class spotlight: Ground moves with Ron

Ron teaches a number of classes @ UMA (you can catch him for something almost everyday @ 2100 Chestnut!) This week we are highlighting his 'House Dance Ground Moves and Lofting' class, which takes place on Thursdays from 6-7pm

This class explores how house dancers get onto and off of the floor, move around on the ground and even explores some jumps and acrobatic movements. Lofting is an important and historical element of house dance- you should check out the documentary 'Come As You Are' (linked below) for some essential House Dance and Loft history.

If you know Ron, you know this class will get you moving around on your hands and in inverted positions. This class requires KNEE PADS. For anyone interested in joining... make sure to protect ya knees!

Hear more from Ron about the class below, and check out some VERY special old footage of Ron from various moments of the past

-How do ground moves relate to the history of house dance?

Ground moves/floor moves have always been a part of house dance. Before there were set steps people came in and did what they already did just a little different because the music was different. Hip hop movements softened, breakin movements would flow right into footwork, capoeira would be hidden in the transitions. Back in the day you would have everybody at the club so you might even see some ballet and modern dancers. House is a true melting pot of styles blended to fit the 4:4. So a lot of people did things on the floor. But that is more challenging to control and master so I feel footwork takes the spotlight. So I will say it has always been there. It’s just not as readily accessible

-Tell us about your relationship to the floor!

I love it! There was a time when I used footwork as my transitions to get back to the floor. Being both a breaker and a capoeirista I learned to be comfortable on my hands and the floor.

-What is your favorite part about teaching Ground Moves @ UMA?

My favorite thing about teaching Ground mMves is seeing people getting comfortable on the floor and incorporating it in their style.
I would tell someone not be afraid of the ground. If you put in the work you will see the results. In the end, you will open up a new world of possibilities

Dance has allowed me to see the world, meet and exchange with so many people, share and communicate without words and has allowed me to live my life.

Thanks Ron!