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DISCO RIOT’s POP IN/POP OUT series offers master classes to those in our community from trusted teaching artists to promote a culture of sharing, exploration, diversity, expanding perspectives, and building community. Class is a place of personal growth, community building, curiosity, skill-building, and play. We hope to expand our collective experiences by bringing in teaching artists that challenge what we’re used to. We learn more from one another. We grow together. Join us!

 

POP IN/POP OUT! classes are on a tiered payment scale ($10/$15/$20) so that we can offer the highest quality experience for the community and support for the Teaching Artist. No one is turned away for lack of funds. Please reach out to community@discoriot.org for assistance.

Intermediate/Advanced Contemporary

 

A contemporary class with a release technique flare, we will focus on surrendering and yielding into our own momentum while attending to specifics in musicality and textures. You can expect a moment of stillness/drop-in, a full bodied warm up, and a combo.

Dani Burd (she/her) & Indigo Dance Company

 

Dani Burd is a multifaceted artist, choreographer, producer, and educator from Los Angeles, CA who has had a colorful career in both the music and dance industries. She is the founder and director of Indigo Dance Company est. 2024. Indigo strives to empower its company artists in their authenticity and personal stories, cultivating an experience of a return to oneself for both the mover and the viewer. Blurring the lines between the performer and the human—seeing the dancer as a full person—is one of our greatest priorities. Musicality, storytelling, and the cinematic lens serve as the compasses for our creative choices. Dani has dedicated the past few years on her collection of works presented as both live performances and dance films titled “HOME” and “Closer to…” Her newest work with Indigo titled “The 7th Plane” premieres August 2025 and will be the final installment of this series.

Teaching & Pedagogy

 

Through lectures, discussions, and practice teaching exercises, we will explore dance teaching and pedagogy. We will dive into the practicalities of teaching, such as basic class structure, building curriculum, and how to get jobs. With curiosity, we will approach dance pedagogy, questioning what is pedagogy? What does it mean to hold the space as a teacher/facilitator? In small groups, we will practice teaching and have the opportunity to receive feedback from our peers. Let’s share and explore together what dance teaching and pedagogy can be

Aisha Reddick (she/her)

 

Aisha Reddick (she/her) is an African American/Filipino movement artist and instructor based in San Diego, California. She obtained her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance at California State University, Long Beach in Fall 2021. Since graduating, Aisha has made work that has been presented across the west coast for various concerts, festivals and sharings. Aisha has had the pleasure of working with various independent artists and companies between San Diego and Los Angeles, whose influence has helped shape her own craft. In her practice, Aisha finds real fulfillment in moving between juxtaposing gentle and aggressive powers to create a flow into and through the body to find ways, basically, feel good. Presently, Aisha shares this way of moving at DISCO RIOT, Culture Shock San Diego, Helix Charter High School and San Diego Dance Academy.

Nicole Oga (she/her)

 

Nicole Oga (she/her/hers) is a radical thinking dance artist, educator, and pedagogue who approaches her work through an intersectional lens that is influenced by abolition, collective liberation, anti-racist, black feminist praxis. In June 2024 she graduated from the University of the Arts Helsinki with a Master’s in Dance Pedagogy. Nicole is a constant student who believes life is a continuous journey of learning, growing, and evolving. In her work she regularly questions and evaluates her practices and methodologies to ensure she is inclusive and in true solidarity with her community – listening to, collaborating with, and following the lead of those who are most impacted. Nicole cultivates genuine empathy, compassion, and kindness, which she knows will transform the world into an equitable society where all are truly free.

Absolute Beginner Contemporary Ballet

 

COVID-Safe(r) beginner/intermediate contemporary ballet dance class taught by Clarisa. This will be a mask-mandatory class, [K]N95 or better. Air purification and masks provided by Fan Favorite San Diego. The class is open to all levels but geared toward the beginner level. Alternative exercises can be provided for more advanced movers.

Clarisa Bautista (she/her)

 

Clarisa Bautista (she/her) is a dance artist from Sacramento, CA, who is now based in San Diego. She holds a B.S. in Chemistry with minors in Dance and Classical Studies from UC San Diego. At UCSD, Clarisa founded Aequora Ballet Company. She has presented and performed in work at UCSD and Ballet Counterpointe showcases.

Drop In, Spiral Out – Advanced Contemporary Modern

 

Zaquia’s class is aimed at supporting the development of dynamic and functional physicality through explorations of weight, momentum, attention, anatomy, and play. We’ll use technical exercises, improvisation, phrase-work, and partnered feedback to probe beyond the mechanics, think critically about the tools, make connections, and deepen sensory awareness as a means for honing artistry and efficiency. Come explore space, dance fully, and challenge your edges while staying curious in community with others!

Zaquia Mahler Salinas (she/her)

 

Zaquia Mahler Salinas, is a Chicana/Palestinian dance artist invested in movement-art as an act of reclamation and world-building. She dances at the intersection of performance, social practice, education, and advocacy; Zaquia finds joy in cultivating community, and lives for the magic inherent in collaboration. In 2018, Zaquia co-founded DISCO RIOT, a nonprofit organization that supports radical dance and creative possibilities in San Diego. She has been awarded various artistic residencies, including a 2019 residency in Bethlehem, Palestine with Diyar Dance Theatre where she deepened her understanding of dance as a form of cultural, embodied resistance. In 2023, Zaquia was awarded one of San Diego’s inaugural Far South/Border North grants for artists working in socially engaged practice. In 2024, she relocated to Boston, and is currently serving as Resident Curator with ODC Theater in San Francisco.

Intermediate/Advanced Contemporary Modern

 

In Giovanna’s class, we will explore fluidity and play through sensory informed improvisation and phrasework. Sequencing movement with intention and full body awareness informs the basis of the material within her class where movers are encouraged to be present with themselves and one another.

Gio Francisco (she/her)

 

Giovanna Francisco (she/her) is a San Diego-based movement artist originally from Palm Springs, California. She holds her BA in Dance, BA in Sociology, and a minor in Education Studies from the University of California, San Diego. Giovanna’s formal training in contemporary, modern, and ballet is met with her love of improvisation in her artistic process. Her movement practice and teaching philosophy centers dance as a tool for exploration and connection. In June 2023, she choreographed and directed her first evening-length performance inspired by insects in the garden space of Art Produce as an Artist in Residence. In 2024, she took part in an artistic mentorship program and residency through DISCO RIOT. Giovanna has had the pleasure of working with Connect Arte, Rachel Catalano, Isabel Desmet, Terry Wilson, Brianna Pilkinton, and Yolande Snaith. She has created choreography for events brought to the community through DISCO RIOT and San Diego Dance Theater.

Intermediate/Advanced Floorwork

 

Throw it Back! is an intermediate/advanced energetic floorwork and momentum based movement class. There will be a warm up, across the floor passes, and a big phrase. We will continue to explore downstage traveling, anatomical alignment inconsideration to directionality, and softening in the body to move more efficiently. All of this will be accompanied by our FAV 2000s banger playlist to drive momentum!

Chelsea Roquero (she/her) & Krystal Masteller (she/her)

 

Founded in 2022, hasten dance is an emerging Los Angeles based female dance theatre duo. Both receiving their degrees in dance from CSULB, Chelsea Roquero (BA Dance, 2019) & Krystal Masteller (BA Dance Science, 2021) separately are artists with their own ambitions and ideologies; together they culminate an entity that explores all aspects through physicality, intricacy, & constantly inviting play.

 

hasten dance has presented work at MashUp’s International Women’s Day Festival (2023) & Disco Riot’s Choreo & Fly festival presented at La Jolla Playhouse’s WOW Festival with collaborator Kaia Makihara (2023). They have been invited to teach at Genesis Studios, Emerging Artist Class Series (2023), Stomping Ground LA’s Community Free Day of Dance event, See Yourself (2023 & 2024), and Renaissance Art’s High School (2023 & 2024). Their debut evening length with Kaia Makihara, “Bounded by Intervals” (2024) was presented this past July at the “Dance at the Odyssey Festival: Summer Edition” in Santa Monica, CA.

Dancirque Physical Therapy’s DanceWise

 

Dancirque Physical Therapy’s DanceWise class is an open-level class aimed at helping dancers understand their bodies and safe movement practices. Through a combination of functional anatomy presentations, volunteer demonstrations, and active exercises, participants will learn about how to identify individual movement patterns and how to correct these patterns if they are faulty. This class will cover topics including best warm-up practices, flexibility training, nerve tension, basic care for new injuries, and principles of recovery. Participants are encouraged to come with questions.

Lexii Alcaraz (she/her)

 

Lexii Alcaraz (she/her) is a licensed physical therapist who is passionate about all aspects of performing arts. She has many years of experience as a professional circus artist, dancer, coach, choreographer, and director. When Lexii decided to pursue her degree as a Doctor of Physical Therapy, she knew she wanted to use this knowledge to help advance the training and performance careers of artists. Lexii is passionate about educating artists about best practices for taking care of their bodies through workshops, injury screens, and treatment sessions. She integrates her knowledge of circus acrobatics, music, theater, and dance to create custom treatment plans for individuals to help reach their goals and address any underlying injuries that may stand in their way. Lexii continues to perform and create work in her hometown of San Diego. Professionally, she has toured across North America performing and is the artistic director of San Diego-based circus company Lighthouse Circus Theatre. Lexii looks forward to her next opportunity to be onstage and help others do the same.

Intermediate/Advanced Countertechnique

 

The Countertechnique® class is a contemporary dance technique class. It stretches, coordinates and strengthens the body, making the dancer sweat, build stamina and really move. The class starts with a recurring set of exercises, allowing dancers to investigate the Countertechnique® principles in detail. The second half of the class consists of changing components, working towards luscious movement combinations and jumping at the end. The Countertechnique® class results in dancers using less energy, losing their fear of taking risks and gaining speed in changing direction.

 

Countertechnique® provides tools for body and mind to deal with the demanding dance practice of the 21st century. It is a movement system to help the dancer think about the dancing body, focusing on the process of incorporating information into action. Within a clear structure of exercises the Countertechnique® class thoroughly prepares the body for rehearsal and performance, enabling dancers to move bigger, more fluidly and more spatially, while becoming stronger and more flexible. Dancers are encouraged to be pro-active in discovering connections and solutions, to be less concerned with judging themselves and to work in a healthy way with regard to body and mind. Countertechnique® makes daily training a valuable investment in the dancer’s own development, as well as interesting personal research. Countertechnique® was created and developed by Dutch choreographer, dancer and teacher Anouk van Dijk, former artistic director of Australian dance company Chunky Move.

Sophie Allen (she/her)

 

Sophie Minouche Allen is a dance artist who imbues playfulness and nuance in all her endeavors. She performs, choreographs, and teaches throughout Chicago and nationally. As a performer, Sophie has recently worked with Al Evangelista, Anna Caffarelli/Crimson Moeller, Darling Shear, and Ayako Kato/Art Union Humanscape among others. As a choreographer, her work has been presented by FACT/SF, Thodos Dance Chicago/DanceWorks Chicago, Midwest RAD Fest, COMMON conservatory, Detroit Dance Exchange, Going Dutch Festival/Side Street Studio Arts, and Periodance/Performance Lab Showcase. As a teacher, Sophie offers open classes at The Rooted Space, closed curriculum classes at The Joffrey Academy of Dance, and co-facilitates the Chicago Countertechnique® Community class series throughout the city. Sophie is a certified Countertechnique® Teacher and holds a B.F.A. in Dance and B.A. in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) from the University of Michigan.

Contemporary Modern

 

Karina’s class will emphasize phrase work and improvisation, encouraging dancers to make choices and reflect on what makes them feel most free. It aims to foster playfulness while pushing dancers technically and building confidence in their dance development.

Karina Wilson (she/her)

 

Karina Wilson (she/her) is a San Diego-based mover with roots in Los Angeles. Her dance journey began with a foundation in Balanchine ballet, which she expanded by studying at Miami City Ballet before transitioning into contemporary styles. Karina furthered her exploration at Complexions Contemporary Ballet and Alonzo King LINES Ballet, where she encountered movement styles that felt both freeing and empowering.

 

This year, Karina made contributions to the San Diego dance community, featuring in Motions and Emotions: Asian Women Speak Out and the Move American Campaign. Her teaching philosophy centers on empowering dancers to explore their own movement choices, fostering a deeply personal and liberating experience. Karina’s journey is a testament to her dedication to both classical and contemporary dance, as she continues to evolve as an artist and educator.

Intermediate/Advanced Contemporary

This improvisation-forward dance practice encourages somatic awareness, unveiling the form and function of the body. A durational warmup consisting of conditioning, kinesthetic imagery, and contemporary dance techniques will culminate in movement research/dismantling.

Kimie Parker (she/her)

 

Kimie Parker is a San Diego native dance artist based in Brooklyn, NY. Kimie holds a BFA in Dance from Point Park University. In 2019, she joined Sidra Bell Dance New York as a company artist, has since been appointed Rehearsal Director, and has taught on behalf of the company at numerous academic institutions including NYU Tisch, SUNY Purchase, University of the Arts, Marymount Manhattan College, Harvard University, and more. As her own creative entity, she has been invited to teach for the Limon Dance Company Summer Intensive, BigKid Summer and Winter Create+Connect, and Gibney Dance Summer Studies. Her choreographic work has been featured in “THAT SHOW,” presented in NYC.