Wellness 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.

• Feldenkrais: Awareness Through Movement (Adults)
• African Dance (Ages 8 and up)
• Zumba® Fitness Class
• Pilates
• Nia Technique
• Tai Chi Chuan

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Feldenkrais: Awareness Through Movement (Adults)

Shed the worn out habits of 2011 and reinvent yourself in 2012. This series for experienced and new students will explore how you can be more at ease in your body, move with greater fluidity, maximize your energy throughout the day and perhaps even release some long held thoughts about limitations. One of the most valuablebenefits of the Feldenkrais Method is learning to work, play and exercise without injury. All levels, from the highly active to barely active, will find it stimulating and fresh. We will be doing floor work. Bring a mat and warm socks.

Try Feldenkrais for yourself; join Cynthia for a FREE introductory lesson on January 9th, 2012 from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Cynthia Allen
Cynthia Allen is Cincinnati's most experienced Awareness Through Movement teacher. Her style is warm, patient, humorous and exploratory. She appreciates what the Feldenkrais Method has done for her life and for the many people with whom she works. She sees clients privately in Northside/College Hill and Florence, KY. In addition to being a Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner, she is a Bones for Teacher and Trainer. Cynthia also travels throughout the U.S. training future Bones for Life teachers and providing continuing education for rehabilitation specialists.

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African Dance (Ages 8 and up)

African dance is a great source of natural fitness that will build participants' energy and spirits! This course will explore different dances from Nigeria and the history behind them. Join Baoku every Thursday for a little trip to Africa via dancing.

Baoku Moses
Baoku Moses, has over 17 years of professional African performing arts. Baoku is a professional African drummer, dancer, actor and teacher who loves to share his rich cultural heritage with all. He currently teaches 8 classes at 4 different public schools and the Clifton Cultural Arts Center.

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ZUMBA® Fitness Class

The Zumba® workout program fuses Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow moves to create a one-of-a-kind FUN fitness program! The goal is simple: for people to want to work out and to enjoy every minute of it. Zumba® participants achieve long-term benefits by attending the one exciting hour of calorie-burning and body-energizing movements. The routines feature interval-training sessions where fast and slow rhythms and resistance training are combined to tone and sculpt your body while burning fat. Zumba® classes are special in that they add Latin flavor and international zest into an ordinary dance workout class, and anyone can participate – there is no RIGHT way to do the moves. Come join the party!

Ellen Sorkin
My name is Ellen Sorkin, and I have been dancing for as long as I can remember. I began with British tap dancing when I was young, then switched to Irish dancing, and for two years was involved in a Peruvian dance troupe. I had been attending Zumba® classes for two years before deciding to become an instructor, and I became officially certified in November 2009. I love dancing, and find Zumba® particularly fulfilling because I have a blast while teaching and dancing my heart out. I live in Clifton. Ellen Sorkin's profile on the Zumba® website: 48524.zumba.com.

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Pilates

Barbara Sferra
Maintaining a connection between mind, body and form has been a focus throughout Barbara Sferra's life. She participated in gymnastics from Jr. High School through College. She took her first dance class at the age of 22 and has been dancing ever since. She was introduced to Pilates as a means to strengthen her core and improve her overall movement and well-being. In August 2008, Barbara received her Pilates certification from Pendleton Pilates, where she currently teaches Group and Private Reformer Classes, Mat Classes, and Initial Consultations. Professionally, Barbara has a background in Employee Relations and Training, and currently gives back to the community through various volunteer activities.

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Pilates for Runners

New session start dates are available at www.kristinemcgilvray.com/pilates
We start with the basics, so even if you are new to Pilates, you will be able to follow along! Classes will be challenging for beginners and Pilates veterans! And for those of you who have participated in previous sessions, these classes will continue to help you build your core - the more you come, the stronger you'll get!

Kristine McGilvray
I have been actively teaching Pilates since January 2009, shortly after successfully completing the Pendleton Pilates Teacher Training & Certification Program. I am currently certified to teach Reformer, Mat, and Ball classes and I continue to enhance my education by attending Pilates workshops and by practicing Pilates on a regular basis. A cross country runner in high school, I came back to running two years ago and recently completed my sixth marathon.

Joseph Pilates believed that proper form was essential for creating a healthy spine and a strong core, and I focus extensively on practicing correct form in all my classes. My goal is to help clients at all skill levels to deepen and intensify their Pilates practice. It inspires me to see clients grow in strength and confidence and make the important connection between body and mind.

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Nia Technique

The Nia technique is an expressive body-mind movement and fitness program incorporating dance, martial arts and healing arts, including yoga. It is a cardiovascular program that uses whole-body, expressive, grounded movement. Nia is adaptable to most levels of fitness, age and body types.

Read Cincy Chic article about Nia classes at CCAC.

Uma Sivaprasad
I discovered Nia in 2003 during my quest for an exercise program that I would stick to for more that three months – six years later, I still love every minute of the magic that is Nia. As a scientist by day, I find that Nia helps balance out my logical and practical side with this creative, expressive, and therapeutic movement form that leaves me feeling energized, centered and happy. I completed my white belt in 2009 and now look forward to sharing the joy of Nia with my students.

Mary Singler
Mary Singler is a certified blue belt Nia instructor, a registered Yoga teacher (RYT), and a certified fitness instructor through the American College of Sports Medicine. Mary has taught in many realms of mind and body fitness for 20 years. She holds a master's degree is in health promotion with a focus in cardio-respiratory fitness. Mary spent years in martial arts and other realms of movement but dance has always been her one true love.

Of Nia Mary says "The beauty that Nia brings out in individual students inspires me to teach this lovely form of movement. I see a hand bent with age offer a heartfelt gesture; I see an athletic expression of energetic movement – both movements are gifts. I invite you to come and express your best self through a class filled with laughter, diversity and fun."

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Tai Chi Chuan

Tai Chi is the slow meditative Chinese martial art practiced to promote health, balance, mental calm and clarity. Come and join us to learn and practice this profound and wonderful art. No previous experience is necessary. The sessions are offered free of charge, except that a donation to the CCAC, of any amount, will be greatly appreciated.

Uri Sella
The Tuesday evening sessions will be led by Uri Sella, a resident of Clifton, as a service to the community. Uri has been a serious and dedicated Tai Chi practitioner for the past 15 years, most recently as a student of Master Mok Lau. Uri has taught Tai Chi classes in Israel and in Cincinnati.

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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.