2009 Masters Dance Intensive Recap, Day 1

By: Kristie Wyler


Yesterday we kicked off the first day of our Masters Dance Intensive with Mimi Whetstone’s advanced Latin Ballroom class. Ms Mimi started class with a slow (ish) Rhumba and transitioned into an ultra fast paced Mambo. The dancers all did great with the quick footwork and weight changes and started to get the fast Latin hips.

After a 10 minute break the dancers moved in to my advanced Contemporary class. We started with a warm up and stretch, then worked chaines, pirouettes, reverse jetes and turning leaps across the floor before learning a piece full of contractions and contortions to one of my favorite songs, “The Blower’s Daughter.”

I'm excited to see everyone later today for day 2 of our Masters Dance Intensive: Modern with Stephanie Plansker and Breaking/Hip Hop with Stringz of Hardcore Detroit. I'll have my camera with me tonight so I can take pictures and videos to post tomorrow.

Have a favorite part of class yesterday? Share with us in the comments.

Advanced Dance Classes, August 17-20

Our Masters Dance Intensive schedule is finalized:


Monday August 17

5:00-6:25pm Latin with Mimi Whetstone
6:35-8:00pm Contemporary with Kristie Wyler


Tuesday August 18

5:00-6:25pm Modern with Stephanie Plansker
6:35-8:00pm Hip Hop/Breaking with guest artist Stringz


Wednesday August 19

5:00-6:25pm Bollywood with guest artist Anuja Rajendra
6:35-8:00pm Irish with guests artists Ed Koehne and Elaine Murray


Thursday August 20

5:00-6:25pm Ballet with Dana Cochren
6:35-8:00pm Russian with guest artist Inna Belikov


Dance for the entire week for $179 or drop in to classes for $24 each. All classes are for experienced dancers and are advanced level. Teachers, pre-professionals and professionals are encouraged to attend.

Registration is now open! Register by phone at 734.207.8970. We look forward to seeing you!

Masters Dance Intensive, Yeah!

By: Kristie Wyler


Ms Rita and I have been working all summer to get the best and most interesting instructors for our 2nd annual Masters Dance Intensive and I am so excited with what we have lined up so far…

Stringz, (AKA S Uno) founder of Hardcore Detroit is teaching a Breaking/Hip Hop class Tuesday August 18 at 6:35pm. I’m so excited for the kids to have the opportunity to work with him. I’m still debating if I’ll have the guts to take this one. Here is a clip of his work:












I tried to get a “dances around the world” feel this year and feel so lucky the kids will be exposed to a number of different cultures and styles throughout the week.

Our resident Ballroom expert, Mimi Whetstone will start the Intensive with a Latin class on Monday August 17 at 5pm. I am definitely taking this class since I am determined to get my Latin hips working like Ms Mimi’s.

Bolly Fit founder, Anuja Rajendra is joining the guest faculty to teach a high-energy Bollywood class Wednesday August 19. Anuja has recently been featured in the Ann Arbor News, Flint Journal and Detroit Free Press. Here’s a short clip of Anuja on Fox 2 Detroit News:

http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dpp/health/get_fit/Bolly_Fit__Fitness_Through_Fun

Elaine Murray and Ed Koehne of Green Fire Irish Dancers are teaching an Irish class Wednesday August 19 and Inna Belikov is closing out the Intensive with a Russian dance class Thursday August 20.

Metro Dance faculty member Stephanie Plansker is also teaching an Advanced Modern class Tuesday August 18 at 5pm. I have a feeling if you're there you'll be sore in odd places in the morning, but it will be a "good sore."

All classes are open to dancers, teachers and professionals ages 13+. Call 734.207.8970 to register by phone.

Thinking of attending? I'd love to hear which class you're most excited about taking.