I’ve been looking forward to taking classes at the Rhody Center for a while. I finally signed up for what will hopefully be the first of many classes. Yesterday I was excited to take my first belly dance class. Kristen was very friendly and helpful. She took the movements slowly, broke them down and explained the mechanics. In addition, Kristen sought our input and geared the class toward our needs, making it indivialized. The added benefit was the small class size of wonderful, like minded people. I love the music, the dance space (colorful), the instructor, and the variation in styles (Arabic vs. Egyptian, etc.). Thank you for an amazing first experience and thank you Julie for hooking me up with a coin hip scarf. Can’t wait to spend next week learning more with everyone!
Michelle studied Dance and Psychology at Dean College in Franklin, MA where she received a BA in 2017. During her undergrad, she completed her internship at The Dance Studio of Orange, MA, learning the inner workings of studio management and creative direction. Her decision to make the move from Massachusetts to Rhode Island led her to take a service year with Americorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America), serving the Woonsocket community through Riverzedge Arts. Her role as their ELO Program Assistant has opened Michelle’s eyes to the non-profit world.
As a dancer, Michelle explores various rhythms and groves
through improv and grounded movements. She encourages
students to not simply learn the steps and go through the motions,
but to connect to their natural groundedness and weight; allowing
it to guide them fluidly between steps and ultimately freeing their
preexisting flow of musicality. As a self-proclaimed lifelong
student, Michelle is always ready to learn from the things
happening around her, and enjoys engaging in all things
creative.