a therapeutic hobby/passion that allows anyone to release energy in a positive way. Dancing gives us an outlet to exercise, train, and grow physically as well as mentally.

This month at YNS, we can give you two more reasons why you should dance...check out these dance charity fundraisers:

DANCESCAPE

An evening of live dance performances benefiting art & music programs in Los Angeles Public Schools.

"Dancescape is a benefit dance concert that raises funds for arts programs in our public schools while showcasing LA’s top established and up-and-coming dancers and choreographers. Previous shows have included both contestants and choreographers from the Fox Television show So You Think You Can Dance, finalists from America’s Got Talent, members of the Hysterica, MyoKyo, and blue13 dance companies, and professional dancers fresh from tours with megastars like Justin Timberlake and Lady Gaga." -www.dancescapela.com

Saturday, May 21

6:30pm

LEVEL 3 Nightclub at Hollywood & Highland

6801 Hollywood Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90028

PRICE:

$16.50 (online presale)

$20 (door)

$140 (VIP couches - includes seating and drink tickets for 4 guests)

For more information visit: www.dancescapela.com

HAIR-O-GRAPHY

A special YNS dance fundraiser for Pink Heart Funds

Let down your locks for this fierce charity fundraiser...get ready to flirt, toss, flip and whip your hair in this sassy masterclass...

Your Neighborhood Studio instructors, Ginger Broussard and Sara VonGillern, will guide you through this hour-long hair appreciation class, combining their styles of jazz/funk and hip hop.
After the class, enjoy complimentary neck and shoulder massages, wine and appetizers!

**All proceeds go to Pink Heart Funds, a non-profit charity providing free wigs for children and adults who have lost their hair due to illness or cancer treatment. To learn more about this organization visit:www.pinkheartfunds.org.

WHEN: May 27, 2011
8pm-10pm

WHERE:
Your Neighborhood Studio
3625 Hayden Avenue
Culver City, CA 90232

COST:
$20 donation

Pre-register today!
(310) 876-3498
www.yourneighborhoodstudio.com

A Feast for Eyes and Ears: An evening of music and dance

2011-05-02T17:55:00.000-07:00

Here's another opportunity to support your YNS instructors and dance community and get even more excited and inspired by dance. YNS Ballet instructor, Charlotte Richards, and YNS Contemporary Jazz instructor, Seda Aybay will showcase their choreography Santa Monica College Music and Dance Department's "A Feast for the Eyes and Ears." Bring your entire family this weekend for an evening of live music performed by the SMC Symphony featuring works by Bach, Bernstein, Chopin, Stravinsky, Shostakovich and more. This collaborative performance on Mother's Day weekend is an inexpensive and inspiring way to share your passion and love for dance and music!

Seating is strictly on a first-come first-serve basis - early arrival is suggested!

Saturday, May 7th
7:30pm

Sunday, May 8th
4:00pm

Tickets: $11

(tickets may be purchased at the Main Campus Events Box and will also be sold 45 minutes prior to performance at the Broad Stage box)

SMC Performing Arts Center - Broad Stage
1310 11th Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 434-3467 or (310) 434-4323

Dance Breakdown #4 - Cardio Bollywood with Amna

2011-04-20T15:03:00.000-07:00

YNS would like to thank everyone who participated in this week's poll...your votes mean a lot to us and give our teachers so much joy knowing that you love their classes! We even had a tie for this week's breakdown: Urban Hip Hop with Michelle and Cardio Bollywood with Amna. Unfortunately, we only have time to share 1 breakdown this week - Bollywood!!

Amna Mazin has been dancing for over 13 years and has experience leading, choreographing and performing in Bollywood - she is currently a part of the NDM Dance Troupe and she has performed with Bollywood celebrities such as Bipasha Basu, Pooja Bhatra and Boman Irani.

This week's combination is a high-energy, hard-hitting routine that will make you both smile and sweat!

ENJOY!

Amna teaches Bollywood every Monday evening from 7pm-8pm at YNS. Bollywood fuses traditional, folk and classical Indian dance with western influences such as jazz, hip hop and modern. No previous knowledge of dance or music is required!

Make sure you cast you vote for next week's DANCE BREAKDOWN!

Questions View Results

DANCE BREAKDOWN #3 - Burlesque with Brooklin

2011-04-12T14:39:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who voted for this week's DANCE BREAKDOWN. This week's winner is Burlesque with Brooklin.

Get ready for a super yummy routine to the tune, "Welcome to Burlesque," a song from the movie "Burlesque," starring Cher and Christina Aguilera. Brooklin's choreography is sexy and feminine...her class allows women to celebrate being sensual and vibrant in safe, all-female environment. Her style remixes traditional burlesque, Fosse, jazz, pin-up, pop and funk.

We highly recommend you slip into something more comfortable and turn your lights down low : )

ENJOY!

Brooklin teaches Burlesque every Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 9pm-10pm and every Sunday from 1pm-2pm at YNS. Get a great workout in while receiving the benefits of releasing your inhibitions and liberating your sexuality!

Questions View Results

Upcoming Event: RAW Los Angeles presents UNEARTHED

2011-04-12T13:37:00.000-07:00

Get an up-close-and-personal perspective on some of Los Angeles best independent artists this Thursday, April 14th - RAW Los Angeles presents: UNEARTHED. This unique event highlights art of all kinds - from hair, makeup, film, fashion, visual art, photography and dance - the mission of UNEARTHED is to give up and coming artists a chance to share their tools, talent and resources to inspire and cultivate more creativity in the LA community.

YNS is especially excited for this event because our very own Contemporary Jazz instructor, Seda Aybay, will perform with her dance company, Kybele Dance Theater.

Check out Seda's RAW artist profile by clicking here: Seda Aybay.

To learn more about her dance company, click here: Kybele Dance Theater.

EVENT INFO:

	Thursday, April 14, 2011 @ 8:00PM
	Elevate Lounge \| 811 Wilshire Blvd \| Los Angeles, CA 90017
	21+ event. Cocktail attire. Tickets are $10 via presale. BUY TICKETS: www.rawartists.org/losangeles/unearthed

Dance Breakdown #2 - Broadway with JD

2011-04-06T10:00:00.000-07:00

This week's DANCE BREAKDOWN is a really fun and upbeat Broadway routine, choreographed by JD Barton, to the music of Christina Aguilera from the movie "Burlesque." JD's choreography takes you for a ride into the sassy style and powerful characters of this musical...get ready to snap, shimmy and kick! If you love watching TV shows like "Glee," "Dancing with the Stars," or "So You Think You Can Dance," you will absolutely love learning this dance routine!

JD teaches Broadway every Monday evening from 9pm-10pm and Sundays 11:30am-12:30pm at YNS. Broadway is an ALL-LEVEL class - especially great for beginners!

JD's Broadway class was recently featured in Exercise LA - check it out!

CAST YOUR VOTE FOR NEXT WEEK'S DANCE BREAKDOWN!

Questions View Results

Introducing the YNS DANCE BREAKDOWN!

2011-03-30T11:01:00.000-07:00

We love dancing...and we love to watch YOU dance! If you are following YNS on Facebook, we post our "VIDEO OF THE DAY" so our community can both preview the latest classes at YNS as well as get a recap of you and your friends dancing your butts off! With the wide variety of dance styles offered at YNS, we share these videos to help you get a better idea of what each class has to offer before you step into our studio to shimmy, wiggle and boogie!

If you are a fan of YNS on Facebook and follow our "VIDEO OF THE DAY" - have you ever wanted to learn how to do the dance routines? Do you find yourself regretting missing a class or trying to do the moves at home after watching? YNS decided it's time to give back to the dancers who are feeling this void...with a weekly DANCE BREAKDOWN - exclusive to the YNS blog! (Become a follower by clicking here!)

We begin this exciting addition to the YNS network with our very smooth, very groovy instructor, Josh "Ace" Ventura, guiding you through his Old School Groove class (Mondays 9pm-10pm).

Starting next week, we want to know what class YOU want to see in the next DANCE BREAKDOWN! Follow our blog and cast your vote! Once the votes are in we'll post the latest class routine, step-by-step for your shimmy, wiggle and boogie pleasure!

YNS debuts the Boogie Lounge at their 4th Annual Open House

2011-01-10T19:28:00.000-08:00

Your Neighorhood Studio presents its newest addition, "The Boogie Lounge," January 23rd at the 4th Annual Open House. This 1300 square foot sprung wooden floor studio will open its doors for the first time from 2pm-6pm during this event. YNS offers 24 of our newest and most popular dance and fitness classes to all levels of dancers as well as anyone who is new to dance and wants to try FOR FREE!

Free classes include:
Zumba, Cardio Carnivale, Contemporary Lyrical, Leaps & Turns, Piloxing, Ballet, Cardio Disco, lots of Hip Hop and much more!

All classes are 30-minute samples and are on a first come first serve basis. Early arrival is suggested as classes will fill up quickly. A full class schedule will be posted on the YNS website 1 week prior to the event: www.yourneighborhoodstudio.com.

For any further questions please contact:
PH (310) 876-3498
EMAIL: info@yourneighborhoodstudio.com

SPREAD THE WORD! Check out the construction so far! We are so excited to share the new space with our community!

Boogie Lounge is under construction!

FREE workouts at YNS with Urban Rebounder

2010-11-23T18:16:00.000-08:00

Have a good body, but want a GREAT body?

Submit yourself today for the opportunity to receive FREE workouts with Urban Rebounder at Your Neighborhood Studio in Culver City, CA.

If you are interested in an appointment, PLEASE E-MAIL realpeepscasting@gmail.com.

This program will take place at YNS, but they are not running it. DO NOT CONTACT YNS ABOUT THIS! Contact Super People at the above address and put “REFERRED BY YNS” in the subject line. We will get back in touch with details.

We are looking for attractive, outgoing, energetic people who need to drop some weight and shape & tone up! Sorry, but we are NOT looking for people who are heavy or need to lose a lot of weight, we are looking for people who have been in great shape in the past, but have fallen of the wagon and gone “soft.” We want to help people get “ripped” again! Are you a former or current athlete, military, law enforcement, fire fighter, just had a baby, gym rat or average Joe who’s lost your optimum physique? Do you want to be in that kind of shape again? These workouts will get you there!

We need women and men of all ethnicities between the ages of approximately 21 to 45 who want to try an amazing new workout for FREE!

Lucky people selected will participate in a new boot camp style workout. This is a 12-week program starting at the beginning of January. If selected, you will receive daily workouts on the Urban Rebounder.

If selected, you will also be asked to an on-camera testimonial for the infomercial on this new product -expressing your honest, unscripted opinions about the program.

If interested...

PLEASE E-MAIL realpeepscasting@gmail.com & put "REFERRED BY YNS" in the subject line.

GOOD LUCK!

The Floor Improv Night - Get on the Dance Floor!

2010-11-12T14:27:00.000-08:00

We are so lucky to live in a city with such amazing, creative energy and talent. LA residents stay young and lively by keeping in touch with this city's never-ending supply of artistic curiosity. For music lovers and dancers alike, LA has thousands of clubs and lounges open nightly to fulfill this need. If you are looking for a place to play, free your mind and express yourself both musically and on the dance floor, THE FLOOR IMPROV NIGHT is just the place for you! This once-a-month event was created just over 2 years ago by two LA dancers, Sascha Escandon & Carolina Cerisola, who wanted to give back their dance community what their dance community had always given them - joy & inspiration. Its popularity has spread across the Hollywood area, drawing an eclectic group of musicians, dancers and music lovers to its home at King King on Hollywood Blvd.

THE FLOOR offers musicians and dancers of all genres an open canvas to create, feel and improvise together. Walter Davis leads the regular and guest musicians who really get the party grooving - a live assembly of guitars, drums, DJs, saxophones, keyboards and more. Throughout the night, guests get on the mic and sing along soulfully, spit a few rhymes or just pump up the band (anyone is welcome). Meanwhile, the dance floor doesn't stop moving - LA's finest Salsa dancers, Bboys, Bgirls, Lockers, Waackers, House dancers and Lindy Hop and Swing dancers spin, slide, jump and flip across the room. The energy from both the musicians and dancers is incomparable to any other reoccurring event in Los Angeles.

See a video of the THE FLOOR here

See a video of last month's THE FLOOR here

Monday, November 15, 2010

THE FLOOR Improv Night #30

King King Hollywood

6555 Hollywood Blvd

Los Angeles, CA

Doors open at 9pm

$12

For more information on THE FLOOR visit www.thefloorproductions.com

Become a FAN on Facebook!

Upcoming Performance: Kybele Dance Theater

2010-11-04T20:21:00.000-07:00

Another great dance performance is just around the corner! And what makes it even more noteworthy is the fact that it features YNS Contemporary Jazz instructor, Seda Aybay. Seda's very own contemporary dance company, Kybele Dance Theater, presents an evening of dance, live music and visual arts next weekend at the Hayworth Ballroom in DTLA.

Kybele Dance Theater

This contemporary dance company was founded in 2003 by Seda and is comprised of 8 dancers who specialize in jazz, ballet, modern, theater and ethnic dance techniques as well as aerial arts. Their performances are often enhanced with props such as fans, scarves and folding chairs and paired with live ethnic and modern music. You can expect to see all this and more during this upcoming showcase.

Click here to see a VIDEO of Kybele Dance Theater

Seda Aybay teaches Contemporary Jazz at YNS

SHOW INFORMATION
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Kybele Dance Theater

Hayworth Ballroom
2511 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90057

Tickets: $15 General Admission

Refreshments available throughout the evening

Visit www.kybeledance.com for more information.

Check out all these GREAT November dance events!

2010-10-29T15:26:00.000-07:00

Your Neighborhood Studio adores its dance community - students and teachers alike! When you're not in class at YNS, we want to offer you opportunities to keep growing as a dancer and continue to inspire you to dance! We are excited to share some upcoming performances in November that feature some of our amazing YNS instructors.

VENICE (Oct 7 - Nov 14)

Currently showing at the Culver City's own Kirk Douglas Theatre through mid-November, this musical combines hip hop vocabulary in an adaptation of Othello, a classic story of struggle and redemption, in a contemporary setting - appropriate and entertaining to all ages. The composers, Matt Sax and Eric Rosen, fuse hip hop, R&B and even opera in this musical, narrating this tale of two brothers who encounter love, politics, tragedy and treachery while struggling to lead a city conflicted with war and terrorism.

This Broadway musical features our Stretch & Strength instructor, Preston Mui. Preston teaches Mondays at 6pm at YNS - his class is not only a GREAT WORKOUT but it is also very informative for proper stretch technique.

Preston Mui

Click here to read a review from LA TIMES!

VENICE adapts "Othello" with contemporary hip hop vocabulary and music

VENICE

Kirk Douglas Theatre

9820 Washington Blvd, Downtown Culver City

Oct 7- Nov 14

Tuesdays through Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m.

Saturdays, 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sundays.

$20 to $45

(213) 628-2772 or www.centertheatregroup.org

GOVERNING BODIES (November 6 & 13)

Collage Dance Theatre is celebrating its 25th anniversary next month by producing a very unique showcase of contemporary dance - in fact, it's the very first of its kind - located at the iconic City Hall in downtown Los Angeles. During this site-specific performance, audiences "will follow dancers through historic Rotunda, limestone corridors and even into the City Council Chambers."
Due to the location, tickets are EXTREMELY limited and can only be bought in advance! Collage Dance Theatre will only perform Governing Bodies THREE times so be sure you don't miss out on this unique opportunity! The performances are honoring City Councilwoman Jan Perry as well as Collage Dance Theatre benefactors Joyce and Aubrey Chernick.

YNS West African dance instructor, Willy Souly, will be featured in this performance! Willy teaches at YNS on Tuesdays at 7:15pm and will also teach a special SAMPLE class next Friday, November 5th at 8pm.
Willy Souly

Saturday, November 6, 2010 - Opening Night
All Opening Night tickets include parking and a pre-performance Champagne Reception on the third floor under the rotunda.
6:30 PRE-PERFORMANCE CHAMPAGNE RECEPTION7:30 PERFORMANCEPOST-PERFORMANCE GALA & DINNER IN TOM BRADLEY TOWER
$250 | purchase tickets
6:30 PRE-PERFORMANCE CHAMPAGNE RECEPTION
7:30 PERFORMANCE
$100 | purchase tickets
Saturday, November 13, 2010
4:00 PM PERFORMANCE$25 | purchase tickets*
9:00 PM PERFORMANCEPOST-PERFORMANCE “MEET THE ARTISTS” RECEPTION
$40 | purchase tickets*
* $2 per ticket PayPal processing fee

This site-specific performance is the 1st of its kind!

Collage Dance Theatre will perform in LA City Hall

DANCESCAPE LA 2010 (November 13)

Not only are you supporting your local dance community when you attend DANCESCAPE LA 2010, but you are also raising money for your local public school's arts programs! This benefit concert showcases LA's up and coming choreographers and dancers - previous performers include finalists from "So You Think You Can Dance," "America's Got Talent," as well as dancers fresh from tours with Justin Timberlake and Lady Gaga. From jazz, to hip hop, tap to modern, belly dance to ballet, this diverse dance line up offers something for everyone!

View a sneak peek video here!

Click here for more information and to purchase tickets in advance: http://dancescapela.com/

DANCESCAPE LA
Aqua Lounge
424 N. Beverly Drive, 90210
Doors open at 6:30pm
Show starts at 7pm
21+ after 10pm

$15 - Presale
$20 - Door
$40 - VIP

THRILLER Recap - Halloween Dance class featured on Patch.com!

2010-10-29T13:56:00.000-07:00

The New School Thriller at YNS

The New School THRILLER - one of our special Halloween dance events at YNS this year - lured in over 40 eager guys and ghouls, bringing Michael Jackson's world famous choreography back to life in our very own Shimmy Studio. Sara VonGillern - YNS's Hip Hop, Lyrical and House instructor - recreated this Halloween favorite with a new twist to MJ's original choreography. Check out the video from class by clicking here!

Click here to see what Patch.com had to say!

YNS plans to make this Hip Hop treat an annual event during the Halloween season! Check back next year to learn the THRILLER!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Sara VonGillern taught the New School Thriller

Michael Jackson's world famous Thriller choreography

YNS October Events: Happy HOLLA-ween!

2010-10-18T15:25:00.000-07:00

Halloween is just around the corner and YNS wants to TREAT the Culver City community to some SPOOK-tacular dance events! And just because you are an adult doesn't mean you can't still get in the spirit of America's favorite fall holiday...find a fun costume and come shimmy and wiggle with us for HOLLA-ween!

NEW SCHOOL "Thriller" Hip Hop Class

Wednesday, October 27th
8pm-9pm
$14

In tribute of the late, great King of Pop, Michael Jackson, YNS invites you to learn the dance that made music video history! Combining the original moves with a new school flavor, Sara VonGillern (top finalist of So You Think You Can Dance: Season 3) will lead this hour-long hip hop class. Feel free to get dressed up for the class in your best THRILLER gear! All ages and all levels are welcome!

No pre-registration necessary for this class - simply drop in!

80's Dance Party

Friday, October 29th
8pm-9:30pm
$20

Pull out your banana clips and leg-warmers for this totally RAD dance party! Ginger Broussard will lead you on a 90 minute journey back to the most tubular decade ever! You will hear the best music on the planet and do the funnest 80's moves since Flashdance, Footloose and Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!!! There will be prizes for the best 80's attire!

Pre-register for this class today!
Call 310.876.3498

Both classes are held in the SHIMMY room at YNS. Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have!

Your Neighborhood Studio
3625 Hayden Avenue
Culver City, CA 90232

EMAIL - info@yourneighborhoodstudio.com
PHONE - (310)876-3498

Helios Dance Theater Presents "Beautiful Monsters"

2010-10-15T13:43:00.000-07:00

Your Neighborhood Studio is proud to be the home for Helios Dance Theater. Over the past year at our new location, this contemporary dance company has stretched their movement boundaries and spent hundreds of hours preparing their most recent dance repertoire, Beautiful Monsters. This performance premiers at UCLA's Royce Hall next weekend for one exclusive showing. We are so excited to watch this amazing choreography come to life on stage through their 7 elegant dancers, including Melissa Sandvig, top finalist from So You Think You Can Dance: Season 5.

Click here to see a sneak preview of the show!

Beautiful Monsters explores the boundaries of both the beauty and horror of our dreams. Artistic Director, Laura Gorenstein Miller, grew up in a haunted house and wanted to take her audience on a journey through her childhood fascination with the myths behind vampires. Her choreography investigates the confrontation with such nightmares, in which "becoming the monster is the only safety." This performance also showcases Miller's unique neutral gender partnering style: women to women, men to men and women lifting the men - testing the strength of a female and exploring the power of genders. Helios also teamed up with Chris Miller (Director of Shrek the Third), whose animations and sound collages will appear through out the show, taking the audience deeper into this dark dream world.

Helios Dance Company was founded by Ms. Miller in 1996. Her dance collective combines ballet, jazz and modern styles but extends its dance styles far beyond the boundaries of a traditional contemporary dance company. The Los Angeles based Helios is committed to their city's art scene, actively partnering with local schools bringing masterclasses and lecture demonstrations as well as educational workshops. Their works have been seen not only locally at Royce Hall, Schoenberg Hall, REDCAT, The Getty and The California Institute of Art, but also nationally at The Joyce Theater and Lincoln Center in New York City, and internationally at the Royal Opera House in London, the Mid Ocean Amphitheater in Southampton and the Bermuda and Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica in San Jose.

Beautiful Monsters

WHERE:
UCLA Live! Royce Hall
Directions

WHEN:
Saturday, October 23, 2010
8pm

PRICE:
$28, $38, $48 & $63 ($15 UCLA students)

Buy Tickets

***Helios Master Class***
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Time: 5pm-6:30pm
Location: Royce Hall Rehearsal Studio (click here)
Participation is open but limited, please email mlfriedman@arts.ucla.edu for info and to reserve a space.

Helios Dance Theater Website

Support LA's Hip Hop Dance Scene - J.U.I.C.E. Hip Hop Festival

2010-09-29T13:26:00.000-07:00

Locking, Popping, House dancing, Breaking and Old School - all of these dance styles are a part of the ever-evolving Hip Hop dance culture. Today's generation loves Hip Hop dancing due to it's appearance and popularity on television shows like "So You Think You Can Dance," "Dancing With The Stars," "America's Got Talent," and "America's Best Dance Crew." At YNS we offer many of these technique classes: Popping & Locking with Troy, House with Sara & Old School with Ace, as well as choreography-based Hip Hop classes that fuse contemporary Hip Hop with basic foundations and grooves. See our complete dance schedule here. If you love watching these shows or taking these classes at YNS, you will LOVE the J.U.I.C.E. Hip Hop Dance Festival - a Hip Hop showcase featuring ground-breaking choreography and artwork from a variety of LA's Hottest Hip Hop dancers and artists (including YNS instructors Sara VonGillern and Josh 'Ace' Ventura).

This Saturday, October 2nd, the 3rd Annual JUICE Hip Hop Dance Festival will take over the Ford Amphitheater courtyard starting at 7pm with live DJ's, open dance cyphers, life graffiti art, raffles, food, drinks, and merchant booths. The main show begins at 8pm in the amazing outdoor venue featuring performances by:

Namesless
Versastyle: Next Generation
Bboy LazyLegz & Bgirl Lynx
Antics Performance
Sabela
V.ENT
Lux Aeterna
POW
L. Scatter
World Order ft. Genki Sodu & Mari
Raphael X
One Step Ahead
big tara
Instant Noodles
Syrenz [as seen on Justin Beiber's "Somebody to Love" video!]
Toquon of Soul Elevation

JUICE (Justice by Uniting in Creative Energy) is a non-profit organization that targets adjudicated and at-risk youth in inner cities. The proceeds of the show will go towards helping this organization continue to grow and keep the youth safe by providing them a home of self expression through the elements of hip-hop.

3rd ANNUAL JUICE HIP HOP DANCE FESTIVAL

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 2

FORD AMPHITHEATER

2580 Cahuenga Blvd

Hollywood, CA

Doors open at 6:30pm

Show starts at 8pm

Get tickets here! (large groups get a discount!)

YNS raises $1000 for Living Beyond Breast Cancer

2010-09-27T19:12:00.000-07:00

Hot pink leggings, playful hip rolls and sassy hair whipping from side to side filled the Shimmy Studio last Friday at Your Neighborhood Studio. In support of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October), YNS invited Culver City to "Boogie For the Boobies," an evening of dance dedicated to raising money for Living Beyond Breast Cancer. With over 40 supporters in attendance, YNS raised $1000 to donate to this organization.

YNS instructors Seda Aybay, Brooklin Rogers, Sara VonGillern and Ginger Broussard combined their jazz, burlesque and hip hop dance styles into one groovy and uplifting routine. Attendees strutted their stuff to the soulful sounds of Jill Scott's "Golden," an empowering and appropriate song for this particular cause...

"I'm taking my own freedom

Putting it in my song,

Singing loud and strong,

Grooving all day long,

I'm taking my freedom

Putting it in my stroll,

I'll be high-steppin' y'all,

Letting the joy unfold,

I'm living my life like it's Golden!"

Watch the Boogie For the Boobies routine by clicking here.

Following the class, YNS provided red and white wine along with an assortment of yummy appetizers and desserts. All in all, the event was a huge SUCC-SASS!!

Thank you to all who supported "Boogie For the Boobies" - dancers, instructors, and Living Beyond Breast Cancer for partnering with our event!

YNS can't wait to BOOGIE with you again next year!

Dance Your Way to Your Fitness Potential!

2010-09-24T15:27:00.000-07:00

Are you intimidated by the gym or wish to avoid the monotony of lifting weights and running on treadmills? A dance fitness class is a great way to not only get a great cardio workout, stretch and strengthen your entire body, but it's also a way to meet new friends and learn some fun dance moves. In one-hour dance session you can burn up to 400 calories while toning and sculpting your body into shape without even realizing it. To ensure that you balance your exercise regime correctly, let Your Neighborhood Studio suggest a class program that will fulfill all your cardio, stretch and strengthening needs. Get in shape, feel great and progress your dance capacity!

What Kind of YNS Member Are You?

When you walk through the front doors of the Wiggle Room or Shimmy Studio at YNS are you

a) preparing yourself for the great workout you’re about to experience?

b) looking forward to learning new choreography and proper dance technique?

Regardless of which answer fits your motivation best, YNS has both the appropriate variety and level for your dance & fitness goals.

For maximum results, aim for 3 cardio, 2 stretch & strength, along with 2-4 dance technique classes a week.

Cardio – 3 times a week

YNS suggests…

Zumba - Our most popular and most user-friendly class is Zumba. This class offers easy-to-follow Latin inspired rhythms that combine aerobic interval training with spicy dance moves. This is a highly cardiovascular class – you can burn as many calories as running on the treadmill. SEE VIDEO HERE.

Cardio Carnivale - This class is for anyone who wants to break a serious sweat. Taught in a follow-the-leader style with lots of repetition, this class combines Afro-Cuban, hip hop and calypso styles. The moves are fun and easy to pick up without compromising on the workout in the end. SEE VIDEO HERE.

Cardio Ballet – Get a long, strong dancer’s body with this challenging, high-energy, low-impact workout that combines barre work and light weights for a total-body workout that tones and tightens while keeping your heart rate high for optimum fat-burning cardio. SEE VIDEO HERE.

Booiaka - Combining Latin, Hip Hop, Reggaeton and Afro-Brazilian dance styles, this class is a serious cardio workout set to fun, dance-club worthy choreography that makes you feel like you’re starring in your own video. The emphasis is on having fun, releasing your spirit and feeling the beat, getting your heart rate up and a sweat-drenched workout is just a sweet side effect. SEE VIDEO HERE.

House - House is an underground urban dance style that first appeared in Chicago but grew and evolved in the New York club scene. It derives its movement from many different dance genres such as Jazz, Tap, African, Capoeira, Lindy Hop and even Salsa. Sara will touch on certain house foundations such as jacking, skating, shuffling and lofting. She will focus on footwork basics followed by a short combo and freestyle. Bring water and wear a cozy pair of sneakers. This class is high in cardio so you can expect to work up a serious sweat! SEE VIDEO HERE.

Cardio Bollywood - Bollywood dance is a fusion of traditional and folk dances, classical Indian dance and western influences such as jazz, hip hop, and modern. An easy to follow dance class that will have you sweating as much as smiling! SEE VIDEO HERE.

Hip Hop - All of our Hip Hop classes are great for cardio exercise. High-energy warm-ups followed by contemporary hip hop choreography combinations will get your heart pumping for the entire hour. We have 9 different classes a week to choose from.

Stretch & Strength – 2 times a week

YNS suggests…

Ballet – Basic Ballet technique including basic barre exercises and centre work, with an emphasis on placement, turnout, strength-building, balance and some jumps. SEE VIDEO HERE.

Yoga Flow – Combining breathing & meditation exercises as well as holds in certain poses, yoga not only increases the range of motion in joints, but it also enables you to develop your flexibility, strength, and balance.

Yoga Booty Ballet - This upbeat hybrid workout combines meditation, fun cardio dance and strength training for an uplifting workout that covers all your bases, leaving mind and body refreshed and invigorated. SEE VIDEO HERE.

Stretch & Strength - This class involves dance, yoga and pilates based exercises. It is a low to medium impact workout designed to elongate your muscles and achieve the dancers body you've always wanted without the hassle of learning choreography. This class will stretch you out, sculpt you up, and firm those places that you've been trying to hide.

Jazz/Contemporary Jazz/Lyrical – These dance classes focus on core strengthening and blend jazz, modern and ballet fundamentals. After an extensive floor stretch and core warm-up, a short combination is taught at the end of the class. SEE VIDEO HERE.

If you are interested in exhilarating your dance technique but don’t know where to start, let us guide you towards the classes that will best suit your level.

Beginner Dance Technique classes – 2-4 times a week

YNS suggest…

Hip Hop with Wil - This cardio intensive hip hop class gives you the opportunity to learn dance styles from old school, funk, street and Afro-fusion styles...that you can take to the club, to the street... or to your living room! SEE VIDEO ABOVE.

Belly Dance Fusion - Hip movements, arm carriage and torso isolations are emphasized during this hour of energetic expression to world music. Be ready to reconnect with an ancient part of yourself in a modern context as you shimmy, shake AND have fun!

Burlesque Ravale - This class is for any and all women who want to get in touch with their sensual side and feel sexy and confident in their own bodies. You will start with toning your core, then heating your body up with a short cardio dance routine... followed by the saucy burlesque moves... SEE VIDEO HERE.

Basic Ballet - This class welcomes both newcomers and those looking to refresh, to the art and practice of basic ballet technique. Included are basic barre exercises and centre work, with an emphasis on placement, turnout, strength-building, balance and some jumps. SEE VIDEO HERE.

Samba - An energizing, fun and dynamic dance work out. Learn to dance Samba with Brazilian instructor Gisella Ferreira. Classes explore the diverse dances and rhythms of Brazil. Students will learn technique in diverse dance styles such as: Samba from Rio, Samba from Bahia, Maracatu, and Orixa dances. SEE VIDEO HERE

Booiaka - Combining Latin, Hip Hop, Reggaeton and Afro-Brazilian dance styles, this class is a serious cardio workout set to fun, dance-club worthy choreography that makes you feel like you’re starring in your own video. The emphasis is on having fun, releasing your spirit and feeling the beat getting your heart rate up and a sweat-drenched workout is just a sweet side effect. SEE VIDEO HERE.

Salsa - This salsa class is for beginners and intermediate alike. No partner is needed. The class will focus on the footwork and arm patterns of salsa. For Men you will learn the elements needed to lead woman thru arm patterns. Woman will learn all the basics needed to follow any man on the salsa dance floor. Every one will be encouraged to add they're own styling strengths to the basic steps and as time goes on there will be an emphasis on improvisation to the music.

Broadway - You expect to dance it up with a mixture of the classic Broadway style and contemporary musical theater. Great for all levels this class focuses on doing up-tempo favorites from musicals like Footloose, Grease, West Side Story, Chicago and lots more. SEE VIDEO HERE.

Intermediate Dance Technique classes – 2-4 times a week

YNS suggests…

Hip Hop 2 with Ginger - This class fuses fun, usually fast-paced choreography with Hip Hop, Rap and R&B music. Some hip hop experience is suggested but not required. A desire to learn is all that's necessary. SEE VIDEO HERE.

Contemporary Fusion - Improve your jazz technique while learning choreography that ranges from Pop to Lyrical. The first half of class focuses on warm-up and conditioning while the second half is all about improving your technique and style.

Hip Hop with Sara - This hip hop class is always switching up the styles... breaking, locking, popping, house, wacking and commercial choreography. Her goal is to give you a give you the variety of every hip hop style so that you’re ready to show off your hip moves wherever and whenever you dance! SEE VIDEO HERE.

Urban Hip Hop 2 with Michelle - Michele incorporates the many diverse styles of hip hop into her class, while still keeping it authentic and true to its roots. Get ready for an upbeat and energetic class that will keep you on your toes, no matter what style you're doing! (gangsta hip hop, bboyin, dancehall, booty shakin, etc!) SEE VIDEO HERE.

Hip Hop with Corey – This class is a fusion of original hip-hop, street funk and pop, from old school to new school! SEE VIDEO HERE.

Contemporary Lyrical - Work on your ballet and jazz technique while using your body to interpret music and express emotion. Some of the dance principles she will focus on is centering, alignment, breath, gravity, contraction, release, fall and recovery, suspension, balance and off-balance, tension and relaxation, opposition and emotion. This dance style will challenge you to portray certain emotions and stories through your body, attempting to show the meaning of the music. SEE VIDEO HERE.

Contemporary Jazz - This class is focused on cardio and core strengthening through quick weight shift, use of momentum, and body alignment. The class begins with a center warm-up designed from a classical approach to dance through various exercises to find the fundamentals. After an extensive floor stretch, a short combination is taught at the end of the class.

Intermediate Ballet - This class offers basic ballet technique and practice with more emphasis on combinations at barre and in centre. Included are standard pirouettes, allegro jump sequences and movement across the floor. SEE VIDEO HERE.

Bollywood Fusion - For those of you who want to learn more of the Bollywood choreography this is the class for you!!! Learn intricate technique fusing the worldly dance styles of Hindi Film (Bollywood), Indian Classical, Belly Dance, Latin & Ballroom, Hip-Hop and Jazz. SEE VIDEO HERE.

Contemporary Modern - This class consists of a vigorous warm-up that helps develop endurance and includes body conditioning exercises drawn from dance, yoga, & Pilates for overall strength as well as flexibility. She teaches basic technique exercises that focus on proper body alignment, lengthening of arms, legs and feet in both the center as well as moving across the floor but does it with her own fun and “Edgy” style. Her choreography combinations are unique and have a definite “sassy-ness” to them with strong focus on musicality! SEE VIDEO HERE.

If you follow this program closely you can expect to see immediate progressions in your fitness and dance level. Dance your way to your health potential!

To see YNS class schedule and class prices click here.

Boogie For the Boobies...Donate with Dance!

2010-09-13T18:55:00.000-07:00

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Your Neighborhood Studio is kicking off the month's festivities by donating with dance! On September 24th, YNS invites you to "Boogie for the Boobies," an evening dedicated to raising money for Living Beyond Breast Cancer. Led by four of our sassy instructors, Seda, Brooklin, Ginger & Sara, you will learn a short routine that fuses burlesque, hip hop and jazz styles all in one. After class, join us for wine, cheese & yummy desserts!

This fundraiser donates its proceeds to Living Beyond Breast Cancer, an organization whose mission is "to empower all women affected by breast cancer to live as long as possible with the best quality of life." LBBC offers education and support for patients through social networking sites, at healthy living expos and conferences, as well as their Survivor's Helpline. Learn more about this organization by clicking here: http://www.lbbc.org/

EVENT DETAILS

Friday, September 24
8pm-10pm

Your Neighborhood Studio
3625 Hayden Ave
Culver City, CA 90232
www.yourneighborhoodstudio.com

PRICE:
$25 - class
$40 - "Boogie for the Boobies" Tank Top & class

*Breast Cancer Patients and Survivors are FREE*