Portland Halloween Benefit Supports Polaris Dance Center All Access Program
Every now and then Singlelicious hosts events where charming, witty, gorgeous ones get to meet and mingle and support a great cause. Our Thriller Halloween event on Friday, Oct. 30 is the perfect example. The event is $13 and proceeds go directly to Polaris Dance Studio’s All Access Program. You can read more about the All Access Program below. We hope to see you tomorrow night at Polaris Dance Theatre from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Meet new people and support a great cause! Register here.
Polaris All Access Program
A revolutionary new outreach program will be offered by Polaris Dance Center beginning on Oct. 7, 2009. All Access is designed for everyone interested in dance, creative self-expression and bodily healing. Integrated dance and fitness classes, open to every body, as well as movement therapy sessions dedicated to healing spinal cord injuries will be offered through the program.
Polaris Instructors Kathy Coleman and Yulia Arakelyan will teach the integrated dance and fitness classes. Offering a unique perspective on dance from their wheelchairs, Coleman and Arakelyan will teach three classes, which are open to every type of body.
Improvisation: Playing with the Unknown:
This class builds improvisation skills in performance and in life.
Sit or Stand Aerobics:
This class is designed to strengthen the cardiovascular system and enhance flexibility.
These two classes are offered for those 16 and up, and would also be ideal for senior citizens with limited movement.
Creative Movement for Children:
Open to ages 3 to 5, this class will develop dance skills, creative self-expression and strengthen the connection between body and brain in a rich learning environment.
“Integrated dance and fitness classes break down barriers and normalize the human variation,” Coleman said.
All Access is dedicated to exploring healing through movement and empowering individuals by connecting them on a deeper level to their bodies. One-on-one recovery sessions as well as group dance classes will be offered. While the one-on-one sessions will address each unique individual’s pain, energy levels, strength, flexibility and endurance, group dance and fitness classes offer a connection to the body and the community.
Program Director Colleen Genuine, a certified spinal cord recovery specialist (CSRS), Pilates instructor and professional dancer uses exercise recovery, movement therapy and dance to harness the body’s natural energy to build awareness, coordination and rhythm. As a CSRS, Genuine has trained with paraplegics and quadriplegics in an exercise recovery program. Using Pilates as a base, Genuine works with clients to co-create stability and strength on the path toward healing.
“Each one of us has amazing abilities to heal, without limitations and with full expression,” Genuine said. “I invite every one to explore their own body through movement, and discover a deeper connection with self and the community we live in.”
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The Polaris Dance Center, led by award-winning Artistic Director Robert Guitron, provides a stage for talent to bloom, and its inclusive programs allow dancers from all backgrounds to reach their full potential. The Dance Center is located in downtown Portland, 1501 SW Taylor. Founded in 2002, Polaris is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Income received supports our education and outreach programs.
