Class highlight: classes with kerry

You can catch Kerry for weekly Heels classes at both UMA locations, and Street Jazz/ Jazz Funk classes at 812 Chestnut! You can see her full teaching schedule below:

-Tuesdays 8-9pm HEELS (BEGINNER) @ 812 Chestnut.
-Wednesdays 7-8pm STREET JAZZ/ JAZZ FUNK @ 812 Chestnut
-Saturdays 2-3pm HEELS (BEGINNER) @ 2100 Chestnut

Heels Classes: Beginner Heels offers the opportunity to slow it down, embrace your sexuality and sensuality, and build the technique needed to dance safely in heels. Participants will be unpacking how femininity can support them in their movement and used to empower. Use this class as a way to fall in love with yourself!
Note: The best heels to bring are non- platform heel with ankle support. Sneakers are welcomed too.

Street Jazz/ Jazz Funk Classes: These classes will allow participants to feel like they've landed somewhere between a music video and the So You Think You Can Dance stage. This class aims to build confidence and expand the horizons of performance quality through intricate and upbeat choreography with varying shifts of rhythm and dynamism. General understanding of head tail connection, use of pelvic articulation, and constant weight shifts are key for sequence execution. ​

Learn more about Kerry & her weekly classes!

-When did you start dancing/ how did you get involved in dance?
I started when I was 8 and it was sort of an accident. One of my friends decided to quit dance mid year and her mom offered me the her spot in classes for the rest of the year because she thought I was a dancer. I was like “sure?”


-What is your training background?
I grew up dancing at your typical competitive dance studios. When I got to high school, I decided to take my ballet training more seriously, training 5-6 days a week in addition to taking contemporary, jazz, and hip hop. I trained in contemporary dance and ballet in college, educating myself on street and commercial styles on my own time. So I’ve dabbled in a bit of everything. While I still engage in contemporary dance as a performer, these days I’m focused on the study of vogue.


-How do you go about creating choreo for your classes? What inspires you? What music do you like to use?
I rely on visualization any time I create choreo! I can create choreo in my mind anywhere when the inspiration strikes me; on a walk, in the shower or in my bed falling asleep at night. I very much go with my gut instinct and don’t question my first thought when I create. I’m mostly inspired by music and whatever movement impulse it creates in me. Right now, some artists I’m loving creating to are Tinashe, Bree Runway, and Victoria Monet. I also really love dancing to 2000s jams and you’ll find a lot of songs from that era in my classes!


-What do you want folks who take your class to take away from your class? And/ or what kind of vibe do you hope to cultivate in your classes?
So far, in my classes I’ve been focused on delivering my technical knowledge to students in a way that feels exciting and accessible. I want students to recognize that they don’t need years of what we call “technical” training to achieve a clean turn or jump! I’m also hoping to equip folks with nuggets of street dance knowledge in each class so they can understand what we are referencing. The combination of these concepts is what really makes my classes unique! I’m hoping that students will walk away from my classes with a sense of empowerment.

Thanks Kerry!

You can sign up for Beginner Heels with Kerry at both UMA locations!
Saturdays 2-3pm @ 2100 Chestnut (sign up via 2100 Chestnut schedule here)
Tuesdays 8-9pm @ 812 Chestnut (sign up via 812 Chestnut schedule here)

You can sign up for Street Jazz/ Jazz Funk (Wednesdays 7-8pm) with Kerry at 812 Chestnut via the 812 Chestnut schedule here!