If you have been taking dance classes since you were a child, or if you only just started out, sometimes you feel like you are in a rut. The way I keep myself from feeling that way is by challenging myself with dance workshops and master classes.

With the ongoing success of Albany Dance & Fitness, I’m really happy that we can offer three exciting master classes over the new two months that I think you will enjoy taking.

The first is a Ballet Master class to be held on Saturday, 2/7/15, 1:30-3:00pm. David Otto teaches here on a weekly basis, but I know that many of you work during the weekdays and can’t attend. I always have fun in his classes and am sure that you will too. The combinations are beautiful and challenging, but he always provides helpful corrections and tips. And the stories about his time with NYC Ballet give interesting insights into the professional side of ballet.

Christine Otto, David’s wife, taught a Jazz Master Class at Albany Dance & Fitness the beginning of January and the response was overwhelming! I think she had as much fun as we did, so she has agreed to hold another Jazz Master Class on Saturday, 3/14/15, 1:30-3:00pm. Even though Jazz dance is a different way of moving than I’m used to, Christine made me feel very comfortable. I can’t wait to try it again.

The other upcoming master class will be taught by Marcus Rogers, Assistant Director of Dance, Union College. Marcus is new to Albany Dance & Fitness, but has taught many master classes in the area. He will bring us his Jumps, Turns, and Lyrical class on Saturday, 2/21/15, 4:30-6:00pm.

And if you are looking for more, at the end of March the annual Dance Alliance Dance+ Festival will be held. This is the 25th year that the festival has been held and is sure to be a day filled with amazing dance and fitness classes. There is something for every age and ability level.  Both David and Christine Otto will be teaching that day, plus there are many other renowned teachers. I’ve been attending Dance+ for many years and I find the toughest part is deciding which classes to take.

I plan  to hold more workshops at Albany Dance & Fitness this spring, and if you have a suggested topic or instructor, please let me know.