What it's like to rent a studio:
I started dance training at the age of 30, after having moved from Manhattan to San Francisco. I knew nothing. I was stiff as a board, physically and otherwise. Nonetheless, for some reason, the first act I took was to rent a studio in the tiny town of Graton, Northern California to practice being a dancer. It's turned out to be a positive habit. Renting space to dance in gives that practice dimension and substance. It's a lovely way to develop as an artist.
Ever since that first session in 1974 I have rented studios. In 1981 I lived in a dance studio in San Francisco. Another studio, DanceGround Keriac also in San Francisco became precious for a number of years. I have used gyms as a substitute often, always loving it. I have had a small studio in our house for a very long time. For many years my home away from home was Sirens in Sebastopol. Currently Studio MOVE is where I spend many mornings. In addition to giving myself validation, dancing in a studio gives me a chance to experience different spaces. Each studio provides a different feeling. For instance, a long studio encourages introducing staging in choreography. High ceilings inspire opening up the chest and upper body. Small spaces allow you to practice intensity and detail.
I am so passionate about dancing that I need to dance daily. Travel as a result presents a challenge. Two years ago my husband and I were in Britain for a month during which time I ended up using studios everywhere we went. I wrote about that experience for DANCER NEWS. (A link to the article is below.) We returned to Britain in 2024, visiting the Isle of Man, Edinburgh, Northumberland and London for a total of a month. I rented places to practice everywhere.
I am so passionate about dancing that I need to dance daily. Travel as a result presents a challenge. Two years ago my husband and I were in Britain for a month during which time I ended up using studios everywhere we went. I wrote about that experience for DANCER NEWS. (A link to the article is below.) We returned to Britain in 2024, visiting the Isle of Man, Edinburgh, Northumberland and London for a total of a month. I rented places to practice everywhere.
Isle of Man (10 times)
This was our second visit to the Isle of Man for the Manx Grand Prix, a famous race, renowned by motorcyclists. The Isle of Man is a small island in the middle of the Irish Sea between Ireland and England. We stayed there for 11 days. Unfortunately the weather was the worst in 20 years and most of the racing could not take place. But it is such a beautiful spot that there was still great adventures to take.
I rented a Yoga studio in downtown Douglas. The Shine Om Yoga studio became a second home. Walking from our airbnb, along the ocean view promenade every morning to get to the little studio was challenging and unforgettable. The studio was lovely. Dancing there laid a foundation for the rest of the trip for me.
I rented a Yoga studio in downtown Douglas. The Shine Om Yoga studio became a second home. Walking from our airbnb, along the ocean view promenade every morning to get to the little studio was challenging and unforgettable. The studio was lovely. Dancing there laid a foundation for the rest of the trip for me.
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The changing room with a view of the ocean.
Edinburgh (once)
Another adorable yoga studio. This one without mirrors. Studio 6.02/Edinburgh is a small yoga studio within Scot-ART, an enormous building dedicated to subsidize artists. AnneMarie Sacco is the hostess, a wonderful ball of energy from Italy. So many artist's working spaces being together leads to an active building with much going on all the time.
For me, practicing without mirrors is a great exercise. You have to focus more on the inside instead of constantly looking at yourself in the mirror. Balance is affected because eye focus is affected and practice in changed circumstances improves balance. Rehearsal without mirrors is also a great way to prepare for performance.
For me, practicing without mirrors is a great exercise. You have to focus more on the inside instead of constantly looking at yourself in the mirror. Balance is affected because eye focus is affected and practice in changed circumstances improves balance. Rehearsal without mirrors is also a great way to prepare for performance.
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View from the studio windows.
Alnmouth, Northumberland (2 times)
Alnmouth is about 60 miles south of Edinburgh, in an area called Northumberland. It is the north east coastal section of England by the Scottish border. It is a tiny village 3 blocks long at the mouth of the Aln River where it meets the ocean. It is a lovely place to visit. There were no dance or yoga studios or fitness centers there at all. Instead I was offered to use the town hall which I rented twice. The town hall was rebuilt in its present form in the 1850s. It is a block from the sea.
A unique experience. It was cold, I was recovering from being sick. The space was large and unformed. It was not easy but it was instrumental in me maintaining my abilities throughout thick and thin. For me, practice is always rewarding. But that doesn't mean it isn't sometimes difficult. Sometimes you have to establish your own energy contribution within a cold, insensitive, unsupportive world. Even if no one else witnesses what you do, you know yourself.
A unique experience. It was cold, I was recovering from being sick. The space was large and unformed. It was not easy but it was instrumental in me maintaining my abilities throughout thick and thin. For me, practice is always rewarding. But that doesn't mean it isn't sometimes difficult. Sometimes you have to establish your own energy contribution within a cold, insensitive, unsupportive world. Even if no one else witnesses what you do, you know yourself.
Hindmarsh Hall
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London (4 times)
We we spent 6 days in London. Our flat was in Notting Hill, a block from Portobello Road. I was able to rent Danceworks, a set of professional dance studios in Mayfair. I rented the smallest, (very very small), the largest (with full mirrors on 2 sides) and one in between that was lovely. The studios were mostly very crowded and noisy. 9 dance studios, all in use, all playing loud music. The walls vibrated. The chatter among dancers waiting for class was so boisterous it's mind-blowing. Being a single dancer taking up one of the studios all by myself was very cool. I enjoyed rehearsing at Danceworks.
An extremely tiny dance studio.
The largest studio at Danceworks.
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A lovely in between size.
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Danceworks in Mayfair, London.
Santa Rosa: Studio MOVE (3 times a week)
I have a new studio in the community which I rent on a regular basis to practice in at home. The experience is very different from practicing at our house and it has always been a beneficial learning tool for myself in my own dance career. Studio MOVE is within walking distance from our home! It is a lovely space with a skylight, a beautiful floor and very high ceilings. Among other classes held there, Fit4Mom provides classes that focus on new mothers.
I am planning on hosting a new dance series at Studio MOVE:
"About Dancing" will be an informal afternoon or evening of dance and sharing with several artists from our community taking place in a very relaxed setting. Dance will not be the only form presented. Poets, musicians, magicians ... all are welcome in what is hoped to be a repeating event. The goal of the series is to present work in progress by local artists while also discussing our creative approach. A showing of art created by local artisans will be featured as well.
I am planning on hosting a new dance series at Studio MOVE:
"About Dancing" will be an informal afternoon or evening of dance and sharing with several artists from our community taking place in a very relaxed setting. Dance will not be the only form presented. Poets, musicians, magicians ... all are welcome in what is hoped to be a repeating event. The goal of the series is to present work in progress by local artists while also discussing our creative approach. A showing of art created by local artisans will be featured as well.
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Studio MOVE.
Home
My home studio was redesigned two years ago. We had new flooring installed and we renovated everything, creating a colorful space.
It is always a pleasure to rehearse in this space. I will often use my home studio when I am not feeling well. Breaking out in dance from time to time during the day is one of the ways I deal with being sick. It gets energy moving and often is very helpful in reducing inflammation. My studio is a special place.
It is always a pleasure to rehearse in this space. I will often use my home studio when I am not feeling well. Breaking out in dance from time to time during the day is one of the ways I deal with being sick. It gets energy moving and often is very helpful in reducing inflammation. My studio is a special place.
Published September 30, 2024.