Contemporary dancers deserve spaces where they can continue to train, explore, and be inspired throughout every stage of their artistic journey. These weekly classes combine professional-level movement, creative exploration, and evidence-based teaching to challenge both the body and the artist. If you are looking to dance full-out, deepen your improvisation practice, or simply reconnect with the joy of moving, you will find a supportive community that values both excellence and individuality.
Adult Classes
Available to Teens Ages 13+
Classes begin Sunday, October 18
Location: Miss Rachael's Dance
4325 E Mississippi Ave, Denver, CO 80246
Parking: Free and EASY parking is available on-site in parking lot
I’m excited to launch expanded daytime, Sunday options for intermediate, advanced, and professional dancers, featuring Contemporary Ballet Phrasework, Advanced Contemporary Phrasework, and Improvisation Lab.
Save your spot online or drop-in in person.
Special Event - FREE Contemp Brunch
Join me on Sundays for Contemp Brunch, my brand-new weekend contemporary dance series. Come for the damn good dance, then stay for tea, seltzer, light brunch bites, and a little post-class community connection.
We are kicking things off Sunday, October 18, and the entire first Sunday is FREE. Register for one or both classes and come dance!
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Class Desscriptions
Adult Classes: Available to Teens Ages 13+
Location: Miss Rachael's Dance
4325 E Mississippi Ave, Denver, CO 80246
Advanced Contemporary Phrasework
Tuesdays from 12:00 pm - 1:15 pm
Sundays from 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm (Contemp Brunch)
Each Advanced Contemporary Phrasework class features a different phrase, so Tuesday and Sunday offer completely different material. Perfect for dancers who want to train more than once a week.
For the dancer who just wants to DANCE. This class is all about going full out, heart first, and leaving it on the floor. Each class brings a new contemporary phrase spanning a range of styles and feels. From powerful, beat-driven, raw physicality to emotive, dramatic, and theatrical contemporary.
Each class begins with a quick follow-along improvisation and technique-based warm-up informed by evidence-based training practices, designed to get you into your body, warm, and ready to move. Then, we dive in.
Expect fast-paced phrasework, big movement, musicality, physicality, and plenty of space to make it your own. All within a welcoming, thoughtful environment where you are encouraged to take risks, be seen, and go for broke.
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Sunday's class can be taken individually, or pair it with 11:00 am Improvisation Lab for the full "Contemp Brunch" experience. Save $5 when you book both Sunday classes too!
Int/Adv Improvisation Lab
Sundays from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm (Contemp Brunch)
For the dancer who loves to EXPLORE. This contemporary-based improvisation class is designed to open up new movement possibilities, challenge familiar patterns, and help you discover and grow your individual artistic voice.
Rooted in Jana Bennett's signature neuroplasticity-based improvisation method, each class uses creative movement tasks to encourage the brain and body to find new pathways, building greater freedom, adaptability, and confidence in the way you move.
Each class begins with a prompted improvisation warm-up to get you into your body and brain before diving into the day's primary neuroplasticity task. Then you will explore that task through multiple lenses, allowing ideas to shift, layer, and evolve until you can get lost in the process and find that elusive improvisational "zone."
Class ends with open improvisation: a chance to see what integrates, discover what emerges, and learn from the dancers around you. Expect a challenging, playful, and deeply supportive space to take risks, get curious, and become more confident in the artist that is uniquely you.
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This class can be taken individually, or pair it with 12:00 pm Advanced Contemporary Phrasework for the full "Contemp Brunch" experience. Save $5 when you book both Sunday classes too!
Int/Adv Contemporary Ballet Phrasework
Mondays from 11:00 am - 12:15 pm
Designed for dancers with a strong ballet and technical foundation, this class explores the expansive world of contemporary ballet through phrasework. No previous contemporary experience is required, making it an ideal space for ballet dancers looking to broaden their movement vocabulary, as well as contemporary dancers interested in work that remains deeply rooted in ballet technique.
Each class begins with a short follow-along improvisational warm-up grounded in ballet and contemporary concepts before moving into phrasework for the remainder of class.
Material will range from lush, balletic, and emotionally driven contemporary movement to fast, physical, angular phrasework inspired by influences such as William Forsythe, as well as European contemporary approaches influenced by Gaga and Ohad Naharin.
Expect a constantly evolving mix of slower, highly technical combinations and athletic, fast-paced movement, all connected by a strong foundation in ballet. This class is about challenging technique, expanding movement possibilities, and discovering the freedom, physicality, and heart that contemporary ballet can offer.
Class Pricing
The first Contemp Brunch on Sunday, Oct. 18 is FREE to everyone!
Use the code FIRSTBRUNCHFREE_BOTH to book both Improv Lab & Contemp Phrasework, OR use the code FIRSTBRUNCHFREE to book only one of the classes.
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$25 | Single Class
$15 | Professional Dancer Rate*
- Use code PRODANCER
FREE | Your First Class
- Use code FIRSTCLASSFREE
BRING A FRIEND → YOU BOTH SAVE $5 ON YOUR NEXT CLASS
Reserve your spot online or drop in day-of.
Day-of dancers: please arrive 10–15 minutes early to register and pay.
*Professional rate available to currently working professional dancers with verification of professional status.
Come As You Are. Come Ready to Move.
You do not need to be currently performing professionally to belong here. These classes are for dancers with advanced-level training who want to continue moving at a high level, whether dance is your career, your college path, your teaching practice, or simply something you never want to stop doing.
Professional Dancers
College Dancers
Pre-Professional Dancers 13+
Advanced Adult Dancers
Professional-Level
Movement
Fast-paced, physically challenging contemporary training designed for experienced dancers who want to be pushed.
Artistry +
Individuality
You are not here to look exactly like everyone else. Take risks, make choices, and continue discovering the artist that is uniquely you.
Community +
Support
High-level training doesn't need to be intimidating. Expect a thoughtful, welcoming, and coummunity-driven environment where dancers are seen, encouraged, and challenged to grow.
Meet Your Teacher
Jana Bennett is a professional choreographer, contemporary dance educator, and dance performance specialist with a BFA in Dance from Texas Christian University and eight years of professional performance experience. Her teaching combines professional-level contemporary training, creative exploration, and evidence-informed movement practices to help dancers grow as both movers and artists.
Do I need to be a professional dancer?
No. Denver and Chicago classes are designed for dancers with intermediate, advanced, and professional-level training, regardless of whether you are currently pursuing dance professionally. Make sure to check the class level to determine what class(es) are appropriate for you.
What level are the Denver classes?
Jana's classes vary from Intermediate/Advanced to Advanced/Professional. Dancers should be comfortable learning movement quickly and working independently within a professional-level class environment.
Do I need improvisation experience?
Previous improvisation experience is recommended, as prompts can be advanced, layered, and complex, but it is not required. All dancers with an advanced contemporary movement background are welcome. Come ready to stay curious, take risks, and challenge yourself in new ways.
What should I wear?
Whatever allows you to move fully and comfortably. In the Denver classes, socks are required.
Can I drop in?
Yes, you can drop in to Denver classes. You can register online or drop-in to class the day of.
Will there be more classes and workshops?
Yes! Additional Denver classes, pop-ups, workshops, and guest teaching opportunities will be announced as they are added.
Do I register with Miss Rachael's Dance for these classes?
No. Jana's classes are independent of MRD and self-run, so you must book through our online platform here, or you can drop in and register the day of.
If you plan to drop in, we recommend arriving 10 minutes early to complete the drop-in process before class begins.
Parking
Parking is free and easy. Jana’s classes take place at Miss Rachel’s Dance (4325 E Mississippi Ave, Denver, CO 80246), located in a shopping center with a large, open parking lot, so finding a spot is typically not an issue.
We simply recommend arriving a few minutes early so you have plenty of time to park, get settled, and be ready when class begins.
Don't Miss the Next Class
Be the first to hear about new Denver classes, workshops, pop-ups, guest teaching, and special training opportunities.
