“If you can walk, you can dance Salsa!” Marlon Mills, one of the best-known faces in NYC’s Salsa dance community, is talking about how easy it is to get up off the couch and take part in one of his online dance classes. “The combo of music and dance has the power to heal and create joy. Right now, our need for self-care and mental health is magnified. Music and movement can be great for boosting our mood — and when you’re dancing, you can’t help but be happy!” His students agree. “This class has been such a blessing and has helped me get through a time that could have been very socially isolating,” one of Marlon’s students wrote.
His colleague Susan Rosenbaum agrees. Susan teaches remote ballet to adults, some of whom started with her as absolute beginners. “Once you get over the hurdle of technology, online classes are overwhelmingly supportive,” she says. “With staying home so much, exercise is very important. Dance classes help you strengthen and stretch your muscles, improve your balance as well as develop musicality. It’s important to remember that no-one is being judged in our classes. 92Y dance faculty members are very sensitive to the needs of all our students.”
Naomi Goldberg Hass has collaborated with The Klezmatics, playwright Tony Kushner, director Brian Kulick and Disney Animation. She teaches a popular Modern Dance for Life class at 92Y – and her students are now embracing the remote model. “Many folks feel freer dancing in their own space, online! Confidence is built. And it’s a wonderful way to learn about yourself, an opportunity to grow as a human being.
This semester, 92Y’s Harkness Dance Center is offering online classes for adults in everything from Tap to Flamenco, Ballet, Jazz, Modern, Salsa, Hustle, Swing and Lindy Hop. Everyone is welcome. You can learn more about all of 92Y’s online dance classes for adults, and watch our Adult Dance Fall Semester showcase.