workshop | Justice Theater Workshop with Nommo Theatre (3/13)

Saturday, March 13, 1 – 4 p.m.

WHAT IS JUSTICE TO YOU and how does it relate to theater and performance art? Are you satisfied with the status quo? If not, what is your analysis and how could it affect your creation of art? These are some of the questions and themes explored by Nommo Theatre. Improvisation, free writing, excerpts of original Nommo plays, and insightful group discussion will culminate into fresh original group performances that could be used as blueprints for justice and/or guerrilla theater.

NOMMO THEATRE creates work that entertains, provokes thought, and ignites healthy debate. Co-founders Mitchell Ferguson and Bashi Rose use theatre to present the Black experience with all its ritual, spirituality, and resistance intact. Since 1994, Nommo Theatre has produced original work in Maryland, D.C. and Virginia. Now we are proud to host Bashi and Mitchell for a 3-hour workshop on March 13 in Philadelphia.

Suggested tuition: $5-$15, sliding scale—no one turned away for lack of funds.

For further info and to pre-register, email tophilly@gmail.com or check out tophiladelphia.blogspot.com.

See more from Nommo Theatre at www.nommotheatre.com.


monthly mini-workshop | Vinyasa Flow with Live Music (2/7)

Led by Julia Horn

Sunday, February 7, 12:30 – 2:30 p.m.

Yoga is a gift to open the body, assist us in breathing life and reconnect us to our deepest Self and the beauty that surrounds us. Together we will celebrate our practice, our breath, our community and express our individuality through movement, music, a little-bit of sweat, and a lotta-bit of luv. Thomas Flanagan on sitar and Eric Carbonara on chaturangui. Cost: $15.


meetup | Massage Intuition (2/7)

Sunday, February 7, 5 – 8 p.m.

Dan Myers will teach not only how to relax, but where to go to help others relax. The Eagles aren’t in the Superbowl, so come to this instead! Find out the do’s and don’ts of any massage. In this controlled safe group, get ready for Valentine’s day to make your partner stress-free. No previous experience necessary. Learn. Network. & Relax.

Learn more at: www.meetup.com/Philadelphia-Massage or www.breathe3.com (site may be under construction). LAST MONTH FOR SPECIAL PRICES: $15/person, $20/couple, $5/professional bodyworker.

You may also directly email or call Dan with any questions: dan@breathe3.com, 215-901-0899.


workshops | Ana Forrest (2/16, 2/17)

Three Forrest Yoga® workshops with Ana Forrest

Ana Forrest

Ana Forrest

  • Unraveling the Mysteries of Hips, Neck and Shoulders

    Tuesday, February 16, 6-9 p.m.

    All levels (must have some yoga experience)

    In this Forrest Yoga workshop you learn to create freedom and strength in hip, neck, & shoulders. You will learn to safely unlock these habitual tension spots through intensely focused breathwork and asana (including inversions, standing poses, and vinyasa). Strengthen and lengthen the muscles around these joints, and create space in these areas. This work helps you walk through your life with grace and freedom.

  • Changing Your Relationship To Fear

    Wednesday, February 17, 8:30-11:30 a.m.

    Intermediate / Advanced (must be able to do wheel)

    How does fear affect you? Interested in learning how to change your relationship to fear? Fear is a powerful emotion that dictates our decisions and hinders us from making good choices. Fear can lead to anxiety, overwhelm, despair and depression. Forrest Yoga teaches you a different way to relate and work with fear. It teaches you to use fear as a warning call, to listen, be alert and proceed cautiously. Fear does not have to be something that paralyzes you. In this workshop you’ll use breath and asana to access, comfort and support the parts of your body that are constricted by fear. This new approach to our fearful places brings about change immediately. Your body responds and relief can be felt immediately. You learn to move breath into these areas, stay steady, and remain present as difficult emotions surface, shift, and transform. The bands that constrict your life force and contort your body begin to loosen. You will have room to breathe! When you treat your fearful parts with attention and compassion, you allow the ‘wonderful’ back into your life.

  • Celebrate Your Practice

    Wednesday, February 17, 6-9 p.m.

    All levels (must have some yoga experience)

    Rekindle the fires of passion and pleasure with Forrest Yoga. Learn to reconnect to your energy, while you delight in your strength. Bring healing and inspiration into your personal practice. This Forrest Yoga workshop helps you cultivate and embrace a sense of compassion. You also learn to make your practice exhilarating and delicious.

Pricing (cash or check only, at the door)

  • One workshop: $65
  • Two workshops: $115
  • Three workshops: $170
  • Please note that two- and three-workshop packages must be used by the same person. Payment also accepted by cash or check at studio. These workshops will sell out. Please register early to guarantee your space.

What To Bring
Attendees must bring a yoga strap (at least 6 feet long), block, water, and two mats (or one mat and a blanket or beach towel). Room is heated to 80 degrees.

About The Instructor
Ana Forrest is recognized worldwide as a pioneer in yoga and emotional healing. Born crippled, her own life trauma and experiences, which include physical abuse, drug addiction, epilepsy, and bulimia, compelled her to create Forrest Yoga®. The way she teaches Asana, Breath, and the movement of energy allows for the epiphanies of the students’ life experiences to emerge. These illuminations create a unique and powerful opportunity for the student to make practical life decisions based on their experiences. She is a well-known contributing expert to Yoga Journal and teaches internationally at yoga conferences, workshops, and teacher trainings.


workshop | Make 2010 Your Best Year Ever (cancelled)

The workshop, “Make 2010 Your Best Year Ever” has been cancelled for Jan 28 from 7-9PM.  The facilitator apologizes for the short notice and will offer the workshop again in the spring.


workshop | Art of Letting Go (1/17)

an art therapy workshop focused on the releasing tension, stress and everyday life worries

Sunday, January 17, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Join us for creative artistic expression focused on emotional well-being, exploration of inner thoughts and dynamics, releasing worry, stress, and everyday life troubles. Variety of media will be used including drawing, collage, painting, and other themed projects with close guidance from the Art therapist. Participants will be encouraged to share, listen, relate and explore with each other as much as they feel comfortable doing in this supportive and nurturing group environment. Topics that may be explored include but are not limited to relationships, balance of life and priorities, hopes/fears, dreams and much more. Art therapy offers a unique opportunity for the use of nonverbal symbols and metaphors that are able to communicate ideas and feelings difficult to put into words. Visual images are capable of working on many level, and of expressing seemingly contradictory ideas and feelings simultaneously. Many find expressing themselves in this way to be freeing and a cathartic release.

Most importantly you do not have to be an artist to participate in art therapy. Art making, as a healing process, has been shown to be effective in that it promotes a sense of joy, peace and relaxation.

Cost $25 per session for 2 hour workshop. Register by emailing Kat Johnston at kathrynjohnst@gmail.com or call (215)806-5844.

Find more information at http://katjohnston.yolasite.com.


workshop | Theater Games Workshop (1/30)

Saturday, January 30

GROUP GAMES FOR BODY AND BRAIN: Come play games! This 4-hour workshop will teach participants of all ages to play more than 30 interactive, non-competitive games that loosen the boundaries of our senses and work to get us thinking and moving outside of our usual routines. The games are a useful tool for teachers, students, performers, organizers, activists and anyone who works with groups. You’ll also get a chance to lead some games and brainstorm how games can be utilized in the work that we do.

More details soon to come—see http://tophiladelphia.blogspot.com/ for further info!


art therapy workshop | Letting Go Of… (12/13)

With Kat Johnson

Sunday, December 13, 11 – 1 p.m.Art_Therapy

Create, explore, play…. Join us for creative artistic expression focused on emotional well-being, exploration of inner thoughts and dynamics, releasing worry, stress, and everyday life troubles. Variety of media will be used including drawing, collage, painting, and other themed projects with close guidance from the Art therapist. Participants will be encouraged to share, listen, relate and explore with each other as much as they feel comfortable doing in this supportive and nurturing group environment. Topics that may be explored include but are not limited to relationships, balance of life and priorities, hopes/fears, dreams and much more. Art therapy offers a unique opportunity for the use of nonverbal symbols and metaphors that are able to communicate ideas and feelings difficult to put into words. Visual images are capable of working on many level, and of expressing seemingly contradictory ideas and feelings simultaneously. Many find expressing themselves in this way to be freeing and a cathartic release.
Therapeutic art inevitably leads to fresh insights and provides concrete reinforcement for awareness. Most importantly you do not have to be an artist to participate in art therapy. In fact, creative self-expression is satisfying for individuals without art training because their inner selves are successfully, articulately communicated regardless of skill level or intention. Art making, as a healing process, has been shown to be effective in that it promotes a sense of joy, peace and relaxation.
Learn more about art therapy at Kat’s website.

Cost: $25

To register contact Kat Johnston at (215)806- 5844 or kathrynjohnst@gmail.com.


kids class | Music Together, Spring Term (04/10-06/19)

Saturdays, April 10 – June 19, 8:30 – 9:15 a.m.MusicTogether

Music Together® is an internationally recognized early childhood music program for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, kindergardeners, and the adults who love them. First offered to the public in 1987, it pioneered the concept of a research-based, developmentally appropriate early childhood music curriculum that strongly emphasizes and facilitates adult involvement.
Music Together classes are based on the recognition that all children are musical. All children can learn to sing in tune, keep a beat, and participate in the music of our culture, provided that their early environment supports such learning.

Spring term dates: April 10, 17, 24; May 1, 8, 15, 22; June 5, 12, 19

Music Together classes are offered by The Philadelphia Suzuki Piano Academy. For registration and other information, and to RSVP for demonstration classes, please contact icanplay@philasuzukipiano.com or 267.251.0429.

Tuition includes:

  • Ten weekly 45-minute classes
  • A beautifully illustrated songbook with activity suggestions for parents.
  • Two copies of a professionally recorded CD which includes songs, rhythm chants, “play-along” music, and tonal and rhythm patterns — a different song collection for each semester, rotated over three years.
  • A Parent Guide DVD for new families called: “Music Together at Home: Helping Your Child Grow Musically.”
  • An ongoing parent education program throughout the semester to help parents learn how children develop musically, and how to assess their child’s rhythm and tonal development.

Music Together art & logo design © 1992-2010 Music Together LLC. Music Together is a registered Trademark. The Philadelphia Suzuki Piano Academy, LLC is licensed by Music Together LLC. For more locations: www.musictogether.com, (800)728.2692


kids class | Music Together, Winter Term (01/09-03/27)

Saturdays, January 23 – March 27, 8:30 – 9:15 a.m.
Free Demo Classes: Saturdays, January 2, 9, and 16, 8:25 – 9:15 a.m.MusicTogether

Space is limited–RSVP is required in order to reserve a spot: please call 267-251-0429 or email icanplay@philasuzukipiano.com.

Music Together® is an internationally recognized early childhood music program for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, kindergardeners, and the adults who love them. First offered to the public in 1987, it pioneered the concept of a research-based, developmentally appropriate early childhood music curriculum that strongly emphasizes and facilitates adult involvement.
Music Together classes are based on the recognition that all children are musical. All children can learn to sing in tune, keep a beat, and participate in the music of our culture, provided that their early environment supports such learning.

Winter term dates: January 23, 30; February 6, 13, 20, 27; March 6, 13, 20, 27

Music Together is offered by The Philadelphia Suzuki Piano Academy. For more information, please visit www.philasuzukipiano.com. To register for the class term, to RSVP for free demonstration classes, or for questions, please contact icanplay@philasuzukipiano.com or 267-251-0429.

Tuition includes:

  • Ten weekly 45-minute classes
  • A beautifully illustrated songbook with activity suggestions for parents.
  • Two copies of a professionally recorded CD which includes songs, rhythm chants, “play-along” music, and tonal and rhythm patterns — a different song collection for each semester, rotated over three years.
  • A Parent Guide DVD for new families called: “Music Together at Home: Helping Your Child Grow Musically.”
  • An ongoing parent education program throughout the semester to help parents learn how children develop musically, and how to assess their child’s rhythm and tonal development.

Music Together art & logo design © 1992-2010 Music Together LLC. Music Together is a registered Trademark. The Philadelphia Suzuki Piano Academy, LLC is licensed by Music Together LLC. For more locations: www.musictogether.com, (800)728.2692


workshop | Reveal Your Inner Warrior (12/5)

With Brittany Policastro

Saturday, December 5, 1 – 4 p.m.brittanyworkshop

Join Brittany as she guides you through a fun and challenging workshop designed to tap you into your strength, courage and patience. This practice will include Warrior sequences, inversions and backbends, followed by deep restoratives. We will go through that which challenges us and come out with a greater appreciation for our ability to persevere while being reminded of the importance of surrender. You will leave feeling empowered, powerful and humbled.

Cost: $38 Space available. Payment accepted at the door.

workshop | Philadelphia Massage Meetup (11/22)

Sunday, November 22, 5 – 8 p.m.

This hands-on event is for all who are interested in learning about giving and receiving massages. Whether you are a beginner, student of massage school, or professional, all are invited to share, relax, and learn in this exchange of safe touch.

Dan Myers, a 10 year veteran of massage and instructor of aromatherapy, will share his five-star knowledge with those who seek it. To learn more, visit: www.meetup.com/Philadelphia-Massage/ Price is only $15 or $20 for two people. Also, if you are a massage and bodywork professional, get in for just $5!


dance workshop | Gabrielle Roth’s 5Rhythms Dance (10/17)

Saturday, October 17, 3:15 to 4:45 p.m.5RhythmsPhilly

A second opportunity to find out about this dynamic, cathartic, joyful, insightful, and wild Spiritual Movement Practice. The session will introduce you to the basics and open you to some of the possibilities.

The 5Rhythms® of Flowing, Staccato, Chaos, Lyrical, and Stillness form ‘The Wave’, a simple movement meditation practice that encourages us to find our own dance of embodied feeling and to discover ourselves at our most fluid and creative level, bringing more of ourselves –body, heart, mind & soul- into movement, on the dance floor & out in the world. There are no steps to learn and it can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of age, fitness, ability, or experience.

Cost: $5 Community Price.

This Introduction will be followed by a series of four 2 hour classes on 1st & 3rd Saturdays in November & December. ($15 each, $10 students/elders, but no one turned away. Class card will buy 4 for cost of 3)

Richard Jerram brings heart, humor, and eight years’ experience as an accredited teacher.

He discovered the 5Rhythms in 1996 and has taught classes and workshops for groups of 2 to 120 dancers in London, Lisbon and Melbourne (including groups of Buddhists and Quakers). Richard moved to Philadelphia from the UK in March 2008 and now teaches regularly in Philadelphia and Washington DC.


workshop | How to Be Happy and Unstressed No Matter What’s Going On (10/21, 10/28, 11/4, 11/11)

Led by Professional Coach, Chris Coward, MSW, LCSW, ACC

Wednesdays, October 21 & 28, and November 4 & 11, 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

You don’t need to tolerate feelings of overwhelm, stress and unhappiness. This workshop will get you feeling good again using cutting edge techniques that you can easily learn and do on your own.

You will learn:
• The #1 Secret to Being Happy and how you can increase your happiness right away
• How to decrease your stress and overwhelm in as little as 5 minutes a day

Bonuses:
• Refreshments at each session
• Workbook included ($25 value)
• 30 minutes “Increase Your Happiness” Coaching Session with Chris ($100 value) = $125 in FREE Bonuses

Click here to download the registration form.


workshop | Theatre of the Oppressed (10/24, 11/14, 12/12)

Saturdays, October 24, November 14, & December 12, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Philadelphia Theatre of the Oppressed is hosting monthly workshops at Studio 34. Here’s the lineup for this autumn:

October 24: Games for Actors and Non-Actors. Come learn and play over 30 games that loosen the boundaries of our senses and work to get us thinking and moving outside of our usual routines. A useful tool for performers, as well as teachers, organizers, activists and anyone who works with groups. This workshop will end at 2 p.m., at which point everyone is invited to Clark Park where Spiral Q Puppet Theater’s Peoplehood Parade commences. Sliding scale: $5-15.

November 14: Image Theatre on Gentrification. By sharpening our ability to “speak” with the body, we can communicate things that are often lost in the language of words. This workshop will build movement, sound and dialogue on the issue of gentrification, leading to action steps on what we can do as a community to move forward without trampling others underfoot.

December 12: The Rainbow of Desire. A technique aimed at disarming our most intimate oppressors—those inside our own heads. The Rainbow of Desire takes some of these oppressors out of our heads and puts them onstage where the group can tackle them together.

Get details at http://tophiladelphia.blogspot.com . To register for one, two, or all three workshops, please email tophilly@gmail.com or call 215-730-0982.


chiptunes workshop & performance | 8static (8/22, 9/19, 10/10, 11/14)

Saturdays, August 22 (8 p.m.), September 19 (7 p.m.), October 10 (7 p.m.),
November 14, (7 p.m.)

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8static is Philly’s premier monthly chip music event. Whatever you call it — chiptunes, 8-bit,chip music — it is created from the sound chips of old computers and video game consoles. Sponsored by the Hacktory, 8static hosts artists from around the world each month at Studio 34. Every show features a free workshop or lecture, followed by open mic and the main show. Each event showcases three musical artists and one live visualist — all for just $5 with a flier, or $8 without.

Check www.8static.com for more information!


music, art, workshops | ArtBeat: Making it to Music (8/15)

Saturday, August 15 , 6 to 11 p.m.ARtbeatRevisedSmaller

Attention area artists and musicians: Handmade Philly, presents ArtBeat, Making it to Music. Bring sketchbooks, yarn and other (non-paint) supplies, and work on projects while musicians play at our open mic. Additional features: supply swap and a variety of workshops including Upcycled Pamphlet Journal and Basic and Advanced Knitting.

Event is open to artists of all ages and skill levels and the first 50 receive a free homemade cookie.

$5 admission. 20% of the proceeds from this event will support the Philadelphia Arts in Education Partnership.


workshop | Afro Brasilian & Afreestyle Dance (8/8)

Saturdays July 11 & August 8, 4 to 5:30 p.m.afrobasilian

An interpretation of Afro Brasilian and West African Movement Qualities facilitated Lela Aisha Jones & Alex Shaw. $15 for one session, $25 for both sessions. For more information contact flyground@gmail.com or 850.459.9021.


workshop | Mindfulness Meditation and Movement

Saturday, June 13, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Practice movement with the spirit of mindfulness, in a group, with guided instruction. This 2-hour offering is an opportunity to explore your experience of physical sensation, thought and emotion through movement with a goal of enhancing awareness and acceptance of whatever is found. Movement practice will be followed by sitting meditation. Cost: $20. [more]