Performing Arts Classes

Please check back to see what's new as our roster of artists and classes grows – and join our email list for class and event updates and CCAC news. If you have questions, comments, or suggestions about classes we should host, please let us know at info@cliftonculturalarts.org or (513) 497-2860.

• Private Voice and Piano Lessons
• Creative Dramatics (entering K-2)
• Short Form Improvisation (18+)
• Long Form Improvisation (18+)
• Ballet A (Ages 4-5)
• Ballet B/C (Ages 6-8)
• African Drumming (All Ages)
• Introduction to Tap Dance for Adults
• Classical Guitar for the Lifelong Beginner
• Real-Time Musical Improvisation (All Ages)

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Private Voice and Piano Lessons

Simone McGaw, mezzo-soprano, is accepting new students (all ages of beginner and intermediate experience) for her private voice and piano lessons. Ms. McGaw completed her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance at Georgia State University in May 2009 and is currently completing her final year as a graduate student at the College-Conservatory of Music (CCM). Recently, Ms. McGaw was Sister Mathilde in CCM's production of Poulenc's Dialogues of the Carmelites and spent the summer performing in Spoleto, Italy, as Marianna in Rossini's Il Signor Bruschino and as a soloist on several concerts. She has received awards that include the Theodore Pressor Scholarship and Ty Cobb Scholarship. In addition to many academic honors, she has made several recitals in Georgia and Italy, was a winner in the National Association of Teachers of Singing State Auditions, and performs frequently with the Peach State Opera company in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Creative Dramatics (entering K-2)

This lively class teaches acting, social and developmental skills though games and imaginative play! Students use theatre exercises, improvisation, art and structured play to share ideas through movement and speech in order to become part of the magic on stage.

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Short Form Improvisation (18+)

This fast-paced class is for students who want to move beyond the basics to explore specific rules and techniques of a range of short-form improvisation games. *Must have improvisation experience. Recommended prerequisite: At least one semester in Adult Beginner Improvisation.*

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Long Form Improvisation (18+)

This class is for intermediate improvisers who want to explore creating and sustaining longer improvisational scenes and character creation in a group setting. *Must have improvisation experience. Recommended prerequisite: At least one semester in Adult Beginner Improvisation.*

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Ballet A (Ages 4-5)

Ballet basics within a creative movement format. Age appropriate exercises and dances that engage your child's imagination and the joy of dance.

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Ballet B/C (Ages 6-8)

Pre-ballet/Beginning Ballet program that builds on skills from Ballet A and introduces more technical aspects of ballet on a beginning level, while encouraging creativity. Continuing emphasis on gross motor skills, imagination, musicality and movement. Students will enjoy learning fundamental ballet vocabulary, as well as dance etiquette and performing skills.

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African Drumming

Drumming is very important part of Africans day to day life because drumming and singing brings joy and happiness to the soul. The African drumming class is for everyone who is looking to learn more about African music, learn the techniques of playing African drums, and have fun, while experiencing the rich tradition of African drumming. The class is open to all ages. I provide drums, but students are encouraged to bring a drum if they have one. African Dance classes will build on the drumming and engage participants in learning, fun and movement.

Baoku Moses
Baoku Moses is an African performing artist that has been in Cincinnati for over 7 years. Baoku has 16 years of African performing arts experience as a professional actor, dancer, singer songwriter, band leader and an African drummer. "One of the things I enjoy doing is sharing my rich culture with people. I am very passionate about African drumming and dancing, and have taught every level of classes and different ages. My class is not about teacher and students, it about people coming together to share and learn together (because I am learning when I teach too), and having fun."

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Introduction to Tap Dance for Adults

Tap dance has had an historical impact on all dance forms. It springs from our African and Irish ancestors. Our feet are percussive instruments. Tap dance provides a good cardiovascular workout and is a great stress releaser. Come learn some tap basics and lift your sole/soul in this 8 week course!

Gloria Esenwein
Gloria Esenwein is a dancer/teacher/choreographer and licensed massage therapist. Esenwein has taught modern, jazz, tap, and improvisation as a 25+ year member of the Cincinnati dance community. She has taught and led movement workshops for senior citizens, MRDD adults and residents of healthcare facilities. Her tap dance studies include classes with Gregory Hines, Diane Walker, and Savion Glover. She organized the first celebration in Cincinnati, of National Tap Dance Day, now in it's 16th year, and established Women of Sole, and The Step Sisters, both local rhythm tap performing groups.

She employs a call and response method in teaching, along with humor and tap history. Esenwein enjoys guiding Beginning Tap Dancers in discovering their "voice" through their feet!

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Classical Guitar for the Lifelong Beginner

Learn to explore the music within you reveal the mysteries of the classic folk traditions of the guitar. No experience required – only an open, 'beginner' mind.

Manuel Susarret
Manuel Susarret is a Montessori Educator and Classical Guitar Lifelong Beginner who specializes on Spanish-Afro-Caribbean music and percussion. Manuel's background includes over 50 years studying, teaching, and performing music, from the streets of New York's Barrio, to the University of Cincinnati - College Conservatory of Music, and Kai Kweol Music and Dance.

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Real-Time Musical Improvisation (All Ages)

This class will explore real-time musical improvisation from a variety of perspectives, incorporating creative games and exercises, instrumental and non-instrumental, to engage and encourage the individual to realize and activate the improvisatory nature of everyday living. This class will be team-taught by a group of young musicians with variable musical training from the realms of classical, jazz and folk music. Each of the group will lead a class either once or twice throughout the ten week session, and there will be two public performances – one midway through and one at the end of the session – by student and teacher ensembles, hosted by the CCAC. This class is open for folks of all ages with any level of musical experience.

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Again, we are currently working on setting up more programs for children and adults, so check back for updates! If you have a class that you would like to take at CCAC, feel free to email us your ideas at info@cliftonculturalarts.org.