Just Dance, Ocracoke!
For the youngest dancers, Cassie will offer a “Kids Movement” class, introducing basic rhythm and movement to children ages 3-7.
Older kids (grades 2 – 4) can learn beginning ballet concepts and floor work with Cassie. Older kids, teens, and adults can take ballet with Desiree.
Cassie will also teach jazz/hip-hop class for grade 1 – 8, with Desiree teaching the older kids and grown-ups.
Cassie is a former 2nd grade teacher at Ocracoke School. She lived on the island from 2006-2009, and taught summer sessions of dance classes for Ocracoke Youth Center. Cassie’s been dancing since she was four years old, and by the time she was nine she was taking regular classes. In her early teens, she started competing in ballet, jazz and Celtic dance. She’s performed in an off-Broadway production of the Nutcracker in New York City. Cassie studied modern dance, ballet, and African dance in college.
Since leaving Ocracoke, she taught 3rd grade in Pennsylvania for awhile, then did some traveling, then went back to school for massage and bodywork in Asheville. She came to Ocracoke this summer to work for Laura Hardy at Stillwater Spa and Wellness. Cassie has extended her stay on Ocracoke in order to offer the dance classes for six weeks. She’ll be leaving Ocracoke in October for Sedona, Arizona to further her education in bodywork.
“I’m happy to be working with young kids again,” she said. “And the new space at Angie’s is great.”
Desiree Ricker is a dancer and singer/songwriter from Hendersonville, who now lives in New York City. She likes to come to Ocracoke each summer for a month or two, and play music around the island. You can find her performing at Smacnally’s, the Jolly Roger, or Creekside Café.
She starting dancing at age three, and has studied ballet, tap, jazz, and African dance. She earned a double major degree in dance studies and philosophy and religion from Appalachian State University. Desiree has taught dance classes all over North Carolina from beginners to advanced students.
She and Cassie met on Ocracoke through mutual friends, and are excited to work together.
Their classes begin this Friday, August 31, at Angie’s Gym. Registration forms are available at the school and daycare, and can be returned to the school office.
Classes are $65 for 6 weeks or $15 per class drop-in *All Tuesday classes will have an additional class in September on a Thursday*
KIDS MOVEMENT: Introduces basic rhythm and movement to children 3-7 years old.
3 yrs-PreK Tuesday3:30-4:15pm
Kindergarten-1st Grade Tuesday 4:20-5:05pm
BALLET: Learn beginning ballet concepts and floor work.
2nd-4th Grade Tuesday 5:10-6:10pm
5th-8th Grade Saturday 11:15-12:45am
9th Grade-Adult Saturday 9:30-11:00am
JAZZ/HIP-HOP: Introduces beginning jazz movements and rhythm activities; including upbeat and groove styles.
2nd-4th Grade Friday 3:15-4:15pm
5th-8th Grade Friday 4:30-5:30pm
9th Grade-Adult Friday 5:45-7:15pm
Also available is ECSTATIC DANCE: Not technique based: in this class a space is created for individuals to authentically and safely express themselves. This class will have light guidance to maximize comfort with freedom of movement and self-expression. It is a space free of judgment, which allows individuals to feel, move, and access their true self. Music, Movement, and YOU!
12 years-ADULT Friday 7:30pm, Prices: $5-10 love offering per class is suggested
