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.
- 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+.
- For classes with registration, students can register online HERE.
- 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:
2024
November 28-29: Thanksgiving December 24-25: Christmas |
2025
January 1: New Year's Day January 20: MLK, Jr. Holiday February 17: Presidents Day May 26: Memorial Day |
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.
Mondays, 6:45-8:00 pm Through Dec 16. Resumes Jan 6. Coleman Community Center Wednesdays, 11:15 am-12:15 pm Through Dec 18. Resumes Jan 8. Sevier Park Community Center Drop-in: $5 |
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.
Open Level Tue/Thu/Fri, 10:00-11:30 am Through Dec 20. Resumes Jan 7. Centennial Performing Arts Studios Instructors: Rebekah Hampton Barger (Tue/Thu); Katie Eliason (Fri) Intermediate Mon/Tue/Thu, 9:00-10:30 am Through Dec 19. Resumes Jan 6. Sevier Park Community Center Instructor: Donna Carver Drop-in: $10 / $4 Seniors 10-Class Card: $80 / $30 Seniors |
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.
Mondays, 12:00-12:50 pm Jan 6-Feb 24, 2025. No class 1/20 or 2/17 Centennial Performing Arts Studios Register for 6-week session: $48 Seniors 62+: $18 |
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 Resumes Nov 25-Feb 24, 2025. Centennial Performing Arts Studios Drop-in: $10 / $4 Seniors 10-Class Card: $80 / $30 Seniors Check out Mon/Wed Community Class offerings from New Dialect Sep 9-Nov 6. |
CONTACT IMPROVISATION / CREATIVE MOVEMENT
Instructor: McKay House CONTACT IMPROVISATION (2nd & 4th Sunday)
This class will explore and deepen the understanding we each have of our body, how our body relates to space, and how our body relates to other bodies. Through slow mindfulness exercises, free-form movement explorations, sensory experiences, and physical skill building, we will develop a greater awareness of our sensing body, learning to listen and respond. This class is open to any and everyone, no prior movement experience is required. We will be gradually warming up our bodies to engage in some vigorous movement accompanied by breaks, moments of reflection and discussion, as well as time for resting and witnessing. Please wear clothing you feel comfortable moving in that are free of zippers and hard metal buttons as well as layers that include clothing which covers the arms and legs. ADULT CREATIVE MOVEMENT (1st & 3rd Sunday) 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! Sundays, 10:00-11:30 am Through Dec 15. CentenniaPerforming Arts Studios 5-Class Card: $40 / $15 Seniors 10-Class Card: $80 / $30 Seniors Class cards must be purchased in advance at CPAS Mon-Fri. No day-of drop-ins available. |
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 |
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.
Updated time! Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30 pm Ongoing Madison Community Center Drop-in: $4 Wednesdays, 10:00-11:30 am December 4-18. Resumes Jan 8-Feb 26, 2025. Centennial Performing Arts Studios Drop-in: $10 / $4 Seniors 10-Class Card: $80 / $30 Seniors Check out Mon/Wed Community Class offerings from New Dialect Sep 9-Nov 6. |
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.
Gentle Pilates Wednesdays, 1:30-2:30 pm Ongoing. Sevier Park Community Center Drop-In: $4 |
PYLabs: Murder of Crows
Instructor: Asia Pyron PYLABS are open-level, contemporary dance classes available to the Nashville community.
Murder of Crows Workshop: PYDANCE Director Asia Pyron will lead a 90-minute workshop exploring some of the dance-theater techniques used to create “Murder of Crows”, a PYDANCE original production. Through character building, theatrical exploration, and contemporary movement, this class will challenge our emotional and physical coordination. This is an open level workshop, available for anyone with little to no theater or dance experience. Come ready to explore and experience Asia’s unique and engaging choreographic style. Fridays, 12:00-1:30 pm Oct 25-Nov 22 (5 sessions) Centennial Performing Arts Studios Register for 5-week session: $40 Seniors 62+: $15 Drop-in: $10 / $4 Seniors 10-Class Card: $80 / $30 Seniors |
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 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 (some experience required) Tuesdays, 12:00-1:00 pm Ongoing 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 Fall Session Inside: Nov 1-Dec 13 (6 sessions, no class Nov 29) Sevier Park Community Center FREE Register for 6-week session |
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.
UPCOMING CLASSES with
di mossa: Tue/Thu, 12:30-2:00 pm Fall 2024: Sep 3-Nov 21 Centennial Performing Arts Studios Learn More |
UPCOMING CLASSES with
New Dialect: Community Classes Mon/Wed, 10-11:30 am View Fall Instructor Schedule Fall 2024: Sep 9-Nov 6 Spring 2025: Mar 3-May 28 Centennial Performing Arts Studios 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 |