Foundation.
Coordination.
Explore.
Grow.
Groundwork is a foundational movement training program that uses Hip Hop concepts to develop movement awareness, musicality, coordination, and control. Rather than teaching choreography, it builds the skills beneath it through drills, exercises, and guided application, helping dancers develop a stronger, more intentional foundation for long-term growth.
[ How We Train ]
BALANCE + CONTROL —
Learn how movement works from the ground up. Develop groove, weight shifts, bounce, and rock to create movement that feels intentional, connected, and natural.
GROOVE —
Explore bounce, rock, pocket, and flow to develop authentic movement and greater comfort in your body. Learn how groove creates connection, confidence, and individuality.
TEXTURES +DYNAMICS —
Discover how qualities like softness, sharpness, resistance, speed, and contrast change the feeling of movement. Build greater versatility and movement quality through intentional choices.
RHYTHM + MUSICALITY —
Develop a deeper understanding of rhythm, timing, accents, and phrasing. Learn to interpret music with greater intention and connect movement to what you hear.
Is Groundwork Right for You?
Groundwork is for dancers who want to build a stronger foundation and better understand movement. Whether you're new to training, returning after time away, or looking to strengthen your skills, this program is designed to help you grow with intention.
[ Train with Us]
Groundwork Drop in Session are focused movement training sessions designed to help dancers build stronger fundamentals through intentional, skill-based training. Each session explores a different movement concept while strengthening the foundation that supports all styles of dance.
Rhythm + Musicality | Balance + Weight Distribution | Grooves | Isolation + Body Awareness | Texture + Dynamics | Strength to Support Execution | Confidence + Comfort
Location
In the Groove Studios
605 9th St, Oakland, CA 94607
Dates + Times:
Sunday, September 20 12:30–2:00 PM
Please note sessions are non-refundable!
[ Student Stories ]
"It's hard to find teachers who really focus on the how/why of dance... I find it easier to open up in these spaces."
- Ana, Series 01
"I started dancing as an adult and felt lost in my journey... I felt the value of receiving directed and meaningful feedback at each step of the program."
- Kassina, Series 01
"It was clear you had developed curriculum prepared and I really appreciated that intentionality."
- Maggie, Series 01
[ About the Educators ]
Groundwork was created by Tessa Noelle and Jordan B. Scates , two educators with a shared passion for intentional movement training and long-term dancer development. Drawing from years of teaching, performing, and working with dancers of all ages and experience levels, they created Groundwork to strengthen the movement skills that often go untaught in traditional choreography classes.
Rather than focusing on learning routines, their approach emphasizes rhythm, groove, musicality, body awareness, movement quality, and control. Together, they aim to create a supportive environment where dancers can slow down, ask questions, and build a stronger foundation that transfers across every style of dance.
[ Get in Touch ]
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