Performing Arts Classes

Please check back to see what's new as our roster of artists and classes grows – and join our email list for class and event updates and CCAC news. If you have questions, comments, or suggestions about classes we should host, please let us know at classes@cliftonculturalarts.org or (513) 497-2860.

• Introduction to Simply Music Piano Class
• ProDance Moves
• Creative Dance/Ballet A & Ballet B/C
• Private Voice Lessons
• African Drumming (All Ages)
• Tap I
• Tap II
• Classical Guitar for the Lifelong Beginner
• Bach and Boombox

---

Introduction to Simply Music Piano Class

Simply Music is a revolutionary, Australian-developed piano learning method that offers a break-through in music education. This remarkable approach has students of all ages playing great-sounding contemporary, classical, gospel, blues and accompaniment pieces –immediately– from their very first lessons. This course is designed for beginners or students with little experience at the piano; however, students with previous experience are welcome to inquire, as groups of various levels may be formed.

Eliana Corredor
Eliana Corredor is the director and teacher of all the classes offered by MusicTime Studio. She has performed solo, duo piano, and chamber music recitals in Indianapolis, Cincinnati, and in the major cities of her native country Venezuela. Master of Music in Piano Performance from Butler University, Artist Diploma from University of Cincinnati's College Conservatory of Music, and extensive study of Suzuki piano pedagogy with Rita Hauck. Her teachers have included Arnaldo Pizzolante, Panayis Lyras, and Eugene and Elizabeth Pridonoff. Ms. Corredor runs a large piano studio in the Cincinnati area, teaching different methods to a variety of students (from 5 year old children to adults), and recently completed the requirements to become the only licensed Simply Music Teacher in the area. In addition to the extensive studies she has done in her primary instrument, Ms. Corredor has also received training to teach music to very young children and their caregivers, through songs, games, and body movement.

---

ProDance Moves

Start each weekend with one of Cincinnati’s hottest choreographers, Latoya D Canady, at Clifton Cultural Arts Center. In this six-week beginners’ Hip Hop class for children ages 8 – 12, participants will explore different styles of Hip Hop dance while building upon previously learned skills. For more information, please contact Latoya D Canady at (513) 687-5756.

Latoya D Canady  
Latoya D Canady has extensive experience in choreography, dancing, acting, poetry, and song composition. A woman of many talents, Ms. Canady has gained recognition and received awards such as Best Dance/Actress from Arts Matrix, Best Performance from KBII Productions, Most Difficult Presentation from MBTC & MBC, and Entertainer of the Year from Black History Youth. Ms. Canady defines her dance style as "energetic, creative, and thoroughly original" and specifically highlights her ability to "bring freshness and newness to any theme.

---

Creative Dance/Ballet A & Ballet B/C

Creative Dance/Ballet A - This level introduces our youngest students to the wonder and excitement of dance. Ballet basics, creative movement, basic stretches, gross motor exercises, and imagination are explored. A nurturing environment allows the dancers to feel comfortable and enjoy the art of dance and movement.

Ballet B/C - This level introduces more technical aspects of ballet on a beginning level while still encouraging creativity. Continued emphasis on gross motor skills, imagination, musicality and movement. Students will enjoy learning fundamental ballet vocabulary, as well as dance etiquette and performing skills.

Kara Jones Louis
Kara Jones Louis grew up in Cincinnati, OH and trained intensely in classical ballet and under the direction of Daniel R. Simmons, Artistic Director of Ballet Theatre Midwest, for many years. Following her training in Cincinnati, Kara went on to Mercyhurst University in Erie, Pennsylvania where she was a Dancer Major under the direction of Tauna Hunter. Kara graduated in May 2007, earning a B.A. in Dance with a concentration in Teaching and Choreography with an additional Minor in Arts Administration. Kara has recently completed five seasons dancing with the Radio City Christmas Spectacular as one of the world-famous Radio City Rockettes.

---

Private Voice Lessons

CCAC offers private lessons taught by Simone McGaw, a current Program Associate at CCAC. Ms. McGaw holds a Master's degree in Music and is currently a doctoral student at CCM. She teaches a classical approach to technique, which can be tailored to the preferred style of the student.

Simone McGaw
Recently, Ms. McGaw was Sister Mathilde in CCM's production of Poulenc's Dialogues of the Carmelites and spent the summer performing in Spoleto, Italy, as Marianna in Rossini's Il Signor Bruschino and as a soloist on several concerts. She has received awards that include the Theodore Pressor Scholarship and Ty Cobb Scholarship. In addition to many academic honors, she has made several recitals in Georgia and Italy, was a winner in the National Association of Teachers of Singing State Auditions, and performs frequently with the Peach State Opera company in Atlanta, Georgia.

---

African Drumming

Drumming is very important part of Africans day to day life because drumming and singing brings joy and happiness to the soul. The African drumming class is for everyone who is looking to learn more about African music, learn the techniques of playing African drums, and have fun, while experiencing the rich tradition of African drumming. The class is open to all ages. I provide drums, but students are encouraged to bring a drum if they have one. African Dance classes will build on the drumming and engage participants in learning, fun and movement.

Baoku Moses
Baoku Moses is an African performing artist that has been in Cincinnati for over 7 years. Baoku has 16 years of African performing arts experience as a professional actor, dancer, singer songwriter, band leader and an African drummer. "One of the things I enjoy doing is sharing my rich culture with people. I am very passionate about African drumming and dancing, and have taught every level of classes and different ages. My class is not about teacher and students, it about people coming together to share and learn together (because I am learning when I teach too), and having fun."

---

Tap I

Tap dance has had an historical impact on all dance forms. It springs from our African and Irish ancestors. Our feet are percussive instruments. Tap dance provides a good cardiovascular workout and is a great stress releaser. Come learn some tap basics and lift your sole/soul!

Gloria Esenwein
Gloria Esenwein is a dancer/teacher/choreographer and licensed massage therapist. Esenwein has taught modern, jazz, tap, and improvisation as a 25+ year member of the Cincinnati dance community. She has taught and led movement workshops for senior citizens, MRDD adults and residents of healthcare facilities. Her tap dance studies include classes with Gregory Hines, Diane Walker, and Savion Glover. She organized the first celebration in Cincinnati, of National Tap Dance Day, now in its 16th year, and established Women of Sole, and The Step Sisters, both local rhythm tap performing groups.

She employs a call and response method in teaching, along with humor and tap history. Esenwein enjoys guiding Beginning Tap Dancers in discovering their "voice" through their feet!

---

Tap II

Tap dance has had an historical impact on all dance forms. It springs from our African and Irish ancestors. Our feet are percussive instruments. Tap dance provides a good cardiovascular workout and is a great stress releaser. Come learn some tap basics and lift your sole/soul!

Expand our knowledge of tap rhythms and whole body dancing-more complex combinations and drills.

Gloria Esenwein
Gloria Esenwein is a dancer/teacher/choreographer and licensed massage therapist. Esenwein has taught modern, jazz, tap, and improvisation as a 25+ year member of the Cincinnati dance community. She has taught and led movement workshops for senior citizens, MRDD adults and residents of healthcare facilities. Her tap dance studies include classes with Gregory Hines, Diane Walker, and Savion Glover. She organized the first celebration in Cincinnati, of National Tap Dance Day, now in its 16th year, and established Women of Sole, and The Step Sisters, both local rhythm tap performing groups.

She employs a call and response method in teaching, along with humor and tap history. Esenwein enjoys guiding Beginning Tap Dancers in discovering their "voice" through their feet!

---

Classical Guitar for the Lifelong Beginner

Learn to explore the music within you reveal the mysteries of the classic folk traditions of the guitar. No experience required – only an open, 'beginner' mind.

Private lessons and group classes are available. See inset for details =>

Manuel Susarret
Manuel Susarret is a Montessori Educator and Classical Guitar Lifelong Beginner who specializes on Spanish-Afro-Caribbean music and percussion. Manuel's background includes over 50 years studying, teaching, and performing music, from the streets of New York's Barrio, to the University of Cincinnati - College Conservatory of Music, and Kai Kweol Music and Dance.

---

Bach and Boombox

Bach and Boombox is a set of non-traditional cello concerts, where the classics get declassified! Cincinnati Arts Ambassador Fellow, Nat Chaitkin, performs short pieces by Bach and other great classical composers and compares them to famous songs by the Beastie Boys, Thelonious Monk, Shontelle, and even John Philip Sousa! All good musicians use the same tools to make their music work; you’ll learn what Beethoven and James Brown have in common. Duke Ellington said it best: “If it sounds good, it is good.”

Words from Nat: “BRING YOUR iPod! Everyone has music they love – bring yours along! Anything with a headphone jack (phone, iPod) is fine. During each session, we’ll take a few minutes to share our favorites, and see what makes them tick! After all, it’s only fair – if I’m going to share the music I love with you, you can do the same for me!”

Nat Chaitkin
Nat Chaitkin has performed in many prestigious concert spaces, including Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center and Cincinnati’s own Music Hall. He has taught at CCM, as well as Georgetown and Michigan State Universities, and has even been a member of the U.S. Marine Band! What he really enjoys is taking great music out of the concert hall, and bringing it to people directly.

---

We're always working to bring new programs for children and adults alike, and we need your feedback! Please e-mail your ideas — classes you'd like to see offered, courses you'd like to teach here, or ways we can make our our current schedule more accessible—to classes@cliftonculturalarts.org. Visit our site often for updates!