Harmonic Movement
All Levels
Adult Contemporary Dance
Harmonic Movement Contemporary Dance is a practice that invites each dancer to discover and infuse their own movement story and embodied voice into every movement and phrase. Drawing on the vocabularies of ballet, jazz, and modern dance, each class offers dancers of any age or experience level a way in that fits their own body, movement history, and expressive tendencies. A thorough warm-up helps dancers access their optimal strength and mobility, building both freedom and control before moving into playful and creative technique-building exercises and center choreography. At its heart, Harmonic Movement Contemporary Dance is about joy: the joy of movement, of dancing together, and discovering the ways creative expression can be genuinely healing.
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Harmonic Movement Contemporary Dance is looking for a new home in Portland, OR!
Stay tuned for updates on dance class locations or reach out to schedule a class at your studio or space.
"Dandelion"
2024
Choreography by: Lauren Coons
Music: Barbatuques, "Do Mangue a Manga"
Performed by Harmonic Movement Contemporary Fusion Dance community dancers
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
Dancing with Lauren has been incredibly meaningful and given me a renewed sense of embodiment. Her classes allow for dancers and dance enthusiasts of all levels to feel safe, challenged, supported, and free to express themselves honestly and uniquely. I initially took Lauren’s classes to show myself that I didn’t need to be perfect at a hobby I was interested in, but over time, I showed up to class because dancing in such a welcoming space brought me so much joy and allowed me to inhabit my body and be vulnerable in a way I hadn’t been able to in years. Lauren is a gentle, compassionate teacher who constantly encourages students; she takes time to break down choreography, answer questions and offer alternatives for differing levels, as well as provide opportunities for additional growth, such as with community dance performances.
- Michelle
I have no prior dance experience so was a bit hesitant to try Lauren’s contemporary dance class. When I stepped into the studio she was warm and welcoming, along with the other dancers, who ranged from 20’s to 50’s and beyond. She teaches her extraordinary choreography in bits and pieces which helped me learn each step before moving on. I found it to be so much fun and I loved her musical choices as well. She also made sure we were warmed up and flexible first before dancing. I was extremely lucky to have danced in three performances she choreographed. Lauren is very sweet and talented and I highly recommend anyone at any level try her classes!
- Elizabeth
Lauren’s contemporary dance class has been an absolutely wonderful outlet for fun, friendship, creativity, learning, growing, and most of all, joy through movement. Her class format includes an effective and enjoyable warmup and conditioning, followed by across-the-floor moves and grooves, then learning and practicing a short choreography. Lauren’s teaching comes from the heart – she is warm, relaxed and clear. and she is open and accommodating to all of our varying abilities and limitations. I have especially appreciated the opportunity to continue attending class as I have worked through a challenging health issue that affected my balance and stamina, and to do as much or as little as I could on any given day. Lauren has that rare combination of expansive creative talent and an extraordinary ability to teach in a fun and welcoming way. Every class has left me buzzing with the joy of dance! Thank you, Lauren, for the gift of your heart and soul, and for facilitating the sharing of all of our hearts and souls in a safe and welcoming space.