Blog > 2011

New Year’s Eve Vinyasa
Saturday December 31
4:00-5:45pm

Please join Brittany’s regular Saturday 4pm class on New Year’s Eve as we clear our paths of what we no longer need and set grounded intentions as we move gracefully into this new year. 4:00-5:45pm (15 minutes extra!)

ZoomDance Winter Session
Thursdays, January 12 – March 1

ZoomDance classes at Studio34 are offered at a sliding scale of $90-$110 for the whole 8 weeks, which also gives you unlimited access to all the ZoomDance classes around the city. Or buy a 5-class card for $70, no expiration. For more information, please visit the ZoomDance website at http://www.zoomdance.com/.

10:30am – 11:15am Thursdays, 1.5-3 years
ZoomDance: This is a high energy class of dance, music, story-telling, imagination and fun! Over the course of the session, children will develop agility, coordination, rhythm, and balance through a dynamic range of actions. There is an emphasis on creativity and building confidence through songs, stories, and performance. Each week we’ll read a new story and then explore the movement and adventures of the characters. Kids have the opportunity to show off their favorite moves, invent characters, and try lots of new movement ideas. Grown-ups are encouraged to participate in this class with their small dancers.

4pm – 4:50pm Thursdays, 3-5 years
Intermediate ZoomDance: This class has the same essence as the younger ZoomDance class, with lots of energy and focus on exploring new ideas. We will start to push the edges of dancing the spectrum from wild abandon to careful details. In addition to learning trickier “moves”, we will start thinking of phrases and dances instead of only individual moves, and students will perform for each other in class. When acting out the story, our teachers will encourage students to offer their own ideas too. Grown-ups drop off their dancers for this one, and are invited in on the last day to see what we’ve been working on.

Buddhist Meditation Classes
Overcoming Anger
Mondays 7:00-8:00pm
January 16th-February 20th
Class Cost: $8
Conference Room of Studio 34

Join us for a weekly beginners’ meditation class on Monday evenings. We will be examining the Buddhist approach to overcoming anger and learning how to deal with problems in a healthy way. This class begins with a relaxation meditation, a brief teaching on Buddha’s view of anger, and ends with another energizing meditation. The topic of each class will be:

Jan 16 – The Ugly Truth about Anger
Jan 23 – Why We Get Angry
Jan 30 – Letting Go of Anger
Feb 6 – The Cooling Waters of Acceptance
Feb 13 – Learning not to Retaliate
Feb 20 – The Spiritual Practice of Patience

This 6-week series of classes is being offered by Amitayus Kadampa Buddhist Center (www.meditationinphiladelphia.org) at Studio 34 and will be taught by Salena Alberti, a meditation teacher who has over 10 years’ experience practicing and studying Buddhism.

New Year’s Eve Yoga and Mochi
December 31, 2011
8:00pm – 10:00pm
Suggested donation: $5-$15

Wring out your body before you ring in the New Year with this special 2-hour all-levels hatha yoga practice. Class includes brief meditation, pranayama (breathing), seated and standing poses, plus special sequences for reflecting on the past year while looking forward to the future. After practice, enjoy hot tea and mochi (sweet Japanese rice cakes) in the warmth of Studio 34′s community lounge.

Holiday Yoga Intensives
10:00am – 12:00pm
December 25, 2011 and January 1, 2012
$10

Expand your horizons with these 120-minute morning Forrest Yoga intensives. The December 25th class reflects on the many ways we celebrate tradition and brings that sense of celebration into the way we practice yoga. The January 1st class uses a dynamic future/past meditation as the foundation for creating our yoga practice. Both classes feature pranayama (breathing), seated and standing poses, plus some challenging inversions, arm balances, hip-openers, twists and/or backbends to warm you up for winter weather and the year to come.

Taina Asili y la Banda Rebelde
Friday, January 27th, 2012
8:00pm
$10

Puerto Rican vocalist Taína Asili carries on the tradition of her ancestors, fusing past and present struggles into one soulful and defiant voice. Her newest artistic work is with la Banda Rebelde (the Rebel Band), a six piece international ensemble based in Albany, NY. This dynamic force brings love, resistance, and ancestral remembrance to venues, festivals, conferences and political events across the globe. Powerful vocals laid over an energetic fusion of Afro-Caribbean, reggae, rock, and hip hop sounds, the band’s eclectic style represents the diversity of its members, who have origins in Puerto Rico, Sicily, Greece, Spain, Brazil and Ghana. Taína Asili’s voice exudes strength of Spirit, filling its listeners with the fervor of freedom and inspiring audiences to dance to the movement of rebellion.

Taina is a former resident of the West Philly community, and she is also expecting a new baby! She is excited to return for a special pregnancy performance!!

www.tainaasili.com
facebook.com/tainaasilimusic

Kids Yoga Class Series
with Lily

Drop-ins are welcome for this series!

Mondays 3:45-4:30 (ages 4-6)
In this fun-filled class, kids explore breathing exercises, games, poses and relaxation. They are introduced to communication skills in a playful, inspiring style to support themselves, their classmates, and their families. Class ends with relaxation to send kids home renewed and replenished.

Mondays 4:45-5:30 (ages 7-12)
Students explore ways to maintain balance in both their minds and bodies in this interactive, fun class. They learn how yoga can influence other aspects of life by
building emotional intelligence, boosting self esteem, and inviting challenge through group and partner activities. This is an engaging, inspiring class that includes breathing exercises, games, poses and relaxation.

Occupying Spirit: a Forrest Yoga intensive with Morgan Andrews
Thursday, November 24th (Thanksgiving Day)
7:00am – 9:00am
Suggested donation: $10-$20, no one turned away for lack of funds

Come experience a 2-hour Thanksgiving Day Forrest Yoga intensive to benefit indigenous resistance in North America. The class will delve into the pranayama (breath) and asana (poses) of Forrest Yoga, as well as meditations inspired by Ana Forrest’s Native American philosophy and the current wave of “Occupations” that have sprung up on this continent in recent months.

All proceeds will go to support the indigenous-led campaign to prevent transcontinental oil pipelines from being build on native land. More info soon to come.

Studio 34 Presents: Sweet Sound of Music
Saturday, December 3 @ 7:30p
$10 suggested donation ~ hot spiced cider on us!

This December will mark the 2nd anniversary of the Sweet Sound of Music shows, and we can’t think of a better way to celebrate than with an all-Philly line up of incredible music-makers! West Philly’s own Buried Beds (recent tours with Dr. Dog and Murder By Death) will bring you a scaled-down version of their dreamy, poetic and quirky sound. Joshua Marcus returns with an all ukulele set, playing tunes from his latest album, “Uke Yr Illusion,” and Heyward Howkin brings his soulful pop sound all the way from South Philly.

Come to what has become the coziest music-listening and loving experience around, curl up on a couch or cushion, sip some cider, and prepare to be carried off by the sweet sound of music!

Buried Beds

The story goes that during the yellow fever epidemic back in the early days of Philadelphia, the city made everybody bury their bed to curb the spread of the disease. Meaning essentially, Philadelphia is built on buried beds. Inspired by this odd, historical bit, Philadelphia-based chamber-poppers, Buried Beds, craft upbeat and off-kilter songs that are as heavily percussive as they are nimbly orchestrated; rife with strange and imagined histories.

Eliza Jones and Brandon Beaver formed Buried Beds as a duo a few years back. Since then, the band has grown into a five-piece featuring a raucous mix of big drums, electric guitars, viola, piano, and heavy doses of three-part harmonies that mesh together with a mesmerizing and palpable chemistry. The band’s debut album, “Empty Rooms,” won them many fans and accolades, including Best Band in Philadelphia Magazine and a spot on Believer Magazine’s yearly music compilation.

Buried Beds recently put the finishing touches on their sophomore album, “Tremble The Sails.” Recorded by Beaver and Jones and mixed by the Spinto Band’s Nick Krill, Tremble trades their previous album’s delicate banjos for dueling guitars that create a landscape where love, death and your future-self throw a party. Tremble The Sails is filled with pop ecstatics that harken back to the Athens bubble gum psych revival of the 90′s with the occasional nod to Jeff Lynne. Joyful songs like “Breadcrumb Trail” and “Ivory Towers” will transport you, toes-tapping, into visions haunted by regal ancestors, hollow earth, and mystical creatures that give a general feeling that the world is a dark and beautiful place.

This year has been an exciting one for the Buried Beds, including tours with Dr Dog and Murder By Death, as well as, the release of their latest album, “Tremble The Sails,” on March 1st, 2011 via Admiral Byrd Records!

Joshua Marcus

Joshua Marcus performs “Uke Yr Illusion,” his new collection of six arrangements built around simple ukulele tunes. “Uke Yr Illusion” is a refreshing return to simpler songs for Marcus, after a few years performing the complexities of “Reverse the Charges” and seriousness of “This Land” on the banjo. As always, expect a peppering of crafty lyrics and syllabic phrasings, as well as a handful of Joshua’s friends to flush out these tunes on the recording. Tonight he’ll be performing with a band of friends.

Heyward Howkins

After getting his start playing guitar in Philadelphia’s The Trouble with Sweeney, Heyward recently embarked on a solo career. Heyward is currently recording a debut release with a full band and innovative production from the esteemed Chet Delcampo.

Heyward crafts smart, soulful pop music–equal parts British tweed (see Nick Drake, John Cale, The Kinks) and backwoods American (see Bon Iver, M. Ward).

Heyward also sings first tenor in the a capella supergroup Silver Ages with members of The War on Drugs, BC Camplight, Windsor for the Derby, Nightlands, National Eye, Buried Beds, Dr. Dog, Spinto Band, and The Capitol Years/Sweetlights.

Debut LP forthcoming: Winter 2012.

Learn to Prepare Healthy Raw Alternatives for the Holidays
Sunday, Nov 13, 2011
12:30pm – 2:30pm
$50
REGISTRATION REQUIRED – register online here: http://rawanddelicious.eventbrite.com/

With the holiday season fast approaching, eating healthier will be key to get a jump start on your New Year’s Resolutions!

Learn to prepare raw versions of:
~Butternut Squash Soup~
~Cranberry Sauce~
~Mash Potatoes ~
~Gravy~
~don’t be a Turkey~
~Savory Stuffing
~Macaroni & Cheez~
~Candied Yams~
~Creamy Dreamy Kale Greens~
~Pumpkin Pie~
~Vanilla Icecream~
(That’s 11 dishes, you can share with family and friends, that will keep everyone healthy!!!)

***** LIMITED SEATING*****

REGISTRATION REQUIRED – register online here: http://rawanddelicious.eventbrite.com/

Make sure to come hungry and ready to chow down!

Creatively Inspired: Poetry of Yoga Book Release and Open Mic
Friday, November 11
7:00pm – 10:00pm
FREE

Please join us on this magical evening as Studio 34′s very own Brittany Policastro celebrates being published in a very special book: The Poetry of Yoga. This is a compilation of poems and short stories from those inspired by the beauty of yoga. People from literally all over the world have offered pieces and I am so honored to be a part of this right next to some of the most influential yoga teachers in the world including: Shiva Rae, Rod Stryker, Krishna Das and Seane Corn.

This FREE event will consist of the following:

A powerful and passionate yoga class led by Brittany with amazing music by Steven Groff: 7:30-8:45pm- If you want to be a part of the class but not participate the doors will be open for you to watch and listen.

Lots of delicious food lovingly prepared by Brittany.

Readings from the book The Poetry of Yoga

Then the stage will open for anyone to share your hearts, your words, your music and any other creative bursts you feel. Music, poems, dancing, story telling encouraged!

Buddhist Meditation Classes
Mondays 7:00-8:00pm
November 14th-December 19th
Suggested Donation $5-8
Conference Room of Studio 34

Join us for a weekly beginners meditation class on Monday evenings. We will be examining the Buddhist approach to making our lives more manageable and happy through utilizing the power of our own peaceful mind. This class begins with a relaxation meditation, a brief teaching on Buddhist topics, and ends with another energizing meditation. The topic of each class will be:

Nov 14- Learning to meditate
Nov 21- Nature of the Mind
Nov 28- Reducing Stress
Dec 5- Buddha’s Four Noble Truths
Dec 12- The Anger Problem
Dec 19- Living a Meaningful Life

This 6 week series of classes is being offered by Amitayus Kadampa Buddhist Center (www.meditationinphiladelphia.org) at Studio 34 and will be taught by Salena Alberti, a meditation teacher who has over 10 years experiencing practicing and studying Buddhism.

#Occupy Feet Active! with guest DJ Mr. Jennings (RVA, PLF)
Friday, October 21 at 9:00pm – Saturday, October 22 at 2:00am
Suggested Donation $ 5-10

This month, we’re proud to bring you a musical guest who sure can. I speak of crunkologist and bass-slinger extroidinaire Mr. Jennings (Richmond, PLF). Conway Jennings is a super talented young producer and DJ, who may have inadvertently triggered that earthquake last month with his enormous, hand built bass rig. Good thing we’ve got a pristine new system with plenty of low end power for him to rock on.

To make good on my earlier pun, listen to Conway’s newest mashup: http://soundcloud.com/mrjennings/phil-collins-crunk-in-the-air

Ginkgo and Lina Luv will support and bring the Feet Active global booty bump.

We’re also very happy to have Feet Active MVP Brittany Policastro back to teach yoga.

Laura will astound with vegan cupcake delights, as always.

Schedule:
Yoga with Brittany: 9-10PM
Barefoot Dancing: 10PM – 2AM

Bring: comfy clothes, hoops/poi/staves/whatever, friends

Suggested Donation $ 5-10
No booze

About Conway Jennings:
Hailing from Richmond, Virginia, Mr. Jennings brings a diverse blend of crunked out bass music, with a circus twist. With a strong background in classical piano and trombone, Mr Jennings is always working on new productions to weave into his sets. Glitch hop is the foundation, and variety is the spice of life. Picture swing piano, Balkan horns, tribal percussion, and nasty bass, all mixed up in a cauldron and blasted through a wall of subs.

The community and ethos of Burning Man have had a huge impact on his musical endeavors. As a founder and key organizer of the Party Liberation Front, Mr Jennings brings the PLF’s good vibrations to venues and festivals up and down the East Coast. In addition to headlining parties from Raleigh to Boston, he has shared the stage with awesome acts such as Shpongle, Eoto, Eskmo, Nosaj Thing, Designer Drugs, King Britt, Nigel Richards, and Dave Nada.

In addition to playing events and parties, Mr. Jennings hosts the Crunkfederacy, a bi-monthly radio show on Glitch.FM from 1-3am EST every 2nd and 4th Thursday.

As a professional fire spinner, Mr. Jennings has taught classes and performed at events all over the East Coast, most notably at the Virgin Music Festival for Nine Inch Nails.

For info, updates, and downloads:

Website –> get official
www.mr-jennings.com

Anssumane’s class:
African Dance
Sunday 3:00p – 4:30p

0ctober’s African Dance class special! Bring 2 new students and your class is FREE!

Anssumane began his dancing career at the tender age of 11. He has since danced professionally for over 18 years with the National Ballet of Guinea Bissau. He career has lead him to perform for Dignitaries, Ambassadors and Presidents from around the world. Anssumane has performed in Mali, Senegal, The Gambia, South Africa and Libya. Hea choreographed two dances for the Kulu Mele African Dance & Drum Ensemble. The longest-lived African Dance company in Philadelphia, Kulu Mele has built a repertoire that is an exciting blend of West African ancestral tradition and African American creativity.

Anssumane has garnered numerous awards for excellence in dance performance and teaching. It is paramount to Anssumane that each class participate understands each dance style and believes in an open and comfortable dance environment. He is very excited to teach the traditional and contemporary dance style (Bijagos, Balanta, Fula, and Manjaco) from Guinea Bissau and for people to enjoy themselves while learning a facet of culture from his county.

Since arriving in Philadelphia in 2008, Anssumane has toured with the Voices of Africa Drum Ensemble to the Mid West and has performed throughout the Tri State Area. In October he was a featured artist for the Pennsylvania Council of the Humanities Arts Road Show. His professionalism and accessability has made him a sought after instructor for children and adults.

Assumane is featured in the PNC Humanities on the Road “Healing African Dance:”

Games for Actors & Non-Actors
3 Hour-Long Drop-In Classes
Mondays Oct 10, 17 & 24, 2011
7:30–8:30 p.m.
Donation: $5-$10 per class

Come play games! In these fun classes we will bring together an assortment of games and exercises that can be used with any group. Whether working with kids or young adults in a classroom, actors or dancers on a stage, organizers and activists fighting for a cause, or even friends or family in your community, these games can be a useful tool to bring people together while thinking outside the box. Time and space is available after each session to strategize how we use these games in the work that we do.

To come to these clases, give us a heads-up by emailing tophilly@gmail.com or calling 215-730-0982. The games are active—please wear comfy clothing. All are welcome, no experience needed.

Playing the Cop in the Head
A Theatre of the Oppressed Performance
Friday, October 14th, 2011
7:30 p.m.
A free event • donations welcome

THE COP IN THE HEAD is a Theatre of the Oppressed technique that deals with internalized oppression. Whenever we stop ourselves from doing what want to do or saying what we need to say, there may be discouraging voices and experiences from our past that hinder our actions. In this interactive performance, we’ll take these “cops” out of our heads and deal with them one by one, with the aim of disarming them altogether.

FOR MORE INFO please call 215-730-0982 or send an email to tophilly@gmail.com