Beginner Contemporary Dance classes at Peridance are available with several instructors, each offering a unique approach to movement and technique. Review the summaries below to find the class that matches your interests:
1) Bo Kyung Lee is a choreographer, performer, and artistic director recognized for her innovative voice within contemporary dance. She holds a Ph.D. from Hayang University and has presented work at major festivals and venues across the globe, including the Queens Museum in New York and the Going Dutch Festival in Chicago. Her honors include the Gold Medal from the Contemporary Dance Association of Korea and First Prize at the International Contest for the Mature Contemporary Dance Soloist in Mexico City. She has also taught workshops at institutions such as Rutgers University and Peridance Center.
Class Description: This introductory contemporary class focuses on expressive movement that pulls from ballet, modern, jazz, and lyrical influences. Students begin with a warm-up that develops strength and flexibility before learning choreography that emphasizes momentum, fluidity, and responsive movement.
Schedules: Tuesdays 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM; Saturdays 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
2) Brianna Mercado is a choreographer, educator, and performer based in New York City. She studied dance and social welfare at the University of California, Berkeley, and her work spans theater, film, and commercial projects. She teaches at Molloy University and CAP 21 Musical Theatre Conservatory, Peridance Center, and Broadway Dance Center, and she is an active member of TheGrit Dance Collective.
Class Description: Brianna offers an energizing beginner class that begins with a structured warm-up combining strength building, flexibility, and foundational technique. The class then moves into choreography that blends contemporary, jazz, modern, and hip hop, with a strong focus on musicality and purposeful movement.
Schedules: Tuesdays 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
3) JM Rodriguez, originally from Los Angeles, trained extensively in ballet, Horton, and Luigi Jazz at the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts. With more than ten years of professional experience in both commercial and concert settings, he has toured internationally and performed with the Los Angeles Contemporary Dance Company. His choreography merges contemporary movement with foundational Horton principles, encouraging dancers to explore musical and physical connections.
Class Description: JM’s class introduces contemporary dance through a blend of ballet, Horton, and Luigi Jazz techniques. With his years of performance experience, he creates an engaging environment that supports technical growth, musical awareness, and individual expression.
Schedules: Saturdays 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM
