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
Solo Salsa (Beginner), Solo Bachata, Hip Hop Dance (Beginner), House Dance (Beginner), Vogue Elements (Beginner/Intermediate), Afro HIIT.
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
Solo Salsa (Beginner), Solo Bachata, Hip Hop Dance (Beginner), House Dance (Beginner), Vogue Elements (Beginner/Intermediate), Afro HIIT.
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
Solo Salsa (Intermediate), Reggaeton, Hip Hop Dance (Intermediate and All Levels), House Dance (Intermediate), House Dance Ground Moves and Lofting, Vogue (Intermediate/Advanced), Breaking Basics, Creative Composition, Popping, Contemporary Fusion, Locking.
General Classes Suggested for Advanced Beginners and Intermediates
Solo Salsa (Intermediate), Reggaeton, Hip Hop Dance (Intermediate and All Levels), House Dance (Intermediate), House Dance Ground Moves and Lofting, Vogue (Intermediate/Advanced), Breaking Basics, Creative Composition, Popping, Contemporary Fusion, 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), Hip Hop Dance (Advanced/ Pre-Professional)
General Classes Suggested for Advanced Dancers
Vogue (Intermediate/Advanced), Hip Hop Dance (Intermediate and Above), Hip Hop Dance (Advanced/ Pre-Professional)
PARTNER DANCE CLASSES
We offer Salsa and Bachata dance classes, as well as Lindy Hop. There are options for complete beginners as well as intermediate/advanced dancers. Partner dance classes occur in series that rotate every 4- 8 weeks. Send us an email if you want to be notified of registration periods for new series. Also keep tabs on our website and social media. We also offer partner dance privates.
WORKOUT, WELLNESS AND MOVEMENT ENTHUSIAST
We offer yoga, 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
Midday Movement Flow, Mobility and Recovery for Dancers, Movement Flow (Beginner), B-Fit, Capoeira Movement, Tai Chi, Breaking Basics,
General Suggestions for Movement Culture Intermediates and Above
Movement Flow (Intermediate), House Dance Ground Moves and Lofting.
Workout Classes for All Levels
Morning Workout, B-Fit, Afro HITT
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
Midday Movement Flow, Mobility and Recovery for Dancers, Movement Flow (Beginner), B-Fit, Capoeira Movement, Tai Chi, Breaking Basics,
General Suggestions for Movement Culture Intermediates and Above
Movement Flow (Intermediate), House Dance Ground Moves and Lofting.
Workout Classes for All Levels
Morning Workout, B-Fit, Afro HITT
Yoga, Stretch and Wellness Classes for All Levels
Mobility for Dancers and Yoga Series
coming to uma for the first time?
Getting Here:
Folks sometimes have trouble finding our entrance. We are on 21st street between Chestnut and Sansom. Our entrance is on 21st street, NOT Chestnut.
Our door is between Monde Market and Rione Pizza on the west side of 21st Street.
There are signs for MoveMakers/Urban Movement Arts and Balance Jiu Jitsu on the entrance door.
Parking and Public Transport
There is street parking all around, but keep an eye on the meter. There are two lots very close as well. We're about a 15 minute walk from major subway stations.
Parking Lots:
-Samson between 21st and 22nd Street
-21st street between Market and Chestnut
Public Transportation
Train: 30th Street and Suburban stations are within walking distance
Buses: Route 21 , Route 42
What to Wear:
WEAR A MASK. Yes, you will get hot and sweat while wearing your mask. But if brain surgeons can do it under all that pressure and those lights, you can do it for a sweaty dance class.
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.
Folks sometimes have trouble finding our entrance. We are on 21st street between Chestnut and Sansom. Our entrance is on 21st street, NOT Chestnut.
Our door is between Monde Market and Rione Pizza on the west side of 21st Street.
There are signs for MoveMakers/Urban Movement Arts and Balance Jiu Jitsu on the entrance door.
Parking and Public Transport
There is street parking all around, but keep an eye on the meter. There are two lots very close as well. We're about a 15 minute walk from major subway stations.
Parking Lots:
-Samson between 21st and 22nd Street
-21st street between Market and Chestnut
Public Transportation
Train: 30th Street and Suburban stations are within walking distance
Buses: Route 21 , Route 42
What to Wear:
WEAR A MASK. Yes, you will get hot and sweat while wearing your mask. But if brain surgeons can do it under all that pressure and those lights, you can do it for a sweaty dance class.
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.