CHRISTINA BELINSKY
DANCER CHOREOGRAPHER EDUCATOR FILM-MAKER
Creator of Artists In Motion Apparel
Passing On the Passion
Christina has been an educator of dance for 20 years. She prides herself on leading a class and workshop that is current, focused on building a strong technical foundation, and connects musicality to storytelling in an environment that encourages budding young dancers and professionals alike. Dancers will learn to appreciate where they are now and feel inspired to take ownership of their artistry and greatness. In addition to teaching master classes in Musical Theatre, Modern, and Contemporary at various studios, dance teacher conferences, and conventions throughout the country, she has been a guest teacher at Broadway Dance Center, Think Tank NYC, Pennsylvania Thespians' Conference, Boston Ballet, The Ailey Extension, Steps on Broadway Outreach Program, Dance Masters of New England, University of New Hampshire, University of Nebraska, Dean College, NH Youth Dance Festival, and New York City's Stage Door Connections. Christina is the founder of "The Dance Advance", a one-day intensive designed to prepare aspiring dancers for a professional career through various unique workshops.
Class Descriptions
THEATER JAZZ
This class focuses on storytelling through musicality and style. The goal is to give dancers the tools to embody a character with in the context of a musical. Contemporary musical theatre no longer is just theater jazz; it is a fusion of multiple genres of dance and requires performers to be versatile. In this class we will work to explore a variety of styles. The center warm-up and across the floor exercises encourage dancers to explore their physical acting skills. Dancers are encouraged to take risks with an emphasis on stage presence and performance quality.
INTRODUCTION TO CHOREOGRAPHY
Dancers are given the tools to find inspiration for movement in all places. Through various independent and collaborative exercises, dancer's get a peak into the endless possibilities by storytelling through movement. The goal is for dancers to embrace their voices as dance-makers and leave class with a new set of tools to inspire creativity.
MOCK AUDITION WORKSHOP
IntRo to the Business of Dance
This class provides dancers with an opportunity to discover their path from the studio to a professional career in the performing arts. Including a seminar on how to properly prepare for an audition, what to expect, other career paths in the arts beyond performing, and discussing what you can be done now to get a jump start. Dancers learn a center combination, divide into small groups, and get a realistic audition experience along with constructive feedback.
lyrical jazz
Utilizing a strong foundation in ballet and jazz, dancers will learn to express the emotionality of a song through expansive movement, dynamics, and use of the space. Emphasis will be given to utilizing the dancer's technique and control for fluid transitions, exploring storytelling through movement and acting, traveling through the space, and musicality.
CONTEMPORARY
Grounded in release technique, this class challenges dancers to rethink the mechanics of movement. Through floorwork, center exercises, and across the floor; students will explore how to use their body's weight and momentum to increase their range of motion. Moving sequentially through weight shifts, this class invites dancers to shift their approach to choreography by utilizing physics rather than muscular support. Movement phrases focus on leading with initiation points and dancing “off kilter” which in turn strengthens the dancer’s proprioception.
MODERN
Based in Horton-technique, dancers will learn foundational exercises and fortifications demonstrating how Horton can expand overall strength. Passing on the teachings of Lester Horton, this class will introduce dancers to key exercises including flat back series, laterals, release and recover, balance studies, coccyx balances, across the floor with stags and prances, and culminate in a movement study at center. Dancers will be encouraged to move with power, conviction, and grace while guiding their movement with breath.
DANCE ON CAMERA WORKSHOP
During this workshop, dancers are introduced to the magic of creating dance for camera. Opening with simple creative tasks which then progress to creating a short dance film collaboratively; dancers will leave class inspired to play and observe the world differently through the lens of a camera.
Testimonial
"Christina came to our studio full of incredible energy and passion. Our students were instantly engaged in her teaching style. Our dancers loved her very technique based warm up. They were focused and pushed to truly work their core and work on their stamina. Christina has a way of inspiring and drawing out a new way of movement. Her progressions were musical theatre based and so so fun. Her choreography was filled with musicality and technique. I loved Christina’s approach to her contemporary musical theatre class. She is such an incredibly talented mover, teacher and Choreographer. Her professionalism and personality was beyond refreshing. She applauded the dancers individuality and strengths and made them all feel inspired. I was so thrilled and impressed by her workshop and would hire her back in an instant!"-
Stephanie of DNE School of Dance, N.Chelmsford, MA
"We love Christina!!! She is a wonderful Master Faculty member at our studio. She is an incredible dancer and an even better person. Your students will thoroughly enjoy any time spent with her."
Jennifer DeFelice. Studio Owner. Broadway Bound Performing Arts. Merrimack, NH
"She’s amazing and my students ask for her year after year at our intensive."
Kelly Chadwick. Studio Owner of Elevate Dance. Rowley, MA