CLASS FOR ADULTS | 15 yrs+
Our dance classes for adults provide high-quality, affordable dance training in a supportive environment and help students unearth the positive effects that physical activity and creative expression can have on their overall well-being. The Dance Division of the Metropolitan Board of Parks and Recreation currently offers classes for adults of all ages in ballet, contemporary, contact improvisation, creative movement, West African, Tai Chi, Pilates, DanceFit, Gyrokinesis, and Dancing with Parkinson's.
Class Policies:
- Classes are open level unless otherwise specified. For open level classes, students should have some prior experience and may modify movements as needed. No experience necessary for beginner classes.
- Seniors are considered ages 62+
- Please make every effort to be on time. Late arrival disrupts the class, may cause injuries, and does not leave a student sufficient time to warm up. In addition, for classes happening in our temporary space at Morgan Community Center outside of their regular community center hours, students who arrive after class begins may be inadvertently locked out.
Payment and Registration
- For classes with a registration option, call 615.880.2787 x0 to register over the phone or visit Centennial Performing Arts Studios to register in person.
- For drop-ins and class cards, students purchase at the front desk of the class location before class begins.
- We currently accept cash, checks made out to Metro Parks, or credit/debit cards. Please note there is a 2.3% transaction fee for all debit/credit card purchases.
- Read Metro Parks and Recreation Participants Code of Conduct
CLOSED FOR METRO HOLIDAYS:
2026
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January 1: New Year's Day
January 19: MLK, Jr. Holiday February 16: Presidents Day May 25: Memorial Day June 19: Juneteenth |
July 4: Independence Day
September 7: Labor Day November 11: Veterans Day November 25-27: Thanksgiving December 24-25: Christmas |
ONGOING CLASSES
BALLET
Experience the joy of ballet in a welcoming environment. For open level classes, students should have some experience in ballet and the ability to modify movements as needed to suit their level of experience.
Ongoing through May 29, with the exception of Metro holidays . See above dates Open Level Tue/Thu/Fri, 10:00-11:30 am Morgan Community Center Instructors: Rebekah Hampton Barger (Tue/Thu); Katie Eliason (Fri) Intermediate Mon/Tue/Thu, 9:00-10:30 am Ongoing Sevier Park Community Center* Instructor: Donna Carver Drop-in: $10 / $4 Seniors 10-Class Card: $80 / $30 Seniors |
WEST AFRICAN
Instructor: Windship Boyd with Ibro Dioubate Join Windship Boyd to explore together different dances from West Africa (primarily Guinean dances) with a focus on the fundamentals, feeling the music, and the joy of movement. Windship has been studying dance in West Africa for over 15 years and recently returned from an extended stay. All levels welcome.
Open Level Mondays, 6:45-8:00 pm Ongoing Coleman Community Center Open Level Wednesdays, 11:15 am-12:15 pm Ongoing (no class 11/19) Sevier Park Community Center Drop-in: $5 |
CONTEMPORARY
Instructor: Emma Morrison This class focuses on waking both the mind and body using sensory based improvisations to enliven the imagination of the mover. We will tap into articulate and curious physical modes such as skill-building, movement games, and large phrase material done in unison (or not in unison), with the simple goal of having fun and sweating together. Appropriate for a range of adult movers, from those with no prior experience to advanced professionals.
Mondays, 10:00-11:30 am Jan 12-Feb 23 No classes Jan 19 or Feb 16 for Metro holiday Morgan Community Center Drop-in: $10 / $4 Seniors 10-Class Card: $80 / $30 Seniors Check out Mon/Wed Community Class offerings from New Dialect |
Dancers explore contemporary floorwork principles, warming up with simple somatic patterning that builds into dynamic and expansive floorwork. This structure will emphasize weight in all four limbs and building inversion skills. Knee pads encouraged.
Mondays, 12:00-1:30 pm January 26-May 18, with the exception of Metro holidays Morgan Community Center Drop-in: $10 / $4 Seniors 10-Class Card: $80 / $30 Seniors |
CREATIVE MOVEMENT
Instructor: McKay House This class offers space for adults to reconnect with their bodies and imagination through serious play in community. Together we will be exploring movement using imagery-based prompts, games, writing, drawing, and music. The
class is open to any and everyone regardless of experience level. Please bring an open mind and clothes you feel comfortable moving in! Stay tuned for future sessions |
GYROKINESIS®
Instructor: Phylicia Roybal The Gyrokinesis Method is a movement method that addresses the entire body, opening energy pathways, stimulating the nervous system, increasing range of motion and creating functional strength through rhythmic, flowing movement sequences.
January 14-Feb 25 with the exception of Metro holidays Updated time! Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30 pm Madison Community Center Drop-in: $4 Wednesdays, 10:00-11:30 am Spring/Winter semester dates coming soon Morgan Community Center Drop-in: $10 / $4 Seniors 10-Class Card: $80 / $30 Seniors Check out Mon/Wed Community Class offerings from New Dialect |
DANCEFIT
Instructor: Kat Mathis DanceFit is a medium-to-high intensity, dance-based cardio fitness class that's FUN. Experience a challenging workout in a positive and encouraging environment with easy-to-follow choreography and a pop music playlist.
Saturdays, 10:30-11:30 am Ongoing McCabe Park Community Center Drop-In: $4 |
GENTLE PILATES
Instructor: Kari Gregg The exercises created by Joseph H. Pilates use muscle control, breathing techniques, imagery and postural alignment to strengthen the entire body. Kari uses a variety of props to challenge your strength, flexibility, mobility, and balance in each class, helping you build confidence to move through all of the daily activities you love with ease and joy.
Wednesdays, 1:30-2:30 pm Ongoing Sevier Park Community Center Drop-In: $4 |
TAI CHI
Instructor: Jen-Jen Lin Tai Chi moves slowly and gently with a calm mind, sometimes called meditation in motion. It applies the theory of yin and yang and strives the balance the body and mind. Learn basic breathing, stances, walking and beginning level Tai Chi low-impact exercise.
Beginning (no experience required) Wednesdays, 10:00-11:00 am Ongoing Open Level (2 years+ experience) Wednesdays, 9:00-9:55 am Ongoing Sevier Park Community Center Drop-in: $4 |
BALLET FOR BEGINNERS
Instructor: Christen Heilman In this 6 week session, adults will learn the basic fundamentals of classical ballet while building strength, stamina, and increased range of motion of joints and body. The class includes basic vocabulary of body and foot positions while working at both the barre and center. Modifications are available for people with limited mobility!
Stay tuned for future sessions |
Come join Asia Pyron in her fitness classes involving full body strengthening and stretch exercises. This hour long class will get you sweaty and strong as Asia guides you through basic yet challenging movement. Release your inner beast and come move with Asia!
Tuesdays, 6:30-7:30 pm January 13-April 14 Sevier Park Community Center Drop-In: $4 |
DANCING WITH PARKINSON'S
Instructor: Julia Marx, MA, R-DMT This class engages the body, mind, and spirit in dance and movement designed to address the challenges of living with PD. With no prior dance experience required, you will learn to move to music in ways which are fun and easy to pick up. Dances provide practice with balance, flexibility, mobility, coordination, creative thought, and relaxation. All activities can be done standing or seated. Individuals with Parkinson’s and their partners and caregivers are welcome. Class is free for all participants.
Fridays, 10:30-11:30 am Centennial Art Center Fall 2025 Session: August 22-October 3 Spring 2026 Session: March 20-May 8 Sevier Park Community Center Winter 2025 Session: October 24-December 5 Winter 2026 Session: January 16-Feburary 27 FREE |
Additional classes are offered by our partners and companies-in-residence, di mossa and New Dialect and partner Nashville International Folk Dancers (NIFD) in Metro Parks facilities. Check company websites for the most up-to-date information.
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UPCOMING CLASSES with
New Dialect: Community Classes Mon/Wed, 10-11:30 am Fall Session: Sep 8-Nov 10 Morgan Community Center Drop-in: $10 / $4 Seniors/BIPOC 10-Class Card: $80 / $30 Seniors/BIPOC Learn More |
UPCOMING CLASSES with NIFD:
International Folk Dance Tuesdays, 6:30-8:15 pm Ongoing McCabe Park Community Center Drop-in: $3 Register for Trimester: $40 |
