welcome to uma!
Urban Movement Arts (UMA) strives to be an ideal environment for adults who are completely new to dance. We understand that people embark on dance in adulthood for many different reasons. Our goal is to be able to accommodate you regardless of your motivations, whether it is skill building, exercise, making new friends or just for novelty.
UMA’s line up of classes are primarily based in contemporary Black American folkloric dance, African folkloric dance, Latin American dance and contemporary somatic and movement culture practices. Some of you might be wondering what Black American folkloric dance is. Anything from Lindy Hop to Hip Hop to Breakdance are American folklore that were born in U.S.’s Black communities. UMA is a proud ambassador of many dance forms that fall into the category of Black American Folklore.
UMA invites you to explore the many benefits that come from a dance practice with us. We are a space where you can de-stress, make friends and grow, all the while, celebrating and commemorating the communities and cultures that have laid the foundations for the mediums that we express ourselves within.
We believe everyone is meant to dance. All bodies, all ages, all genders, all racial identities, all experience levels. We welcome you to explore our many offerings. And never hesitate to contact us if you have questions or concerns. We are here to support you in your dance journey.
UMA’s line up of classes are primarily based in contemporary Black American folkloric dance, African folkloric dance, Latin American dance and contemporary somatic and movement culture practices. Some of you might be wondering what Black American folkloric dance is. Anything from Lindy Hop to Hip Hop to Breakdance are American folklore that were born in U.S.’s Black communities. UMA is a proud ambassador of many dance forms that fall into the category of Black American Folklore.
UMA invites you to explore the many benefits that come from a dance practice with us. We are a space where you can de-stress, make friends and grow, all the while, celebrating and commemorating the communities and cultures that have laid the foundations for the mediums that we express ourselves within.
We believe everyone is meant to dance. All bodies, all ages, all genders, all racial identities, all experience levels. We welcome you to explore our many offerings. And never hesitate to contact us if you have questions or concerns. We are here to support you in your dance journey.
What classes should you choose?
The classes that you attend should be determined on the basis of your experience level and desired vibe. Below is a key that should help you navigate our options.
COMPLETE BEGINNER
The UMA Dip
The UMA Dip is a program designed for folks that have absolutely no dance experience and would enjoy a comprehensive on-board type of experience. This is also an excellent program for individuals who are interested in developing better connection and control with their bodies. Read more here.
General Classes Suggested for Beginners and New Movers
Hip Hop Dance (Beginner), House Dance (Beginner), Vogue Elements (Beginner/Intermediate), Heels Dance (Beginner), Solo Salsa (Beginner), Waacking,
The UMA Dip is a program designed for folks that have absolutely no dance experience and would enjoy a comprehensive on-board type of experience. This is also an excellent program for individuals who are interested in developing better connection and control with their bodies. Read more here.
General Classes Suggested for Beginners and New Movers
Hip Hop Dance (Beginner), House Dance (Beginner), Vogue Elements (Beginner/Intermediate), Heels Dance (Beginner), Solo Salsa (Beginner), Waacking,
ADVANCED BEGINNER AND INTERMEDIATE DANCERS
You might be wondering who qualifies as an advanced beginner. For us, an advanced beginner is someone who is new to dance, but who is confident about their coordination and adaptability to new physical challenges. Advanced Beginners also include individuals who have been dancing for a few months or a year and feel that they’ve gotten the hang of things. An intermediate for us is someone who has danced for 2 or more years and is confident and comfortable with being challenged.
General Classes Suggested for Advanced Beginners and Intermediates
Hip Hop Dance (All Levels), House Dance (All Levels & Intermediate), Vogue (Intermediate/Advanced), Breaking Basics, Popping, Locking.
General Classes Suggested for Advanced Beginners and Intermediates
Hip Hop Dance (All Levels), House Dance (All Levels & Intermediate), Vogue (Intermediate/Advanced), Breaking Basics, Popping, Locking.
ADVANCED DANCERS
If you’ve been dancing for years either for fun or you’ve had dance team and or professional experience, the classes below will be great for you. Along with these, you will benefit from the Advanced Beginner and Intermediate classes listed.
General Classes Suggested for Advanced Dancers
Vogue (Intermediate/Advanced), Hip Hop Dance (Intermediate and Above), House Dance (Intermediate and Above)
General Classes Suggested for Advanced Dancers
Vogue (Intermediate/Advanced), Hip Hop Dance (Intermediate and Above), House Dance (Intermediate and Above)
WORKOUT, WELLNESS AND MOVEMENT ENTHUSIAST
We offer workout, stretch/mobility and movement culture classes. These classes are some of the most unique offerings at UMA. Many of the classes that we offer in these categories are original concepts developed by our teachers from years of experience. These options reflect some trends that you might recognize, but in general our programming is ahead of the curve.
What is Movement Culture
Movement culture is a term coined by Ido Portal. Although, Ido Portal has popularized a general ethos about movement in the mainstream, the concepts that he focuses on are nothing new. Ron Wood, who teaches Movement Flow, has been practicing and teaching movement culture concepts before mobility and variable movement patterning was popularized. These class options are great for folks who are bored with traditional workouts. Our classes in this category will help you to become more integrated physically. You’ll enhance your coordination, strength, flexibility, power, agility and dynamism as a mover.
General Suggestions for Movement Culture Beginners
Mobility and Recovery for Dancers, Movement Flow (Beginner), Breaking Basics,
Yoga, Stretch and Wellness Classes for All Levels
Mobility for Dancers and Yoga Series
What is Movement Culture
Movement culture is a term coined by Ido Portal. Although, Ido Portal has popularized a general ethos about movement in the mainstream, the concepts that he focuses on are nothing new. Ron Wood, who teaches Movement Flow, has been practicing and teaching movement culture concepts before mobility and variable movement patterning was popularized. These class options are great for folks who are bored with traditional workouts. Our classes in this category will help you to become more integrated physically. You’ll enhance your coordination, strength, flexibility, power, agility and dynamism as a mover.
General Suggestions for Movement Culture Beginners
Mobility and Recovery for Dancers, Movement Flow (Beginner), Breaking Basics,
Yoga, Stretch and Wellness Classes for All Levels
Mobility for Dancers and Yoga Series
coming to uma for the first time?
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UMA HEADQUARTERS @
2100 CHESTNUT UMA’s line up of classes are primarily based in contemporary Black American folkloric dance, African folkloric dance, Latin American dance and contemporary somatic and movement culture practices. Some of you might be wondering what Black American folkloric dance is. Anything from Lindy Hop to Hip Hop to Breakdance are American folklore and were born in U.S.’s Black communities. UMA is a proud ambassador of many dance forms that fall into the category of Black American Folklore. UMA invites you to explore the many benefits that come from a dance practice with us. We are a space where you can de-stress, make friends and grow- all the while, celebrating and commemorating the communities and cultures that have laid the foundations for the mediums that we express ourselves within. |
CHECK OUT OUR NEW LOCATION @ 812 CHESTNUT!
Urban Movement Arts at 812 Chestnut is housed at a unique location called Range of Motion. Range of Motion is a venue that features unique programming from MoveMakers Philly, Martial Posture, After School Philly alongside Urban Movement Arts. It is where Philadelphians can come to enjoy various forms of dance, martial arts and adult acrobatics all under one roof. Expect some of the same classes that can be found at UMA HQ at 2100 Chestnut, but there are a number of unique features only available at 812. The cool and friendly vibe at 812 will certainly be consistent with what many have come to love about 2100 Chestnut. Be a part of the UMA's action at 812 Chestnut St. |
What to Wear:
Clothing: Wear whatever you can move in, that makes you feel good. You do not have to get expensive leggings (unless you want to.) It gets hot and sweaty in the summer, so if you're taking multiple classes, or a partner dance class, take that into consideration; pack an extra shirt? Many of our participants even bring a towel along.
Where do I put my valuables during class?
You can bring them right into the studio with you. But we're not responsible for them should anything happen. We always suggest keeping valuables (phones, wallets) out of sight.
BRING YOUR OWN WATER!
We have a water fountain, but do not supply cups nor do we have bottles for sale. Water is also available for purchase at Monde Market on the first floor.
Clothing: Wear whatever you can move in, that makes you feel good. You do not have to get expensive leggings (unless you want to.) It gets hot and sweaty in the summer, so if you're taking multiple classes, or a partner dance class, take that into consideration; pack an extra shirt? Many of our participants even bring a towel along.
Where do I put my valuables during class?
You can bring them right into the studio with you. But we're not responsible for them should anything happen. We always suggest keeping valuables (phones, wallets) out of sight.
BRING YOUR OWN WATER!
We have a water fountain, but do not supply cups nor do we have bottles for sale. Water is also available for purchase at Monde Market on the first floor.