Yes we do! You can save a copy of our Adult Program Handbook to reference at anytime. It has all Adult Program policies and even some addtional SADC information.

Subs at SADC
‍An update on substitute teachers at the studio. You may have noticed we no longer list the subs and cancellations in the weekly email. We are no longer announcing subs for a variety of reasons. The main one being, we always have high quality teachers who step in and we want to ensure students give a new perspective a try because sometimes people will cancel when a sub is announced. We hope to avoid this as it may mean a class is small or needs to be cancelled. Another reason is we sometimes need to bring in someone last minute and we are thankful for their time. In both cases we ask for you to consider giving the new teacher a try. Who knows? You may find a new favorite instructor.
Taking a class with a sub is a great way to apply skills and concepts from your regular class/teacher. We also know that stepping out of our comfort zone is a great way to learn new skills and add to your toolbox.
Please note: we aren’t able to offer an onsite refund in the event of a substitution. Subs are listed in Momence should you want to keep track and cancel with the stated policy. See Adult Program Handbook.
‍
Cancellations at SADC
‍We try not to cancel a class but sometimes it is inevitable. Ideally we have three students at a minimum. Signing up ahead of time in Momence will help the studio to keep all classes running. In the event of a cancellation, all classes will be refunded back into your Momence account.

SADC offers introductory-level Courses throughout the year in modern, ballet, jazz, and other dance forms. Perfect for those new to dance or those returning after a long break, these workshop-style offerings are a great way to learn the basics of dance and dance class structure in a safe, supportive environment with other new dancers. Courses require advance registration for the entirety of the multi-week module.

Our beginning-level classes ask for 1-3 years pre-requisite dance experience or to have attended an Intro Course in that dance style. We recommend attending a Course before joining the on-going program for a new-to-you dance style.

If you're still uncertain about placement, check out our placement guidelines, the class description of the class you are interested in, and reach out to adults@shawl-anderson.org with inquiries.

Classes will vary by style and format. A typical class will include a warm up, some stretching, and a movement phrase that travels across the room. Classes typically culminate in learning and practicing a short movement sequence known as a “combination." Our classes all run for 1.5 hours unless otherwise stated.

A Course is a multi-week workshop-style offering that allows students to delve deeply into the world of movement. Students can expect to learn the fundamentals of their chosen style in a safe, supportive educational environment with other like-minded students. The small classes sizes, supportive teachers, and community-centered ethos of SADC make it a uniquely special place to foster your growth as a dancer. While our drop-in class program runs continuously and allows dancers to come and go as they please, our Courses run on a multi-week basis and require full attendance.

Number one, we want you to feel comfortable moving. A t-shirt, tank top, or sports top are all great options. Leggings, shorts, or stretchy pants are suggested. As the weather gets cooler, layers that can easily be removed can be helpful. A long sleeve shirt is recommended for classes where there may be floorwork. Depending on the dance style, students will take class barefoot, in socks, or with a dedicated pair of indoor-only shoes, such as ballet shoes, jazz shoes, or dance sneakers.
‍
Stay hydrated and remember to bring a water bottle!

The first step to registering for classes is to create an account in Momence

Add a form of payment to your account. We encourage you to link your bank account through ACH Direct Debit in order to save on processing fees. Credit and debit accepted. SADC is a cash-less establishment.

Once you have an account set up, navigate to the adult schedule via our website or the SADC app (search "SADC" in your app store) and select your offerings.

Our regularly-scheduled adult classes run on an on-going basis, which means that dancers can take a class on any given day. Registration ahead of time is strongly encouraged as classes often fill.  Dancers can purchase a single class, or purchase a 5 or 10 class package at a discount.

Courses typically run for 3 to 5 weeks and require advance registration ahead of time. See below for more info on Courses.

A common question we get from new dancers is, “what is the difference between modern and contemporary?” Although dancers have different opinions as to what makes these two forms different (or the same), here is a collection of what the studio considers modern vs contemporary from compiled responses within our community:
Modern dance tends to draw from a codified technique (i.e. Graham, Horton, Limón, Dunham, etc) created during the 20th Century - it could be from one, or a combination of a few. It is also characterized by specific shapes, large swinging movements, asymmetry, and at times a shift away from ballet vocabulary and technique. Modern dance choreography can have a strong emphasis on emotional expression through grounded movements. The “score” of a dance may or may not have music or other auditory accompaniment. 
Contemporary can be considered a form of today! It can draw from techniques found in modern dance, but can be seen as more stylized, leaning into musicality, and tends to pull from other dance genres (i.e. jazz, hip hop, ballet). Contemporary choreography can be more experimental, incorporating diverse movement vocabulary and sometimes including multimedia elements. Dances often connect directly to a song or piece of music.

Both forms tend to be done in bare feet. And no specific clothing is required to take a class.

Regardless of  the difference between modern and contemporary, it is clear that both forms are focused on expressive movement and freedom. Here is a link to Dance Magazine’s Modern vs Contemporary: November 30, 2012 article that gives insights from other dance professionals on what they believe to be Modern and Contemporary.

What do you think? Please email your ideas and thoughts to info@shawl-anderson.org.

For our weekly on-going class schedule, we offer the 3 for $30 New Adult Student Offer for adult students who are new to our studio. For our Courses, we allow trials on the first day of the Course only at $28/class, no refunds permitted. This $28 will go towards the total cost of the Course should you choose to continue.

Our classes take place at our flagship studio location at 2704 Alcatraz Ave, Berkeley CA 94705 and BANDALOOP Studios at 1601 18th St, Oakland CA 94607. Please check your class registration carefully before attending.

If you want to connect with a teacher, please arrive 10 minutes early and let the front desk know you would like to check in with the teacher. SADC encourages all students to modify class content as necessary to fit their needs.

Feedback is always welcome. Complete our Online Feedback Form.