Malashock Dance School

Hip-Hop rose to popularity in the 1960s and 70s and is based heavily on movements from traditional African Dance. It is a vibrant form of dance that values individuality and freedom. Hip Hop is a fun way to explore using isolations, musicality, and choreography learning skills.

Jazz Dance is deeply rooted in the African diaspora and came into popularity in the early 1900s. The dance style has many iterations from Musical theater to Lindy hop. Jazz is effervescent and full of energy. Many of the high energy kicks, turns, and leaps you see in shows like So you think you can Dance have their basis in Jazz.

Creative Dance is an introduction to dance for movers, groovers, makers, and shakers ages 3-6. Classes offer kids a chance to learn basic dance technique through creativity based exercises and games. Dance classes help support gross motor development as well as core strength, flexibility, alignment, and joint stability as well as a creative outlet and opportunity for self expression. In addition to the physical benefits, our Creative Dance classes offer students a chance to gain confidence and practice social skills like taking turns, sharing, and waiting patiently.

Dance Explorers is an introduction to the concept of a structured dance class for dancers ages 7-9. The class focuses on developing general body awareness as well as core strength and flexibility. Concepts from Ballet, Modern, Jazz, and Contemporary are taught throughout the course.

Ballet is one of the most recognizable styles of dancing. It is often characterized by its grace, fluidity, and precision of technique. It grew from the Italian royal courts in the 15th century and has transformed through the years into what we see in famous shows like The Nutcracker or Swan Lake. Ballet has developed into many subtypes, variations in technique, and formats through the years. At Malashock, we do not train in a specific style or technique.

Contemporary dance is a newer development in the dance world. It sprang up in the 20th century and is a very broad term for dance that combines pieces of Ballet, Modern, Jazz and More to create a whole new genre of truly varied works. Contemporary also makes use of the momentum of the movement to create and continue its fluidity.

Modern is a style of dance that emerged in the late 19th century, and many see it as a rejection and rebellion against classical ballet. While ballet puts its emphasis on light, airy, poised movement, Modern tends to feel more grounded or rooted in the earth, and more based on movement that is natural for the human body.

Classes for dancers who have graduated high school are offered on a drop in basis. You are free to attend any class when it fits your schedule; there’s no week to week commitment. Whether you’re new to dance, returning to a passion, or pursuing dance as a career – there’s a class for you.

Dance Classes for students ages 3-17 run on a session to session basis. We offer 3 sessions per year – Fall, Spring, & Summer. Join us for Creative Dance, Ballet, Modern, Contemporary, Jazz, or Hip Hop.

Classes are offered in ballet, modern, contemporary, and fusions like Afro-modern and modern jazz blues. For adult dancers, we offer morning and evening drop-in classes that don’t require a week to week commitment.

Starting at age 3, we offer sessions of weekly, after-school classes in ballet, jazz, contemporary, modern, hip hop, & creative movement.

Starting at age 3, we offer sessions of weekly, after-school classes in ballet, jazz, contemporary, modern, hip hop, & creative movement.

For adult dancers, we offer morning and evening drop-in classes that don’t require a week to week commitment. Classes are offered in ballet, modern, contemporary, and fusions like Afro-modern and modern jazz blues.

Rachel teaches contemporary and modern dance to various age groups and strives to create a class space that fosters creativity, love and community, while allowing each dancer to get what they need and grow their artistry in a safe, non-judgmental environment.

She has trained in numerous dance styles throughout her education at CPMA, SDSCPA, SD Mesa College, and UCSD. Her artistic journey extends beyond dance, as she has also trained in acting, voice, design, and visual arts, giving her a well-rounded approach to her artistic expression.

In 2018, he trained in character dance and ballet in Russia at Ballet School of Voronezh in 2018.

As a teaching artist, Joyce has trained dancers of all ages, focusing primarily on contemporary and modern techniques. As a dancer and maker, she has created her own works and has performed and collaborated with artists throughout California – Modern City Repertoire, Strong Pulse Dance, Epiphany Dance Theater, Surhabi Suraf, Sarah Bush Dance, Amy Lewis, Five Feet Dance, and Chris Black Dance.

She holds a BFA in Dance from San José State University, graduating summa cum laude and receiving the Virginia Ann Excellence in Dance Scholarship. Erin has taught at a wide range of studios and community dance programs across California, focusing on injury prevention, movement literacy, and creative exploration.

He is trained in an abundance of styles not limited to ballet,modern,contemporary,tap and hip hop. Graduating from Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, WA circa spring of 2024 he has evolved in his personal style which is a mixture of hip hop, contemporary and tap dance.

2010 marked the beginning of her professional training with Modern Dance Company Lux Boreal where she specialized in Modern, Ballet, Jazz, Anatomy, Dance History and Stage Production.

At the age of 12, after trying various styles of dance she decided to specialize in Ballet and Modern under the guidance of Susana Lopez Reyes at Casa de la Cultura Tijuana.

She underwent extensive training in ballet, tap, jazz, and modern dance at Movement Laboratory and Cricket’s School for the Performing Arts before pursuing her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Modern Dance Education at The University of the Arts in Philadelphia.

Joyce Lien Kushner is a second generation Taiwanese-American dance artist, teacher, and maker, trained in modern, contemporary, ballet and jazz, and certified in Progressing Ballet Technique®.

Erin is a San Diego–based dancer, choreographer, and teaching artist with a strong foundation in ballet, modern, jazz, tap, and contemporary dance. She holds a BFA in Dance from San José State University, graduating summa cum laude and receiving the Virginia Ann Excellence in Dance Scholarship.

She began studying at the South Dayton School of Dance, taking ballet, modern, jazz, and tap. As she got older and more serious, she joined their pre-professional company, which she was a part of for seven years.

During her studies, she trained in modern release technique and soon after graduating, her training in afro cuban, latin rhythms, and hip-hop became an important part of her dance vocabulary in her dance classes and choreography.

Maria’s Caribbean culture (which is influenced by French, British and African ancestries) plays a key role in her love of dance and its different styles and flavors. In Boston, she started studying ballet in her early 20’s but fell in love with Jazz, Limon and Graham techniques. Dance became a passion that she’s continued to nurture and train in.

Our Teen Performance Company for ages 12-18! From technique training to rehearsals to performances the Junior Company Program gives participants a base in more than technique and expands the horizons for pursuing dance both as a career, and a passion. We aim to inspire, motivate, challenge and enrich the lives of our dancers through fostering a commitment to training and offering performance opportunities to help students hone their craft. Dancers in the Junior Company are expected to set an example for other students, both in performances and classes and will grow in leadership and self advocacy.

In beginning/intermediate ballet, we work on posture, flexibility, balance, self-discipline, and self-confidence. This class focuses on fundamentals like proper body placement, barre and center work, and conditioning exercises. Each week looks different, and dancers who have never taken a class all the way up to professionals are welcome!

This is an energetic and inclusive dance class designed specifically for dancers ages 12+ with cognitive disabilities. Our class focuses on enhancing flexibility, balance, and other gross motor skills through fun and engaging movement exercises. Each session is carefully structured to accommodate all ability levels, ensuring a safe and supportive environment where everyone can thrive. Beyond physical development, this class offers a unique opportunity to expand social skills in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Participants will have the chance to connect with others, build confidence, and express themselves through the joy of dance. Whether you’re new to dancing or have some experience, our class is a place where everyone can feel a sense of belonging, grow at their own pace, and enjoy the many benefits of movement and social interaction.

End your week with a sweaty, shimmy, kick-ball-change! This 60-minute class blends movement and fun for the ultimate mind-body reset. 30 min – Dance conditioning infused with Pilates and HIIT intervals 15 min – Core work rooted in Horton-based techniques 15 min – Choreographed dance combination to finish with a bang! Perfect for releasing stress, boosting energy, and starting your weekend feeling strong, open, and uplifted. All levels are welcomed!

Come explore the world of Contemporary Modern Fusion where we will discover our ability to unlock the bodies full potential through movement and flow. This class combines the elegance of classical lines with the dynamic energy of Horton and Limon-influenced movements. We will soar through space, translate emotions through gestural movement, and create art through seamless, naturally flowing transitions. Prepare to sweat, invest in yourself, and dance with passion through challenging yet fulfilling moves & grooves!

This is an intermediate level lyrical Jazz class that’s a fusion of Horton, Graham, Limon, Afro, Gospel, Blues, and Ballet. It focuses on and builds musicality, technique, strength and expression. We start with three warmups set to contemporary music, an adagio, and then going across the floor, in order to prepare the body for choreography. The choreography will vary every one or two weeks, but will always be music driven and soulful. This class requires some prior dance training, but frequent attendance will help the dancer become stronger and improve their technique. The most important thing in this class is for students to use the space to move, express themselves through the choreography, and feel their spirits soar.

Seeking a class that encompasses various dance forms? Discover an easy-flow dance class that seamlessly blends ballet, modern, and contemporary dance techniques. This class starts with a mix of traditional dance exercises such as a warm-up, pliés, tendus, degagé, and adagio, followed by across-the-floor movement sequences. These learned skills are then combined into a combination that varies in style, and music and provides space for you to make your own artistic choices. Whether you have some dance background or are a professional, this class is open to all levels. I’ll provide variations to challenge more experienced dancers while ensuring everyone feels comfortable and supported. I like to connect with each dancer through encouragement and individualized direction to guide you to your goals. Join our inclusive dance community and share your love for movement. I look forward to moving with you!

Explore the expressive possibilities of modern dance in this introductory class designed for teens and adults. Emphasizing natural movement, breath, and personal interpretation, this class encourages creativity and body awareness. No prior experience required—just an open mind and a desire to connect with movement in a fresh, accessible way.

In this class, we fuse together the richness of Afro-Fusion and the precision of Dunham Technique. Afro-Fusion draws inspiration from various African diasporic movement styles, infusing them with contemporary influences. With infectious rhythms and dynamic choreography, Afro-Fusion ignites the spirit and encourages participants to connect with their inner groove. We will also delve into the legacy of the legendary Katherine Dunham through the Dunham Technique. This technique combines elements of Caribbean, African, and modern dance, focusing on strength, flexibility, and storytelling. By incorporating Dunham’s signature isolations, polyrhythms, and organic movements, we will honor her legacy and unlock our own artistic potential. Afro-Modern with Dunham Roots is designed to nurture body awareness, self-reflection, and body acceptance. This is a brave space where each participant can embrace their unique journey and find a sense of belonging within the supportive community we cultivate. Join us for an exhilarating dance experience that celebrates movement, diversity, and self-expression. This inter-generational dance class welcomes movers of all ages and skill levels, creating a vibrant community where everyone can explore the power of dance.

Start your dance journey with a 90-minute full-body movement session designed for true beginners and welcoming to all levels. This class breaks down ballet and modern dance fundamentals through body awareness, rhythm exercises, and simple dance combinations. No prior experience needed. Come as you are— move at your own pace — and explore the joy of dance while building strength, coordination, and confidence. Goal : To awaken and explore your movement potential through the practice of dance.

This beginning level modern dance class is rooted in Graham technique. Class begins with a short warm-up to help lengthen and ground our bodies. We then start technique on the floor, where we introduce and train in classic Graham floor exercises – bounces, breathings, spirals in 3s & 6s, seated contractions, deep stretches, turns around the back, pleadings, etc. Transitioning to standing, we move to center work – plies, brushes, changes around the ankle, adagio, etc. As time allows, we’ll end with exercises and phrases across the floor – triplets, prances, jumps, etc. We focus primarily on codified exercises, developing strength and deeper understanding of Graham technique, which has its own unique movement language. This class is geared towards both beginning dancers and more experienced dancers who are new to Graham technique.

Discover the fundamentals of ballet in this welcoming class tailored for teens and adults. Focus on developing proper alignment, balance, and basic technique while cultivating grace and control. This class provides a solid foundation for those new to ballet or looking to revisit the basics, all within a supportive environment that encourages growth and self-expression.

Rachel’s class will begin with a structured full body center warm-up before transitioning into more expansive movement and phrase work across the floor where dancers are encouraged to take up space and find the full expansiveness of their bodies. Class will end with musicality based choreography where there is room to be both precise and to make your own artistic choices in a friendly, non-judgmental environment. Rachel’s goal is to allow for a space that fosters creativity, love and community, and allows each dancer to get what they need each week.

Malashock Dance’s Artistic Director offers an advanced/professional level company class that prepares dancers for the array of skills needed for the company’s repertoire and creative processes. Through a warm-up that incorporates yoga, release technique, modern dance, task based improvisation, and a thoughtful build-up to full-bodied virtuosic movement, students are asked to bring their entire selves into the class and express themselves without inhibition. Physical tasks throughout the class emphasize smooth transitions in and out of the floor, clear use of the legs, grounded balance, expansive stretch, and abandoned upper bodies. These physical qualities all stand on a foundation of community values that balance listening to oneself with acutely tuning into the ensemble. This class is designed for our professional Company, and attendees should have advanced training in order to participate safely.

Explore the dynamic world of jazz dance in this engaging class designed for adults at the beginning to intermediate levels. Focus on foundational techniques, rhythmic movement, and expressive performance—all in a supportive environment. Perfect for those looking to build confidence, improve coordination, and enjoy the artistry of jazz dance. No prior experience necessary; just bring your enthusiasm and a love for movement.