getting to class
studio directions
Magpie Movement currently does not have our own dedicated space. Classes take place at various studios throughout the St. John’s-Metro region. Please take careful note of which location your class takes place.
Lynn Panting Dance is located at 30 Harvey Road, St. John’s NL, next to The Benevolent Irish Society, near The Paramount Building and The Rooms. You’ll find The Nook & Cannery within a 2 minute walk from the studio.
There is ample on-street parking on Harvey Road, as well as lot parking at Tim Horton’s and The Basilica of St. John the Baptist church nearby.
Metrobus routes #2 and #10 pass in front of the studio for public transit.
Ring the door buzzer to the right-hand-side of the door and wait to be admitted. Please remove outdoor shoes in the 1st floor lobby, and proceed upstairs to the waiting room where you can sanitize your hands. Please note that class takes place up one flight of stairs.
You can place your coat and belongings in the cubby-room down the hall and to the left, and proceed to your class’s designated studio.
The Dance Centre is located in Coaker’s Meadow Plaza at 286 Torbay Road, St. John’s NL, near Jungle Jim’s, Torbay Road Animal Hospital, Boom IT, and A&W.
There is ample lot parking in front of the studio, as well as the Coleman’s parking lot nearby.
Metrobus routes #3, #14 and #23 pass in front of the plaza for public transit.
You can enter through the main door, and remove outdoor shoes in the lobby, and place your coat on the hooks, and belongings in the cubbies lining the wall. Please sanitize your hands and proceed to your class’s designated studio. There are no stairs and this is a fully accessible studio.
what to
expect from class
Levels
Students are grouped in classes according to skill level and experienceLevel
Technique can only build progressively. If you’re in a class over your head, you won’t improve and you may be hindering other students.
It’s okay to challenge yourself with a harder-than-usual class, and it’s inspiring to dance with really skilled dancers, but that class is meant for students at that level and you should defer to them.
If you’re an advanced dancer in a lower level then demonstrate the steps if the teacher asks, but keep in mind that it’s a the beginner students’ class.
Structure
What will happen in class?Structure
Classes usually last between 1 and 2 hours, and are divided into several parts (which may vary from lesson to lesson):
Warmup gets your body prepared to dance, strengthens your muscles, and reviews work from previous classes.
Centre work usually starts with stationary exercises, builds into steps and travelling, and ends with combinations.
Cool down releases tension in your muscles, incorporates breathing and stretching at the end of class.
Teacher
How will your teacher interact with you?Teacher
Your teacher observes and offers corrections; sometimes as you are dancing, sometimes between exercises or combinations.
Generally the teacher will keep pauses between exercises to a minimum, but will prompt you for water breaks and stretches. Do ask questions, but don’t interrupt.
Physical contact is not uncommon. It can be helpful to feel an instruction as well as hear it or see a demonstration. Consent should always be asked before any physical corrections.
what to
wear and bring to class
You’re coming to the studio to dance and learn, so it’s best to wear form-fitting exercise clothing that you’re comfortable sweating in. There is no requirement to expose your arms, legs, or torso, but you are welcome to do so.
on your dancer
in your dance bag
leave it home
class etiquette so you can
get the most out of class
you’re already a dancer
inclusivity and accessibility
Everyone is different, but everyone can dance. If you’re moving your body to sound or music, then you’re dancing – and that makes you a dancer.
You do NOT need a certain body type, shape, size, colour. You do NOT need to already know how to dance or having training from your childhood. You do NOT need to be a certain age, gender, or orientation. There’s NO requirement to be super flexible or have full mobility.
You. Just as you are. You are already a dancer!
Attend your classes in whatever way works best for you, your schedule, our ability, and (most importantly) your comfort. While not all classes are available virtually, we try our best to offer this when possible.
All classes with Magpie Movement can be modified and adapted for the learning objectives of the dancers. Teachers are knowledgeable in adjustments and body mapping, so all movement prompts are available to all dancers in a variety of ways and learning styles.
While studio space and physical accessibility continues to be a challenge in St. John’s, we make our best effort to work with studios that have accessibility at top of mind. We take into consideration entrances, ramps, electronic door openers, spacious washroom, wider door frames, etc. We sadly can’t guarantee that your preferred class is in a completely accessible studio space, at least until we have a space to call our very own. Please chat with us about your concerns or questions.
Inclusion funds are available to anyone who identifies as part of a group which is underrepresented in the dance and movement industry including BIPOC and LGBTQ+ as we strive to increase the visibility of all those who may otherwise be marginalized in our community.
These funds are also used to give a financial lift to students and seniors, to the unemployed and underemployed, and to those needing a little boost to help with tuition costs.
Dancers can access the Inclusion Fund by using coupon code HEY25 at checkout for any class tuition and eligible purchases.