The Movement Lab: BMHV May 2026

"Every class begins before the music starts"

This month with Black Mental Health Village (BMHV), we spent the first part of the evening walking around, meeting families, and inviting new dancers into the space. Those conversations are just as important as the dancing itself. They help create an environment where students feel welcomed before they're ever asked to move.

By 5:00, we officially began class with a group of six students ready to learn.

After warming up and stretching, we focused on foundational movement concepts that students will continue building throughout the year.

This Month's Focus

• Spotting

• Understanding the structure of an 8-count

• Proper plié

• Relevé

  
  

From there, we incorporated movements that students already recognized, including cartwheels and the Griddy. One of my favorite parts of teaching is seeing students connect technical concepts to movement they already know. It makes dance feel approachable rather than intimidating.

Every class reminds me that dance education is about much more than choreography. It's about confidence, coordination, musicality, and creating a space where students feel comfortable exploring movement.

Movement Vocabulary

Spotting -Keeping your eyes focused on one point while turning to maintain balance and reduce dizziness.

8-Count -The rhythmic structure used to organize movement and choreography

Plié- A bending of the knees that prepares the body for movement.

Relevé- Rising onto the balls of the feet with strength and control.

Teaching Reflection

Students don't need dozens of new steps every class.

They need opportunities to build confidence through repetition, curiosity, and success.

When technical concepts connect to movement they already enjoy, learning becomes less intimidating and much more joyful. Join Us Next Month

Whether you're stepping into a dance class for the first time or returning to continue your movement journey, we'd love to have you join us at our next Black Mental Health Village (BMHV) class.

Each month we explore movement through a supportive, community-centered environment where students build confidence, musicality, coordination, and creativity—one class at a time.

Ready to move with us?

👉 Register for the next BMHV Dance Class: [https://www.bmhv.org/event-details/dance-class-for-youth-at-pruitt-public-library-2026-07-28-16-00]

I hope to see you in class!