Quick Links to Classes & Faculty
If you're looking for descriptions of masterclasses or special workshops/classes, you may find those on their own individual pages. See the left side bar for links.
BALLET
Monday night Ballet classes are taught by Emily Scott, former dancer with the Louisville Ballet and current company member of MamLuft&Co. Dance. This class is intended for beginners and intermediate dancers.
Thursday night Ballet classes are taught by Amy Tevlin, director of Tevlin Ballet. This class is intended for intermediate and advanced dancers, offered in conjunction with a MamLuft&Co. Dance open company class.
Both classes will follow the traditional ballet structure of barre exercises, stretching, adagio, pirouettes, petite allegro, and grand allegro in joyful, low stress environments!
EMILY SCOTT is a native of Ft. Thomas, Kentucky and started her training at the Otto M. Budig Academy of Cincinnati Ballet under the instruction of Patrick Notaro. A graduate of Butler University with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance Pedagogy, she performed many featured roles in The Nutcracker, Balanchine’s Serenade, and performed in contemporary choreography by the Butler faculty including pieces by Cynthia Pratt and Derek Reid. She also had the opportunity to perform/study ballet and character dance in St. Petersburg, Russia. Emily is dancer in modern dance company, MamLuft&Co. Dance; prior to coming to the company, she performed with the Louisville Ballet Company.
AMY TEVLIN studied Vagonova technique extensively and then majored in history and dance at Butler University, earned her BA, and attended Zhejiang University in China for a semester. Mrs. Tevlin then served for five years on the faculty at the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati where she was a collegiate and children's preparatory instructor of ballet, co-founded the CCM Youth Ballet, and acted as choreographer and ballet master before leaving to found and direct her own Ballet Esprit, a ballet company focused on providing experience to help transition high school and college aged dancers towards professional careers. In 2003, she earned a Juris Doctorate from the University Of Cincinnati of Law. She served as Artistic Director for Ballet New England’s professional and junior company in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. In 2010, Ms. Tevlin launched and directed The Tevlin Project, a four week summer intensive intended for only 12 of ballet’s most elite young dancers. The idea was born after years of Mrs. Tevlin sending very talented students to summer programs and having them come home feeling discouraged and complaining of not receiving much individualized instruction and attention. The Tevlin Project changes that by focusing on solely the needs of 12 dancers and helping those dancers reach the five ballet goals they set for themselves. In the fall of 2010, Ms. Tevlin founded the new professional and pre-professional ballet companies, Tevlin Ballet Company. Tevlin Ballet School was also born, first inside Planet Dance Uptown, and then later moving into its current home inside Contemporary Dance Theater.
BOOGIE BABIES (18 mo-2 yrs + Parents)
Introduce your toddler to the wonderful world of dance. In this class you and your child will be dancing together! Creative movement will by explored by dancing games, fun songs, and movement stories.
ALLISON JACOBS has been dancing and teaching in greater Cincinnati and New York City for the past twenty years. Her dance training is primarily focused on Ballet and Modern. However, Allison is also well versed in Tap, Jazz, Hip-hop, Musical Theater, Swing, and Contact Improvisation. Allison has worked with Tanze Performing Arts Studio, Hamilton Ballet Theater, Miami Valley Ballet Theater, Long Island University, Contemporary Dance Theater, Ballet Tech, and Fresh Air Fund. Most recently, Allison has taught dance for Contemporary Dance Theater, Cincinnati Waldorf School, and Cincinnati Public Schools. In addition to teaching dance Allison is currently a student at Northern Kentucky University working towards degrees in Psychology and Sociology.
BREAKDANCE
Also known as "B-boying" or "B-Girling," this Breakdance class will teach the original form of hip hop dancing. It will explore freestyling and start with foundations or fundamentals, advancing as the class progresses, through toprocks, drops, footwork, power moves, freezes, and individual character and creativity.
BRENT FIELDS holds a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Morehead State University and is a American College of Sports Medicine Certified Fitness Specialist and Personal Trainer. He has worked with Jaron Joiner, performed at Lupe Fiasco, City Nights, and community events as a hip hop dancer, and has professional audition experience (Cirque Du Soleil and Paula Abdul's Dance Show). Mr. Fields is a new teacher at Contemporary Dance Theater.
BREAKDANCE FOR KIDS
Breakdancing can be a confidence-building, fun, and physical activity for kids! Breakdance basic techniques are taught to kids ages 5-10 (elementary school age), encouraging individual character and creativity through movement.
BRENT FIELDS holds a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Morehead State University and is a American College of Sports Medicine Certified Fitness Specialist and Personal Trainer. He has worked with Jaron Joiner, performed at Lupe Fiasco, City Nights, and community events as a hip hop dancer, and has professional audition experience (Cirque Du Soleil and Paula Abdul's Dance Show). Mr. Fields is a new teacher at Contemporary Dance Theater.
CLASSIC ARAB DANCE
These classes teach the foundation steps common in many styles of Arab Dances all throughout Northern Africa and the Middle East. The Dance course is taught by Irene Mirci in Classic Egyptian style, also known as Dance Oriental.
For Beginner Dancers - Classes will focus on the basic movements of the hips and chest, including; conscious application and practice of geometrical shapes particular to this ancient art (circles, spirals, figure eights). Pulsating rhythmic movements (locks) and vibrating rhythmic movements (shimmies). We will learn dance steps, examine Arab Folklore related to dance, and take a brief look at its origins and history. Each class concludes with guided improvisation, which invites your inner dancer to come out and play! This class is appropriate for all ages. Bring a scarf to tie around your hips to aid with body awareness.
For Intermediate Dancers - Classes build on the foundation steps from the beginner course. Focusing on layering movements that gradually increase in difficulty in three different ways: moving two distant body parts simultaneously, moving two adjacent body parts simultaneously and moving the same part of the body in two different ways at the same time. We will also practice changes in velocity, learn various arm movements; and experience different dance moods and stage presence through guided improvisation. Please wear comfortable dance attire, including a dance belt and skirt/harem pants.
IRENE MIRCI was born in Italy and grew up in Australia. Throughout her youth she traveled around Europe, as far as Pakistan, India, Tunisia, Syria, and Yemen. During this time she had a great interest for their more sophisticated form of dance and some years later started seriously studying Raqs Sharki (Dance from the East) and Arabic Folklore. She enrolled in some of the best schools in Italy and attended regular classes with dedication for over six years learning the subtle art of Arab dance from some of the best teachers and dancers in Italy. Irene studied classic Arab dance and Folklore with dedication and followed the teachings of Egyptian dancer Amal Khalifa and the Egyptian dance instructor Saad Ismail of the M. Reda Dance Troupe. She studied and performed with American dancer and anthropologist, Mylitta. With Italian dancer and C.U.S. instructor Maria Luisa Sales, she studied a more contemporary style combining Dance Oriental with elements of Bharatnatyam, Creative Movement, and Flamenco. Irene was the acclaimed and talented primary dancer at the "Cleopatra" Club-Restaurant in Rome, Italy in 2004/2005, and she participated in various shows and live performances during cultural events, weddings, and parties around the world. She began teaching Arab Dance and Choreography classes in 2001. In October 2006, Irene relocated to the United States and is now residing here in Cincinnati. She says, "I have a particular interest in languages and folklore and have always been irresistibly curious about other cultures. When I meet a language barrier, I find it is much easier to relate to people while dancing to their folk music. A step and a smile will bring you closer than a thousand words."
HIP HOP
Steve Irwin teaches adult level Hip Hop classes with creative choreography set to the latest hip hop and R&B music.
STEVE IRWIN has been dancing and teaching professionally for over twenty years. He has performed all over the world on cruise ships, at dinner theaters, and at theme parks. Steve's teaching credits include Northern Kentucky University, Governor's School of the Arts, Playhouse in the Park, Wyoming Center for the Arts, and is currently on staff at Cincinnati Ballet and CCM. He is pleased to be teaching at CDT.
INTRODUCTION TO DANCE I (Ages 6-9)
The fundamentals of Ballet and Modern dance will be introduced with a focus on proper technique, musicality, and the development of flexibility. Your child will have an opportunity to explore their creativity and imagination through movement games and activities. Tights and leotards are preferred, but not required. We welcome dancers of all experience. However, no previous dance experience is necessary. Registration required.
ALLISON JACOBS has been dancing and teaching in greater Cincinnati and New York City for the past twenty years. Her dance training is primarily focused on Ballet and Modern. However, Allison is also well versed in Tap, Jazz, Hip-hop, Musical Theater, Swing, and Contact Improvisation. Allison has worked with Tanze Performing Arts Studio, Hamilton Ballet Theater, Miami Valley Ballet Theater, Long Island University, Contemporary Dance Theater, Ballet Tech, and Fresh Air Fund. Most recently, Allison has taught dance for Contemporary Dance Theater, Cincinnati Waldorf School, and Cincinnati Public Schools. In addition to teaching dance Allison is currently a student at Northern Kentucky University working towards degrees in Psychology and Sociology.
INTRODUCTION TO DANCE II (Ages 10-14)
This class rotates, one week Ballet and the following week Modern. Students will have an opportunity to move creatively with a focus on musicality, proper technique, and an emphasis on developing strength and flexibility. Tights and leotards are preferred, but not required. We welcome dancers of all experience. However, no previous dance experience is necessary. Registration required.
ALLISON JACOBS has been dancing and teaching in greater Cincinnati and New York City for the past twenty years. Her dance training is primarily focused on Ballet and Modern. However, Allison is also well versed in Tap, Jazz, Hip-hop, Musical Theater, Swing, and Contact Improvisation. Allison has worked with Tanze Performing Arts Studio, Hamilton Ballet Theater, Miami Valley Ballet Theater, Long Island University, Contemporary Dance Theater, Ballet Tech, and Fresh Air Fund. Most recently, Allison has taught dance for Contemporary Dance Theater, Cincinnati Waldorf School, and Cincinnati Public Schools. In addition to teaching dance Allison is currently a student at Northern Kentucky University working towards degrees in Psychology and Sociology.
MODERN DANCE
A mixed-level and mixed-origin Modern Dance class will explore various Modern Dance styles and techniques. The classes aim to improve your flexibility, range of motion, technical knowledge, musicality, artistic range, and understanding of basic modern dance principles.
EMILY SCOTT is a native of Ft. Thomas, Kentucky and started her training at the Otto M. Budig Academy of Cincinnati Ballet under the instruction of Patrick Notaro. A graduate of Butler University with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance Pedagogy, she performed many featured roles in The Nutcracker, Balanchine’s Serenade, and performed in contemporary choreography by the Butler faculty including pieces by Cynthia Pratt and Derek Reid. She also had the opportunity to perform/study ballet and character dance in St. Petersburg, Russia. Emily is dancer in modern dance company, MamLuft&Co. Dance; prior to coming to the company, she performed with the Louisville Ballet Company.
JACQUELYN CORCORAN is a Bachelor of Arts graduate from Texas Woman’s University. A native of Texas, Ms. Corcoran re-located to the Cincinnati area to dance with MamLuft&Co. Dance from 2007-2011. She has recently studied as a scholarship student at both the American Dance Festival and Bates Dance Festival, as well as with Sarah Gamblin, Mary Williford-Shade (Lacy & Shade), Nycole Ray (formerly of Dayton Contemporary Dance Company and currently with Dallas Black Dance Theatre), and Melissa Young (Associate Artistic Director, Dallas Black Dance Theatre). Among post-modern and balletic studies, Ms. Corcoran also studied Lester Horton Technique, as well as dances from West Africa. She has recently performed choreography by MamLuft&Co. Dance company members, Rachel James and Ashley Powell. She has also recently performed with Judith Mikita, MFA and Demetrius Klein.
MODERN DANCE SATURDAY SERIES
For Ka-Ron Brown Lehman's classes: Focuses on developing a strong well rounded dancer, with dynamic phrasing skills and amazing stamina The technique is a combination of various forms of dance techniques Dunham, Horton, and Graham combined with the richness of Classical Russian Ballet (Kirov Style),enhanced by jazz styles like Jack Cole techniques, various Afro-Cuban and Eastern Folkloric forms of dance ( Latvian, Hungarian, Russian, Ukrainian, etc.) Focuses heavily on: developing strong emotional intent, Improvisations, flexibility, alignment, balance, breathing techniques. Folkloric styles help to develop character development and cultural awareness. Afro-Cuban develops musicality and strength Learning various styles/techniques helps develop versatility.
For Judith Mikita's classes: The class begins with a full-bodied warm-up, which includes release exercises and floor work combined with more technically based standing work. The class culminates with an athletically challenging phrase that includes both highly technical elements and dramatic content. Each class will focus on teaching the mind and body to work smarter, not harder by emphasizing relaxation in proper alignment, core support, technical soundness, and spatial exploration. Dancers will be given advanced movement phrases and asked to not only physically execute them, but also approach them with an intention toward performance. Material for this class is drawn from various techniques and movement styles including Cunningham/Limon/ Nikolais, musical theater and middle-American culture.
KA-RON BROWN LEHMAN came to Ohio June 2007 from Los Angeles, California. Ms. Lehman trained intensely under Carolyn Skyers, J. Erglis Smaltzoff, George Zurich, Michael Panaieff, Doug Rivera, Eunice Cane, Joseph Rickard, Jimmy Fields and James Truitte; and later, in New York, with Karol Shook, Tanaquil LeClercq, Thelma Hill at Dance Theatre of Harlem. Ms. Lehman went on to become an accomplished dance muse for numerous renowned choreographers and a motivating educator of 48 years, known for helping students unlock their emotions through dance throughout the US, Finland, Canada and Australia. Ka-Ron taught Contemporary Modern and Choreography at Los Angeles County High School for the Arts for 21 years and was appointed Artistic Director for the LACHSA Dance Department for 2001-2006. For her excellent mentoring and plethora of concert stages, TV variety series, award specials, Broadway, theatre, film, and commercial credits, she was awarded numerous National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Image Awards, the American Choreography/Educator Award, a Drama Logue Critics Award, and a Distinguished Presidential Scholar Teacher Award. She produced and choreographed numerous dance concerts showcasing the Lehman Dance Company, and in 1993, created the Annual Lehman Awards honoring members of the dance community and helping educate young dancers and community about our rich dance legacy. Ms. Lehman is presently teaching the “Lehman Technique” at Cincinnati Ballet Otto M. Budig Academy, Claudia Rudolf-Barrett's ballet tech of ohio, University of Cincinnati-College Conservatory of Music (dance majors only), and has recently joined the dance faculty at The School for Creative and Performing Arts at Erich Kunzel Center for Arts and Education. Since arriving in Cincinnati, Ms. Lehman has also shared her choreography works such as, “Heart of a Woman,” “Helen Keller — The Other Room,” “Recurring Dreams,” “The Bus Stop,” “Soul of Grace,” and “The Periapt” ( an original ballet and collaboration with Maestro Michael Chertock created for the Cincinnati Ballet’s Company’s 2010 New Works Project). Ms Lehman is currently a proud member of the newly developed Greater Cincinnati Dance Alliance and proudly returns to teach this master series at CDT.
JUDITH MIKITA's energy and theatricality surrounds her work, focuses on blending virtuosity of performance with imaginative human dynamic. She recently performed at the White Mountain Dance Festival and with “Jim Caruso’s Cast Party at Birdland Jazz Club on Tour.” Her choreography is frequently presented by Contemporary Dance Theater and the Performance and Time Arts Series ("Not your mother’s PTA"). Her dances have been seen at the American Dance Festival, the New York International Independent Film Festival, the Aronoff Center for the Arts, the Cincinnati Art Museum, University of Cincinnati Patricia Corbett Theater, Miami University, Interlochen Center for the Arts, the Biagiotti Art Gallery in Florence, Italy and the Cincinnati Entertainment Awards-nominated, Acclaim award-winning “The Edge” at Cincinnati Fringe Festival. Judith danced in New York, Chicago and nationally with the professional companies of Shirley Mordine, Jan Erkert, and Bob Eisen. She also worked with Martha Clarke (Pilobolus), Gus Solomons, Jr. (Merce Cunningham), Lucas Hoving (Jose Limon), Marni Thomas (Martha Graham), Loretta Livingston (Bella Lewitzsky). Judith served on the faculties of the University of Chicago, Columbia College Chicago, Indiana University, Northern Kentucky University and Antioch College and as artist-in-residence at the University of Utah. Judith holds a Master of Fine Arts in dance from the University of Michigan, and a Bachelor of Artsin Theater and Dance from Indiana University. Judith has served University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music as adjunct faculty since 1995.
SALSA - We currently are not offering a Salsa class, but Amos Brown offers private lessons for individuals or couples. Please call to inquire.
AMOS BROWN began his dance training with parents Amos Sr. and Alpha Omega Brown. He won his first dance contest with his baby sister Felicia under their parents tutelage. His dance interests include modern, jazz, hip hop, Latin, African, and occasionally some classical dance genres, working with Shekinah Glory Dancers, opening up for gospel recording artist Darwin Hopps, and learning Ballroom from former Champion Susie Lasko, winning first prizes in Cha, Cha, Cha, and Swing competitions. He has also worked as an Actor/Cotton Club Swing Dancer in the play, This Joint is Jumping produced by Norbert Brown, the creature of A Good Man is Hard to Find. Amos' theater interests drew him to audition with Ballet Tech Cincinnati where he performed in Shall We Dance, The Conductors, Green Legs and Ham, Made in America, and Jazzy Sleeping Beauty. In 2009, Amos won the Salsa category in the So You Think You Can Dance Competition in Dayton, Ohio. He then learned Rueda and joined and performed with Cincinnati's first Rueda dance team Pan n Canela. Amos is currently teaching LA, NY, and Casio/Miami style salsa. From Amos, "I would like to personally thank all of the individual's master instructors across the country, who helped me in my personal development in the art of salsa dancing and teaching. Thank you, Eddie Torres, Shaka Gonzalez Brown, Rogelio Moreno, Henry Herrera, Patricia Paz "Rueda."
SHAKE AND CREATE (Ages 3-4)
In this class your child will be introduced to creative movement and dance. Your child will have an opportunity to jump, shake, spin and wiggle, and all the while use their imagination!
ALLISON JACOBS has been dancing and teaching in greater Cincinnati and New York City for the past twenty years. Her dance training is primarily focused on Ballet and Modern. However, Allison is also well versed in Tap, Jazz, Hip-hop, Musical Theater, Swing, and Contact Improvisation. Allison has worked with Tanze Performing Arts Studio, Hamilton Ballet Theater, Miami Valley Ballet Theater, Long Island University, Contemporary Dance Theater, Ballet Tech, and Fresh Air Fund. Most recently, Allison has taught dance for Contemporary Dance Theater, Cincinnati Waldorf School, and Cincinnati Public Schools. In addition to teaching dance Allison is currently a student at Northern Kentucky University working towards degrees in Psychology and Sociology.
STRETCH AND STRENGTHEN (Ages 10-14)
This class is a must for all those interested in dance! In this course students will have an opportunity to focus exclusively on gaining strength and enhancing flexibility. No previous dance experience necessary.
ALLISON JACOBS has been dancing and teaching in greater Cincinnati and New York City for the past twenty years. Her dance training is primarily focused on Ballet and Modern. However, Allison is also well versed in Tap, Jazz, Hip-hop, Musical Theater, Swing, and Contact Improvisation. Allison has worked with Tanze Performing Arts Studio, Hamilton Ballet Theater, Miami Valley Ballet Theater, Long Island University, Contemporary Dance Theater, Ballet Tech, and Fresh Air Fund. Most recently, Allison has taught dance for Contemporary Dance Theater, Cincinnati Waldorf School, and Cincinnati Public Schools. In addition to teaching dance Allison is currently a student at Northern Kentucky University working towards degrees in Psychology and Sociology.
WIGGLE, GIGGLE, IMAGINE (Ages 4-5)
In this class your child will have an opportunity to explore their creativity and imagination. The building blocks of dance will be introduced through movement games and activities. We recommend that your child wear comfortable clothes, no jeans please.
ALLISON JACOBS has been dancing and teaching in greater Cincinnati and New York City for the past twenty years. Her dance training is primarily focused on Ballet and Modern. However, Allison is also well versed in Tap, Jazz, Hip-hop, Musical Theater, Swing, and Contact Improvisation. Allison has worked with Tanze Performing Arts Studio, Hamilton Ballet Theater, Miami Valley Ballet Theater, Long Island University, Contemporary Dance Theater, Ballet Tech, and Fresh Air Fund. Most recently, Allison has taught dance for Contemporary Dance Theater, Cincinnati Waldorf School, and Cincinnati Public Schools. In addition to teaching dance Allison is currently a student at Northern Kentucky University working towards degrees in Psychology and Sociology.
BARRE FUSION YOGA/PILATES
Step out of the box and improve your balance, muscle strength, flexibility and breathing in this unique, challenging class. Find freedom in your body through alignment, lengthening, toning and precision through yoga and Pilates conditioning techniques on the floor and at the barre.
REBECCA BEDEL is Internationally certified through Nosara Yoga Institute, located in the Jungles of Costa Rica. Rebecca has completed her 500 hour training, which also includes a Pranassage Practitioner Certification through Nosara. Rebecca's Pilates background is thru Balanced Body University, where she has completed Pilates Mat, Pilates Reformer, Pilates Trapeze Table, and Wunda Chair Training. She assists in BBU trainings and conferences. She has studied Aerial dance for 8 years and has choreographed the Tri-States First Uplifted Yoga class at the It's Yoga studio in Clifton Gaslight. She has a band called Destiny /N/ August. She composes music to bring about rebirth, or feeling of emotion back into peoples lives. She continues this through her practice and classes wherever it may be, in the air or on the ground, dancing, yoga, music. Rebecca has been teaching movement for 11 years.
