The Dance Institute at The University of Akron has a class to help anyone find or improve their groove
By Mary Malik
The Dance Institute at The University of Akron brings the arts into this community every day, through classes, performances and partnerships with other arts-centered organizations throughout Akron.
Maybe you’ve taken part in the Dance Institute Summer Intensive, a three-week dance program on the campus of The University of Akron. The program runs through Thursday, July 27, and there’s still time to sign up for the final week or drop in on a class.
“The summer intensive is about introducing dance to beginners and honing the craft of advanced dancers,” Rachael Palermo, manager of the Arts Preparatory Division at The University of Akron, says. “Three levels of classes are taught by Dance Institute faculty and guests from The University of Akron dance programs, including jazz, tap, contemporary and pointe for upper-level students.”
Rachael stresses that there are flexible registration options for all programs. On Tuesday evenings through July 27, Dance Institute offers adult drop-in classes in Pilates, yoga, and two levels of ballet.
“We understand people can’t always commit to an entire program,” Rachael says. “Drop-in classes are a nice way to try something new without the long-term commitment.”
Along with summer classes, The Dance Institute is proud to partner with Akron organizations dedicated to the performing arts.
“Our partnerships include opportunities for both children and adults to expand their dance experiences,” Rachael says. “Many events are taking place throughout the rest of this summer and offer opportunities for everyone to enjoy the beauty of dance in casual, family-friendly settings.”
Be sure to check out the following programs:
The Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival
The Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival is a series of free public dance performances taking place in the parks of Akron through the summer. Now in its 49th year, each performance showcases a unique dance style.
The Dance Institute at The University of Akron has been invited to lead the Children’s Interactive Program at the Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival.
All dance programs begin at 8:45 p.m., with the Children’s Interactive Program beginning at 7:45 p.m. Check the website, AkronDanceFestival.org for the schedule.
“We’ve taken part in the Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival for many years and are happy to be back again,” Rachael says. “The kids in the audience are invited to join our dancers on stage for the Children’s Interactive Program. It’s a fun evening for everyone.”
Dancers from ArtSparks will also be joining Dance Institute for the Children’s Interactive Program.
ArtSparks is an organization that brings dance and music programming to students with exceptionalities and students who may not have the opportunity to experience the art of dance. They do this through in-school partnerships, residencies, workshops, and public performances like the Heinz Poll festival.
Partnership with Rubber City Theatre (RCT)
Rubber City Theatre, a professional theatre company in residence at The University of Akron, is hosting musical theatre intensives in partnership with Dance Institute. This collaboration and program are the first of many to come.
“We’re always exploring new ways to promote the arts in this community,” Rachael says. “The RCT partnership focuses on musical theatre, with their teachers leading the acting and singing portions and Dance Institute teachers leading the dance portion. It makes sense for us to collaborate and reach the community we both want to serve.”
For more information on the Dance Institute schedule and to register for classes, visit uakron.edu/di, call 330-972-7949 or email danceinstitute@uakron.edu. For information on the Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival visit AkronDanceFestival.org and find Rubber City Theatre information at RubberCityTheatre.com.