Advanced Contemporary Dance

Firehouse Arts and Event Center | 1314 Harris Ave.

Sundays from 12:00-1:30 PM

BRD’s advanced company classes are open to community dancers to drop in. A structured warm up will be followed by skill building and phrase work. Classes are taught by current Bellingham Repertory Dance members and occasional guest teachers.

Drop-In Pricing

$20 general | $25 pay-it-forward | $15 discounted rate

5-class cards available for purchase in person for $75

Payment options: Cash (Preferred) or Credit/Debit Card

Groundswells

Rotating topics for Emergent Dance with Soleil Chappelle

Aikido Peace Education Center | 1101 N State St.

Tuesdays from 7:00 - 8:30 PM

Module 1 - Intelligence - that which cannot be artificial

Through dance improvisation, multi-media sensory experiments, and conversation, we’ll allow our minds to permeate our bodies and the space between us and all beings.

Inspired by the more-than-human world—animals, plants, fungi &&—we’ll reclaim our ways of thinking from mechanical, industrial, and algorithmic structures. We’ll draw new lines for the boundaries of our minds and redefine intelligence.

Some experience in any type of dance improvisation is recommended.

Not a heady person? Looking for an outlet for existential concerns? Feel stuck in your head? Confused about what this is but want structures for movement improvisation? This space welcomes you.

Date and topic of next module TBA

Groundswells and foundDANCE are offered in partnership with Soleil Chappelle AKA Body Swells. When you register, your receipt will come from Body Swells Craniosacral & Massage.

foundDANCE

Foundations in Contemporary Dance with Soleil Chappelle

Aikido Peace Education Center | 1101 N State St.

Wednesdays from 6:30-8:00 PM

Winter 2026 series: January 7-28, February 4-25, March 4-25

foundDANCE is a beginner/all levels contemporary dance class—which means it is for: those who are new to dance, new to contemporary dance, returning to dance after a long time, and anyone looking for a class that prioritizes the joy of movement in a welcoming environment. We will cover movement fundamentals, guided improvisation, learning choreography step by step, all while being gentle with ourselves as we learn new things. At the heart of this class is the experience of moving with a group of people and the magic it brings.

foundDANCE is a 4-week series that begins again approximately every month with new material. The series format is designed for beginners to comfortably learn new skills and a movement phrase over the course of the month. 

Experienced dancers may choose to drop-in to any class with awareness that new material is introduced in week 1 and built on during the following 3 classes.

Groundswells and foundDANCE are offered in partnership with Soleil Chappelle AKA Body Swells. When you register, your receipt will come from Body Swells Craniosacral & Massage.

About BRD’s pay-it-forward program: We invite the community to participate in the collective’s commitment to support access to our classes. Dancers can opt for a slightly higher class fee, which will support another individual’s participation at the discounted rate.

Community Member Testimonials

"Grateful for this contemporary dance haven." - Community member from Advanced Sunday class

“I’ve taken the Sunday classes, which offer a warm and welcoming dance community. I appreciate the thorough warmups and choreography pieces that feel accessible and satisfying. These classes feed my heart and soul.” - Community member from Advanced Sunday class

“I did not grow up taking dance classes but I love to dance. Without training as a kid, I always felt I missed the window to become a dancer. In this class, I have found a space to learn contemporary basics and expand my movement vocabulary. Soleil creates a space that is welcoming, fun and challenging in the best ways. I feel free in my body and so aware that movement is possible for everyone and dance is a conversation. The music is awesome and the invitations are exploratory. Highly recommend this class to any level of mover, but especially to folks who may feel they also "missed the window." - Community member from foundDANCE Wednesday class