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Chat.Dance.Love. Episode 4

5/25/2022

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The 4th episode of Chat.Dance.Love. features Lindsey Della Serra, the dance teacher at Franklin High School! In this vlog episode, Ginger asks questions about what it is like dancing at the high school level and putting forth questions from out teens. If you were unable to tune into the livestream, a recorded version of it is available below and on our Youtube Channel!
Modern Motion Youtube
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Introducing Chat. Dance. Love.

3/10/2022

 
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Written by Ginger Haithcox

One of the best things that came out of my time at home early on during the pandemic was enjoying vlogs and podcasts. From women in business to faith, finance, and marriage there’s so many great conversations happening out there. The best part of opening up conversations is that it helps connect people to the understanding of everyday life being a part of the human condition. Couples come to realize that other couples experience similar challenges, moms realize their struggles are felt around the world, and lonely entrepreneurs see value in learning from those that walk the same walk. My inspiration to share conversations with our village became a reality because of the many great things I’ve learned and enjoyed from vlogs and podcasts.

And so, Modern Motion launched our vlog series during Women’s History Month with a Women Crush Wednesday conversation with four of our fabulous dance moms! I invite you to take a listen or watch the first episode and stay tuned for future episodes!
​

Getting to the Pointe-When is a Dancer Ready?

6/29/2021

 

By Hallie Rumsey-Lasersohn

Professional Dancer and Dance Teacher at Modern Motion

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Seeing a ballerina glide effortlessly across the stage while balancing perfectly on the tips of her toes in a tutu and satin pointe shoes is magical. It is no wonder many young dancers are eager to receive their first pair of pointe shoes, but there are many factors that determine whether a dancer is ready to safely begin pointe work including age, technical strength, experience, and maturity. 

​The journey to dancing on pointe is highly personal, but as a  general rule dancers should not begin pointe earlier than age 12. This is because the bones in our feet do not fully develop until age 12-15. Beginning pointe too early can cause injuries, stunt foot growth, or even lead to deformities. 

Age is not the only factor to determine readiness for pointe shoes. Remember: being on pointe means holding up your entire body weight on the tips of your toes. Regardless of age, if a dancer does not have the strength in their feet and ankles, pointe is not only dangerous but painful. Students should be able to complete sixteen consecutive releves on each foot with a straight knee before they are allowed on pointe. They should also have enough strength to balance on demi-pointe on one leg in a variety of ballet positions. 

In addition to physical strength, students should have at least two years of consistent ballet training and a good understanding of ballet technique and alignment. Dancing in pointe shoes requires the foot and ankle to be pointed straight up and down without sickling and the hips and shoulders stacked directly over the toes with the core muscles engaged and the knees pulled up and straight. 

Many people think of pointe as its own genre of dance, but this is not the case. Pointe should be thought of as advanced ballet. It is for dancers who are serious about and committed to their training. Good attendance, exemplary class etiquette, and a willingness to work hard are essential to succeeding in pointe work. The decision to put a dancer on pointe is for your teacher to make. For dancers who are ready to pursue pointe, it will be gratifying, extremely fun, and yes, magical! There is nothing like the feeling of setting a goal and working hard to achieve it. 

Day in the Life of a Ballerina

5/24/2021

 
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By Hallie Rumsey-Lasersohn, professional dancer and teacher
Working as a professional dancer is not your typical job. It takes many years of training and dedication to get to that magical moment when you get up on stage and share your art with the world. Not a lot of people know what a normal workday looks like for a ballerina. I am going to give you a glimpse into a typical day in my life as a professional dancer. 

7:00 AM
Every day starts with coffee, a filling breakfast, and more coffee. I have been loving oatmeal with fruit and peanut butter in the morning. It keeps me full for a long time and tastes delicious. After breakfast I do my hair in a bun, pick out a leotard and tights, and head to the studio.

8:00 AM
Once I arrive at the studio I spend about an hour warming up. I do a combination of stretching and conditioning exercises to help prepare my body for the day ahead. I take my time and listen to my body, giving special attention to any sore or tight muscles I might have from the day before. 

9:00 AM
Time for company class! We always start the day with a ballet class to warm up, prevent injuries and continue to work on our technique. We start at the barre and slowly work our way up to bigger exercises, ending with big jumps across the floor.

10:15 AM
After class, I have a fifteen-minute break before rehearsals start. I drink water, have a snack, and put on whatever shoes I need for my next rehearsal.

10:30 AM 
Rehearsals vary from day to day. This could mean learning a new piece, working on a specific part, or doing a full run-through of a ballet. 

1:30 PM
Time for lunch. I eat whatever I am in the mood for that day. Sometimes it’s leftovers, other times it’s a big salad or a Pb+J with yogurt and a piece of fruit. I always make sure to get some protein in to help with muscle recovery.

2:30 PM
More rehearsals! It takes a lot of preparation to put a show together.

4:30 PM
When rehearsals are over I head home, take a shower, do some gentle stretching, and have a snack. 

7:00 PM
If we have a show that night I will eat dinner then head to the theater to get ready. It takes me about an hour to do my hair and makeup. I take another short warm-up class, put on my costume, and then it's curtain up for the performance. If we don’t have a show that night I am either teaching, reading, or watching Netflix. 

10:00 PM
If the dance studio is my favorite place in the world, my bed is a close second. Sleep is so important for athletes' minds and bodies. I put on a podcast or book on tape and get my rest before doing it all again the next day! 

6 Tips for Improving Flexibility

4/19/2021

 
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Written by Hallie Rumsey-Lasersohn

Professional Ballet Dancer and Teacher at Modern Motion

Flexibility is an integral part of dance training. It increases mobility, reduces muscle soreness, and helps to prevent injury, but for many dancers reaching flexibility, goals can be overwhelming. Here are 6 tips for improving flexibility! 

  1. Warm-Up! Stretching in itself is not a warm-up. You’ll get the most out of your flexibility routine if you're already sweating a little before attempting to drop into a split. Put on some cozy clothes, do 20 jumping jacks or a 30-second plank, and start slow.
  2. Day by day. As a young dancer, I often made the mistake of forcing my flexibility. I’d get frustrated with my tight muscles and decide the best thing to do was sit in a straddle for 10 minutes straight. I’d be unable to walk let alone stretch the next day. Flexibility takes a lot of patience. Listen to your body and do a little each day. Stretching for 10 minutes every day is healthier and more effective than extreme stretching for 60 minutes once a week. 
  3. What stretches when? It’s better to do dynamic stretching before physical activity and static stretching after. Before dance class try reaching towards your toes and bending and straightening your legs, standing in a lunge with your arms above your head while gently pulsing, or leg swings to the front and back while holding onto the barre. After class is a good time for static stretching. For example, sitting in your split or straddle for 15 seconds or more.
  4. All about balance. Make sure you stretch both legs equally. It is also important to counter each stretch by stretching the opposite muscle group. If you stretch the back of your legs, give equal attention to the front of your legs. If you stretch with your toes pointed, also stretch with them flexed. For example: after you do a backbend, sit in a childs pose with your back rounded to even yourself out. 
  5. Challenge without pain. The stretches that are most challenging for you are probably the ones you need the most, but if you’re feeling pain in your joints or ligaments you're probably doing a pose that is too advanced. Check-in with your knees, hips, and shoulders often. Stretching can be uncomfortable, but it should never be unbearable. Pain should be very mild and continuous. If you feel any sharp pain or pulling on the joint, stop.
  6. Don’t forget to Breathe. It might seem obvious, but a lot of us have the tendency to hold our breath when something gets difficult. It’s important to send oxygen to your muscles while stretching. Remind yourself to breathe deeply and evenly. If you feel a muscle tensing up take a big exhale and try to let it relax. ​

Taking Care of your Uniform: Tips for making your dancewear last

4/2/2021

 
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Blog Author Hallie Rumsey-Lasersohn
Dance Teacher at Modern Motion and
Professional Ballet 
Dancer

I learned the hard way that dancewear is delicate. I spent years throwing my dance clothes in with the rest of my laundry and not giving it a second thought. I thought I was saving myself time and effort but after numerous runs in tights, broken straps, shot elastic, torn seams, worn-out shoes, and a whole lot of wasted money, I decided to get serious about my dancewear care. With proper care, you can extend the life of your dance clothes tenfold. Seriously, I have leotards I have been wearing since high school that are still going strong. These tips will save you time, money, and keep your dance wardrobe looking good as new.


Washing
If you’re really dedicated to keeping your leotard, tights, dance shorts, and skirts fresh and tear-free then washing by hand is the way to go. I use Woolite Delicates and cold water. Scrub gently, soak for 30 minutes, and rinse. This prevents shrinking, fading, stretching, and any snags that might be caused by the washing machine. Hand-washing is a surefire way to keep your dancewear in top condition but let's face it, we don’t all have time to delicately massage our tights and leotards in a bubble bath each week. When I don’t have the time or energy, I turn leotards and shorts inside out, put my tights and skirts in a mesh laundry bag, and throw them in the washer. Make sure you wash with cold water on delicate. I suggest using an enzyme-based detergent. This will dissolve dirt without damaging the fabric. If you do get a run in your tights, don’t pull it! Instead, use a small amount of clear nail polish over the run to prevent further tearing. 

Drying
This one is pretty straightforward. If there is one habit you should adopt to make your dance clothes last longer it’s air drying. The dryer is the number one culprit of wear and tear. Dancewear is made from thin material and will air-dry quickly, especially if you leave it in sunlight or near a heat source. 

Shoe Care
Canvas ballet shoes should be hand washed or machine washed on delicate in a mesh bag. Leather ballet, jazz, or tap shoes should be wiped down with a damp rag and or leather cleaner. Never put your dance shoes in the dryer. Try stuffing the shoes with paper towels or tissue paper to help them keep their shape while drying. If you air out your shoes after each use they will last much longer. It’s easy to throw your shoes in a sweaty dance bag and forget about them, but this will cause them to retain the moisture from your sweat and degrade quicker. 

The Bottom Line
Dance requires specialized apparel that needs special care. Sure, you can throw everything in the washing machine and dryer and call it a day, but you’ll be shortening the life-span for these delicate and sometimes pricey pieces. Take good care of your dancewear and it will serve you well for years to come! 

Updated Season Information - April through June 2021

3/9/2021

 

Greetings!
​
We wanted to share a bit of additional information about our studio plans for the remainder of the season. We will continue with In-Studio and Online classes. We have decided not to hold classes outdoors this Spring.  We have also resumed in person uniform and shoe fittings with appropriate sanitation of fitting kits! We heard customer feedback and found that fittings are essential to the online purchasing process - so we’re happy to help! If you would like to schedule a shoe or uniform fitting, please let us know!

June Performance
Our 12th Annual June Show, entitled “Out of this World” will be on Saturday, June 26 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. It will be an outdoor performance, divided into two or three smaller shows. In lieu of traditional dance costumes and to reduce the number of costume changes, we will be using recital logo cast t-shirts with dancer’s names listed on the back. The show will also feature our end of year awards and Me & My Guy performance!
Facility Information
  1. Windows will be opened whenever possible to improve fresh air and ventilation.
  2. Please note that the waiting areas will continue to be closed until further notice in order to comply with capacity limits.
  3. New hand sanitizer stations are located in both studios, rear hallway,  and at the front desk.
  4. We have doubled the number of  portable air filters located throughout the building featuring H13 HEPA filters.
  5. The studio floors are marked to indicate physical distancing for dancers.
  6. Please note parking is parallel to the street in our lot. Please do not park in front of the building or block the rear driveways.
Health and Safety Guidelines 
  1. All staff will undergo daily health screenings, and will not be permitted to work if they are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19. Staff are provided appropriate face masks, gloves, sanitizing wipes and ample time for hand washing each day.
  2. All dancers, staff, and customers must wear face masks. We strongly recommend dancers bring 2 masks to class should one become sweaty. Masks may be removed briefly for a water break as directed.
  3. All dancers, staff, and customers must adhere to posted and verbal requests for physical distancing of at least six feet. While high risk contact practices are permitted in New Jersey, we are not allowing these activities with our dancers and will not choreograph or practice with partners at this time.
  4. We are currently operating with a 35% capacity, and the waiting areas are closed. If your young dancer needs bathroom assistance and you are waiting outdoors or in your car, we will text or call you. 
  5. If you need Customer Service assistance from our staff, please email (info@modernmotin.org) or call 732-658-0301 when possible to limit the number of people indoors. We are open Monday through Thursday from 4:30-8:00PM and Saturday mornings from 9:30-11:30AM.
  6. We are sanitizing high touch surfaces and bathrooms frequently throughout the day and in between classes, which have a 15 minute break between groups. 


Customer Policy Reminder
Everyone must comply with all health guidelines from the CDC and New Jersey Department of Health in order to participate in any in-person experiences, including but not limited to social distancing, hand washing and personal hygiene, and wearing of a facial cover where applicable. 
Do not allow your child to attend class in person if he or she is sick, exhibiting symptoms associated with COVID-19, or has a fever or has been exposed to a close contact with COVID 19. In most cases, they can attend or watch class online when feeling ill. Parents and staff have a responsibility to report any suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 from themselves or close family members to the studio if they have attended in person classes in order to allow for adequate sanitation of the studio facility, notification and contact tracing in accordance with health guidelines.
Modern Motion reserves the right to deny access to the facility, events, or classes to any student, parent, or individual accompanying an attending student who refuses to comply with or is otherwise found in breach of these requirements.

Modern Motion's Winter Segment Options

10/24/2020

 
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Modern Motion Dance School is offering a hybrid dance season! For our winter segment from November through the end of March, we will be offering classes online and in person with limited capacity, face masks required and physical distancing. Families may select whichever option they prefer, both options include a Virtual Performance in March. If you have any questions, please email us at info@modernmotion.org

  • Online Only DefinitionOnline Only Class - Dancers will participate in weekly classes during our Winter Segment solely online, culminating in a March 2021 virtual performance for Women's History Month. Online Classes are the same as our In Person classes - during their regular class time.
  • In Person DefinitionIn Person Classes will be offered Indoors and with an Online Rotation. Dancers will participate in weekly classes in person inside the studio based at 25% capacity. Face masks are required, and physical distancing will be provided with designated dance spots. If the number of students requesting In Person class exceeds our 25% capacity limit, dancers will be on a rotation where they take class online and in person to accommodate everyone. In person dancers in the Winter Segment will participate in a March 2021 virtual performance for Women's History Month. Modern Motion is following all NJ Executive Orders for Indoor Recreation and the Department of Health guidelines for cleaning, sanitation, and opening windows and doors whenever possible to increase ventilation.


Back to Dance - Executive Director Ginger Haithcox takes part in panel discussion with the National Consortium for Creative Placemaking

9/10/2020

 
Listen to the Podcast audio here:

2020-2021 Season Plans for Hybrid Dance Education

9/1/2020

 
This season brings some new offerings, modified schedule, and options for busy families to keep their children dancing! Modern Motion is the perfect place for a fun and safe way to enjoy dance class. We are using a trimester plan for this season in order to take advantage of nice weather and outdoor classes!

To give a sense of accomplishment, each segment will include a brief outdoor or virtual performance for the children. New to Modern Motion, or not sure what class is the best fit? Take advantage of the 7-day Class Pass to explore classes before enrolling. 
Read more on this season's plans for classes - three segments, one season!
Fall Segment
Winter Segment
Spring Segment
15
15
15
7-Day Class Pass
7-Day Class Pass
7-Day Class Pass
Contact Us
Contact Us
Contact Us
August 15 through October 31
November 1 through March 31
April 5 through June 30
Full Schedule Outdoor Classes with Online Alternative for Inclement Weather
Full Schedule Online Classes
Full Schedule Outdoor Classes with Online Alternative for Inclement Weather
Outdoor Classes participate in Outdoor Performance on October 31, entitled Pumpkin Spice & Jazz
Classes participate in Virtual performance for Women’s History Month

Outdoor and In Studio Classes participate in Outdoor Performance on June 26, entitled Out of this World
Limited Online Only Classes beginning in September with no performance in October
Limited In Studio Classes at 25% Capacity or less
Limited In Studio Classes at 25% Capacity or less
Private Lessons Available In-Studio and Online
Private Lessons Available In-Studio and Online
Private Lessons Available In-Studio and Online
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1 Railroad Avenue
Somerset, NJ 08873
732-658-0301

Sunday - Closed
Monday - Thursday 5:00-8:00PM
Friday - 6:00-8:00PM
Saturday - 9:00AM-1:30PM

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Modern Motion Dance School
A 501c3 nonprofit organization

Dance and Art classes in Somerset, Franklin Township, NJ
Featuring Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Acro Dance and Painting lessons for children.
Photos used under Creative Commons from rmlowe, shixart1985, Renee Silverman, Starflight Music, focusonmore.com, gabrielsaldana, shixart1985