Instructional Programs Class Descriptions

Class Descriptions

African-Capeverdean Group Drumming

Master Drummer-Instructor, Tony Fonsecsa

The Art & Craft: Afro-Capeverdean Group Drumming (ACGD) is a hand drumming style created, developed, and dubbed by Tony Fonseca and performed by him and his students. Fonseca’s style is influenced by 40 years of drumming experience and the rhythmic traditions of West Africa, Cape Verde, Cuba, and Brazil. ACGD, however, is distinct and unique from all other traditions. ACGD is replete with a fully developed drum language, also created and developed by Fonseca, which is the method he uses to create, write, recite, and teach rhythm patterns and group drumming orchestration.

The Instruments: The instruments used in ACGD are commonly known as “conga drums”, “bongos”, and not commonly known as “ashikos” (conical shaped), as well as assorted small percussion instruments, such as bells, shakers, blocks, and tambourines. The drums and percussion instruments vary in size, shape, weight, sound, and material. ACGD also employs conch shells, whistles, body shakers, and ankle bells.

The Instruction: Students receive instruction on how to produce the proper sounds from the drums while learning how to play a series of mono, dual, and multi-part rhythms. Students learn how to play individually and in various combinations and sizes of drum groups. Frequency and duration of instruction varies with the student, group, or organization. Fonseca offers everything from a 1 hour demo/workshop to a 10 week apprenticeship, to a semester course. to a lifetime of learning.

The Students: ACGD transcends age, race, background, lifestyle, tradition, size shape, strength and musical experience. Fonseca has taught students from 3 years old into seniority and has performed for audiences from every walk of life. He has not yet met a student or audience that did not instantly feel drawn to the sound of ACGD

Learn-Practice-Perform! The emphasis of Fonseca’s instruction is on preparing the student/group fro performing in front of an audience. Individual students and groups advance their skills as slowly or as rapidly as their time, ability, and desire allow. Fonseca provides opportunities for group recitals as well as for students/groups who have reached a certain skill level to perform with him in front of a wide variety of audiences a various venues.

Ashtanga Yoga

Characterized by vinyasa, the synchronized flowing movement of body and breath that connects the postures in a seamless continuity of practice. Organs are toned, and flexibility and strength are gradually increased. Breathing is deepened.

Instructor: Erin Cooney sees Ashtanga yoga as a practice that cultivates awareness in our daily lives and encourages healthy living, both in our bodies and in our relationships to self and others. Erin has completed workshops with Sri K Pattabhi Jois, David Williams, Nancy Gilgoff, and Richard Freeman. She is continually inspired and challenged by her daily teachers, including Michael Hamilton and Kate O'Donnell. Her main teacher training was with Michael Hamilton here at Back Bay Yoga. She is delighted with the opportunity to share this practice with others.

Soul Flow Vinyasa Yoga

Melt away years of stress and cleanse your body as you strengthen and stretch. This class will combine energetic flow sequences, linking movement and breath, with playful conditioning movements designed to bring awareness to alignment and to reawaken the body to its natural movement capability. Leave class feeling uplifted and reconnected to your most important teacher–you!

Instructor: Erica is certified in Interdisciplinary Yoga, a unique program offered by the Nosara Yoga Institute that incorporates teachings in Vinyasa flow as well as therapeutic Conditioning Movements to bring deeper awareness to the body. She believes that yoga is first and foremost a personal inquiry, and her classes are about celebrating the individual voice in a playful way.

Boabom

Boabom is a system of arts for relaxation, meditation, and self-defense originating in ancient Tibet. It is characterized by quick movements, tempered reflexes, and an emphasis on agility and balance, developing into a precise and effective form of self-defense.

Classes begin with a series of warmups, awakening and stretching all the muscles in the body. From there, the class moves on to the more technical, coordinative movements. Specific breathing techniques accompany each movement in both parts of class, infusing the lesson with an energizing rhythm.

Boabom's progressive method of instruction means that students learn something new every time they come to class, so the program is always evolving, never a routine that can be executed without attention. Each movement builds upon others encountered before, as they form a chain of increasing complexity. Students are always challenged, though never overwhelmed, and by bringing their full attention to each movement and each moment, their minds are drawn away from the stresses of everyday life. So while exercising, stretching, and strengthening the body, the students also relax and expand their minds: this is meditation in movement.

No prior experience is necessary! Classes will be led by Ryan Midura, an instructor at the Boston School of Boabom

Capoeira

Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian art that combines music, dance, acrobatics, and martial arts. It develops self-confidence, coordination, music skills, and self-awareness.

Capoeira is an explosive high intensity workout, where you will learn to move with power and grace, have fun, and get into amazing shape fast. This unique class is designed to work the entire body; consisting of strength moves that emphasizes coordination, balance, and flexibility. It is a high endurance workout with intervals of various intensities that will challenge you. Capoeira is sometimes referred to as “Flashdance” workout as it will not only get you “fighting fit” but you will have a great time doing it.

Classes are based on traditional sequences and modern progression, which we practice while listening to traditional, sensational, and energetic Capoeira music (featuring berimbau, atabaque and pandeiro). Each class begins with movement games to warm-up, where specific exercises prepare one for training. During class there is partner and line-work, where the moves flow from one position to another and also where techniques are developed. We finish class with traditional ‘Capoeira roda’, displaying intuitive movements, building confidence and practice playing Capoeira music.

Capoeira with Contra-Mestre Chuvisquinho is fun, a challenge and a really effective fitness class. This unique class combines the Brazilian art of Capoeira with fitness science to deliver an unbelievable full body workout; where the elegance of dance, the power of martial arts and the rhythms and Brazilian music is displayed. You will love it!

Clothing: T-shirt and sweat pants or loose fitting pants. Train barefoot or with clean, light-weight sneakers.

Instructors: Contre-Mestre Chuvisquinho and Anna Dias

Goju Ryu Karate

What is Goju Ryu Karate?
Goju Ryu Karatedo is said to display the oldest martial arts traditions and movements. The system is based on the concept of hard (go) and soft (ju), always in consistent harmony one equalizing the other. The art combines traditional Okinawan techniques with both internal and external Chinese principles. The soft (ju), internal Chinese style concentrates upon circular movements and the development of chi (vital energy), while external, hard (go) principle rely upon physical strength. The combination gives Goju Ryu its beauty, disciplined movements, grace, and flowing form. Anyone who believes that Goju Ryu is merely a beautiful style with little of the art of defense, he need only watch two Goju Ryu practitioners square off in sparring (kumite) where Goju-ryu is a close-range, infighting system that concentrates on efficiency of movements

Instructors: Alicia Borgman and Alex Ivanov

Hip Hop

The term "hip hop dance" covers a wide range of styles, including dances that have often been associated with hip hop culture, to those that are merely performed to the music. These styles have grown in popularity over the years, partly due to the rise in popularity of hip hop music. The term most often refers to break dancing

Old School

Old school hip hop dances are those styles that evolved in the seventies and were primarily danced to funk and old school hip hop music. Break dancing is the best known of all hip hop dance styles, and is considered a corner stone of hip hop culture itself. In the 1980s, many funk dance styles that originally evolved separated from hip hop, such as popping and locking, started to be incorporated with the hip hop culture as well, and could be seen danced together with break dancing.

New School/New Style

In the 1990s, as hip hop music evolved and grew further away from funk, it got slower, heavier and more aggressive. This modern hip hop music has given birth to new styles of hip hop dancing partly inspired by the old school styles, many of them focusing on upright dancing as opposed to break dancing which is better known for its floor-oriented movements.

Some more specific styles of new school hip hop are krumping, harlem shake, Chicken Noodle Soup, Jigging, tone wop, freaking and hyphy.

Classifying these newer hip hop styles as a unique dance style of its own has grown common with larger street dance competitions such as Juste Debout, which includes new style as a separate category for people to compete in.

Many of the newer styles of hip hop are a common sight in today's music videos on television channels such as MTV.

Instructor: Nikki Dellicolli Dancer, Performer, and Choreographer
Hip-Hop Teacher and choreographer for DC2, Lawrence, MA.- present
Hip-Hop Instructor- Rhythm and Movement Dance Center, Lawrence, MA. - present

Judo

Preamble: The aim of this course is to introduce beginners with no or minimal background to Judo. The course is planned to be taught over a period of 5 weeks.

Introduction: Judo, or the way of Gentleness, an ideal form of physical exercise and a reliable system of self-defense, was specially created from traditional Japanese martial arts. Judo was designed by Professor Jigoro Kano over a hundred years ago to reflect the concept of maximum efficiency in the use of physical and mental energy. This course will help students discover the principles, techniques and spirit of this popular martial art which is so adaptable that it has succeeded in transforming into an Olympic sport.

Logistics:

This class will be taught by Sensei Sherif Hashem, Shodan
Sensei Rick Bertucci, Yodan is the Technical Advisor for this course.
This course will follow the directions of United States Judo, Inc. (USJI), The National Governing Body for the Sport of Judo in the United States.
There will be no competition or participation in tournaments for this class.
Students wanting to compete or participate in tournaments must join the Northeastern Judo Team after successfully completing this course to be able to compete or participate in tournaments.

Latin Dance

Latin Dance (Salsa) For Beginners and Advanced Beginners. This class will help to build a strong foundation in salsa. Our focus will be to develop the areas of timing, technique, and transitions. No prior salsa instruction is required to take this class. No Partner needed.

Instructors: Cindy Orellano and Victor Perez from Hacha Y Machete Dance Company, Lawrence, Ma.

Ballroom Dance

In the class series I will teach dances from both the Standard/Smooth and Latin American/Rhythm ballroom dance styles, including waltz, tango, rumba, salsa, swing, cha-cha-cha and others also based on the students needs and interests. Through their dance patterns I will demonstrate their specific style talking about rhythm, feet and body action also focusing on general dancing issues ex. weight shifting action, body balancing and alignments, dance positions and frames, leading-following, etc. Every session the students will be able to learn basic choreographies from the above mentioned dances and performing them with the music. Participating the courses they will experience all the benefits of the dancing, being healthier, happier persons more conscious in their body, mind and soul. I take care of choosing the inspiring musics and dance patterns for them, creating enjoyable choreographies, making their learning process effective, continuous and easy so that way they could have fun with their dancing.

Instructor: Katalin Matyus is from Budapest, Hungary. She started her dancing career in 1997, and quickly became a highly respected competitive dancer in both Standard and Latin American styles, winning or advancing to the finals of every local and national competition she entered. Since 2001 she has been teaching students of different age groups and skill levels producing several successes for her private students and formation groups. She also coached a Hungarian National Champion. In 2004 she graduated from the Hungarian Dance Academy as a ballroom dance instructor. Two years later she earned her second Master’s degree at the Hungarian Eotvos Lorand University in Aesthetics of Performing Arts. Since August 2006 she has taught at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Boston while enhancing her reputation as a competitive dancer enhancing her reputation as a dance instructor and competitive dance performer. She is a well-known performer of the Regional Championships and Showcases. In addition to her dancing expertise, Katalin is a professional musician. After playing classical music for fourteen years as a pianist, and performing in Hungary and all around Europe as a singer, she decided to turn to contemporary music styles. She became a finalist in the Hungarian national singing competition and television show called “Megastar” (Hungarian American Idol), and “Star Factory”, which is also one of the most popular contests there. In 2006 she was admitted to Berklee College of Music receiving a prestigious scholarship for singing where she is a Performance major and organizer, supervisor as well as dance instructor of the Ballroom and Latin-American and Hip-hop dance courses.

Irish Dance

Irish dance is a centuries-old dance form that has more recently been popularized by productions such as Riverdance and Lord of the Dance. In the NU-OPPs Irish dance class, students will learn the basics of Irish dance, a few steps and combinations, as well as several fun drills and tricks. The class also focuses on strengthening the muscles used in dancing by utilizing abdominal, leg, and arm exercises. Enjoy and learn in a fun atmosphere with a laid-back teaching style that is guaranteed to give you a great workout and a thorough understanding of the art form.

Instructor: Erin Gormley. Erin is from Buffalo, NY. She started Irish dancing at the Rince Na Tiarna School of Irish Dance at age three and has been performing, teaching, competing, and choreographing in various capacities ever since then.

Northeastern Aikido class - Beginner Level

Aikido is the Japanese art of self-defense that employs holds and locks, and that use the principles of nonresistance in order to debilitate the strength of the opponent.

This class will provide a basic understanding of Mitsunari Kanai’s style of Aikido.

Kanai Sensei’s* Aikido represents trust, compassion and love for all life. In this basic introductory course, students will get exposure to Aikido self-defense techniques, ukemi (the art of falling), and breathing drills.
Students of all level of training are welcome.

*Kanai Sensei was the technical director of United States Aikido Federation. He was also a direct student of O’ sensei (founder of Aikido in Japan).

Instructor: Andre Brown. Andre Brown studied with Kanai Sensei for over fourteen years. He is a Ni-Dan, a 2nd degree Black Belt in Aikido.

Qi Gong-(Ch’i Kung)

QI (CHI) = ENERGY
GONG (KUNG) = SKILL
QIGONG = THE SKILL OF ATTRACTING VITAL ENERGY

Qigong is a self-healing art that combines movement and meditation. Visualizations are employed to enhance the mind/body connection and assist healing.
Regular practice of qigong can:
prevent and treat illness
reduce stress - establish balance
integrate mind/body/spirit - bring peace

Instructor: Dana Rosenblum. Dana Rosenblum has studied T'ai Chi Ch'uan with the renowned, third generation Chinese master, Kai Ying Tung, since l991. She continues to attend advanced t'ai chi training seminars with both Master Tung and his son, Master Tung Chen Wei. Before moving to the Boston area, Dana taught Tai Chi Chuan at Plymouth State College in New Hampshire. She has taught at a variety of adult education centers as well as Northeastern University, Massachusetts College of Art, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Center Communities of Brookline, Brookline Center for Adult Education and Perkins School for the Blind. Her approach to teaching is based on the traditions and practices of Taoist philosophy as well as her respect for the unique individuality of each student. Dana is accomplished and skilled at creating a safe, supportive, and deeply engaging learning environment. www.taichiwithdana.com

Tai Chi

Yang style Tai Chi Ch’uan is a centuries- old discipline for health, relaxation, meditation and self-defense. First developed in China, this Martial Art emphasizes self-cultivation. It can be learned by anyone, regardless of age or physical condition. Through practice, one finds a greater sense of well-being as well as improved concentration.

Instructor: Dana Rosenblum has studied Tai Chi Ch’uan since 1991 and continues to attend advanced international Tai Chi seminars. Dana emphasizes physical alignment, flexibility, strength and relaxation.

Vinyasa and Restorative Yoga

Vinyasa means "flow." In vinyasa yoga, we flow through a series of postures, moving with the breath as we come to a place of mental stillness. Classes are invigorating and promote increased flexibility, strength, and balance, as well as focus and a sense of peace.

Restorative yoga is a deeply relaxing practice that sooths the mind and the body. With the use of props, poses are held passively for 3-5 minutes each, allowing the body to fully open and release. Wonderful as a practice on its own, or as a complement to more vigorous athletic activity, restorative yoga is accessible to those at all levels of fitness and ability.

Instructor: Ellen Waylonis. Ellen came to yoga in search of stress reduction, and found on the mat a deep sense of peace and purpose. She is inspired by the transformative power of yoga and its ability to bring awareness to not only our bodies, but also to our lives. Her classes emphasize the principle of ahimsa, or non-violence, encouraging students to respect their bodies and selves as they explore new ways of moving and being. Her style is influenced by her principle teacher, David Vendetti, as well as by many of the wonderful instructors in the Boston area and her own variegated life path.

Individual and Dual Sports

Basic Swimming: Focuses on Basic swimming skills for non- swimmers, with emphasis on personal water safety.
Instructor: Edwin Salamanca

Basic Tennis: Focuses on basic tennis strokes (forehand, backhand, serve, volley, lob, and overhead) rules, strategies. Class is also modified based upon skill level. While the class is designed for beginners, we can accommodate for those students with higher skill levels as well.
Instructor: Colleen Fritze, B.S., M.S.

Strength Training: Introduces principles and use of resistive exercises, isotonic (weights), isometric exercise and the appropriateness of each.
Instructor: Joel St-Cyr, NU Strength and Conditioning coach

Racquetball: Focuses on knowledge and skill appropriate to play racquetball at the beginning level.
Instructor: Mike Winsor

Squash 101: Focuses on knowledge and skill appropriate for play at the beginning level; skills, rules, and strategy.
Instructor: Nathalie Fontenez, SquashBusters Middle School Director

Golf: Focuses on posture, grip, alignment, full swing and analysis, and the short game.
Instructor: Lee Parker, PGA Professional, Boston City Golf.

Skiing / Snowboarding / Snow Tubing: Instruction, rentals and transportation to Nashoba Valley in January/February.
Instructor: Provided by Certified Instructors from Nashoba Valley Ski Resort.

CPR for the Professional: Course designed for first responders.
Instructor: Edwin Salamanca, Certified First Aid Instructor.

Lifeguard Training: Prepares you for Lifeguard Certification.
Instructor: Edwin Salamanca, Certified Water Safety Instructor.

Please note: All persons attending classes at the Marino Center must be
Campus Recreation members.

For more information about our membership policies, please visit the
membership section of our site.

For more information please contact:
Colleen Fritze
Coordinator of Facility Operations and Non-credit Programming
130 Badger and Rosen SquashBuster Facility
Boston, MA 02115
Phone: (617) 373-7398
Fax: (617) 373-8278
E-mail:c.fritze@neu.edu