As our community navigates this time of social distancing it is now more important than ever to remember we are all interconnected, to offer support when we can, and to ask for help when we need it. This guiding belief has led Shila Tirabassi La Grua of Body Center St. Pete, and Helen French of St. Petersburg Dance Alliance, to join forces and launch A Community That Moves Together, Heals Together. A series of classes offered online and by donation, taught by knowledgeable teachers with diverse skill sets.
This initiative grew out of a strong desire to help. To provide access to therapeutic and dynamic movement practices, and to support mental, physical, and emotional well-being. All while raising money in support of the Pinellas Arts Community Relief Fund, whose goal is to ensure the vibrant arts and cultural landscape of our community remains intact through this emergency.
Starting Monday, April 27th, A Community That Moves Together, Heals Together will begin offering a variety of 30-minute movement classes over the course of two weeks, taught by the highly skilled staff of the Body Center St. Pete and dance educators from the St. Petersburg Dance Alliance. The schedule can be found below and online at Body Center St. Pete’s website. Visit their website for information on how to join the classes. All donations will be gifted to the Pinellas Arts Community Relief Fund (suggested donation $10/class).
These classes are designed for a wide range of participants, because everyBODY needs to move. From dancers to donors, young to old, in pain and pain free. Class themes include; Proper Breathing, Balancing and Finding Security in Your Stance, Healing Chair Movements, Yoga for Neck and Shoulders, Releasing Tension using the Alexander Technique, and more. Let’s come together in movement and community to not just survive this crisis, but to thrive through it.
Schedule of classes:
WEEK 1
Monday, April 27th 10 AM – 10:30AM
Join Shila Tirabassi La Grua (Owner, Neurosomatic Therapist, Body Center St. Pete) for…“Grounding”:
Breathe, balance, and find security in your stance. Focus on aspects of grounding we can connect to physically – our feet, our legs, our pelvis and how all of that relates to our breath.
Wednesday, April 29th 6 PM – 6:30PM
Join Jessica Obiedzinski (Pilates Instructor, Body Center St. Pete & Dancer, St. Pete Dance Alliance) for… “Tone and Groove”:
Think 5th grade jazz class, as we isolate joints with movement in a follow along setting. Barre method meets Pilates meets funk. Mostly standing movements for every age and ability.
Thursday, April 30th 2 PM – 2:30PM
Join Carly Mertz (Yoga Teacher, Body Center St. Pete) for… “Yoga for Lower Body”:
Enjoy a 30 minute flow to get your body mobilized and moving! This class will focus on the pelvis and legs to aid in a strong, open, and balanced foundation.
Friday, May 1st 11 AM – 11:30AM
Join Helen French (Dancer, St. Pete Dance Alliance) for…
“Head, Shoulders, Knees, Toes”:
Explore releasing tension and restoring balance and poise using the Alexander Technique. Use guided imagery and gentle movements to encourage the mind and body to release tension and recenter energy. No prior experience needed. All ages.
WEEK 2
Monday, May 4th 6 PM – 6:30PM
Join Brinda Chalnick (Yoga Teacher, Pilates Instructor, Body Center St. Pete) for…
“Yoga for Neck and Shoulders”:
Explore yoga exercises to create mobility and flexibility, offering a sense of freedom in the neck and shoulders, leaving you relaxed and light. Accessible to a “seated only” practitioner.
Wednesday, May 6th 6 PM – 6:30 PM
Join Zoe Cunningham (Neurosomatic Therapist, Body Center St. Pete & Dancer) for…
“Hip-Hop Dance”:
An all levels dance class with warm-up, body isolations, and urban movement combinations. Tap into the joy of movement, express yourself freely, and connect to our core.
Thursday, May 7th 10 AM – 10:30 AM
Join Noa Spector-Flock (Dancer, St. Pete Dance Alliance) for…
“Healing Chair Movement”:
Using a chair to explore the use of our sitting bones and the feet in shifting weight. Exploring the spine and its relation to the pelvis as well. Class is for ALL ages and abilities.
Friday, May 8th 10 AM – 10:30 AM
Join Maria Sheldon (Pilates Instructor, Body Center St. Pete) for…
“Creating Space”:
This class will focus on opening the spine. We will extend, side bend and twist. From on the floor to standing the journey will open your heart and allow you to breathe.