Dates: 27th May- 1st July

6 WEEKS

Time: 18:00-19:00

Level: Beginner

Fee: £99

Contemporary Foundation Course

The Contemporary Foundation Course is designed to introduce you to the fundamental principles of contemporary dance. Throughout this six-week journey, you will explore what contemporary dance is by gaining insight into various contemporary dance techniques that support body alignment, safe movement practices, and efficiency. From this, you’ll develop the ability to connect your emotions through your physicality, movements and joy. These tools will help you build a strong foundation for dance, whether you’re a beginner or returning to movement after a break.

The course is structured around three core focus points, each explored over a two-week period:

• Weeks 1–2: Alignment

You will focus on straight lines, bends, and movements up and down, helping you find balance, control, and awareness of your body.

• Weeks 3–4: Swing, Twist, and Drop

This phase introduces dynamic and fluid movement patterns that build on momentum, release, and the natural motion of the body.

• Weeks 5–6: Run, Roll, and Rock

These weeks are all about traveling, floor work, and finding rhythm in continuous movement, connecting everything you’ve learned so far.

Each class includes a warm-up, technical exercises, movement across the space, and ends with a creative sequence or phrase to help you apply your learning and develop your own expressive style.

Whether you’re new to dance or want to strengthen your foundation, this course will give you essential tools to move with confidence and freedom.

Biography:

Sam Vaherlehto is a London-based dancer, choreographer, and educator. He was a full-time dancer with the Finnish National Ballet and spent five years with Phoenix Dance Theatre before working with independent contemporary companies worldwide, most recently SLATE in Shanghai. Sam holds a First-Class Honours degree in Contemporary Performance from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and a Level 2 Qualification in Dance Leadership. He has taught across the UK and internationally, including for Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures, pro classes at The Place, and Phoenix Dance Theatre.