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.
Advanced Contemporary Phrasework (Ages 18+)
Tuesdays from 12:00 - 1:15 pm
(Sept. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 ONLY)
Location: Denver Dance Center
2496 W 2nd Ave #3, Denver, CO 80223
For the dancer who just wants to DANCE. This 75-minute class is all about going full out, heart first, and leaving it on the floor. Each week 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.
CLASS PRICING
$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.
Advanced Improvisation Lab (Ages 18+)
Thursdays from 10:30 - 11:45 am
(Sept. 3, 10, 17, 24 ONLY)
Location: Denver Dance Center
2496 W 2nd Ave #3, Denver, CO 80223
For the dancer who loves to EXPLORE. This 75-minute 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.
CLASS PRICING
$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
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.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Guest Classes + Workshops
Catch Jana in the studio beyond weekly Denver training.
From master classes and intensives to limited guest teaching engagements, find upcoming opportunities to train with Jana in Denver, Chicago, and beyond.
Back in Chicago for one week! Join Jana for a limited series of intermediate and advanced contemporary classes at Extensions Dance and The Rooted Space.
August Guest Class Series — Chicago
Intermediate & Advanced Contemporary (Ages 9+)
The Intensive 2026
Wednesday, August 19
Intermediate (Ages 9+): 6:30 - 7:45 pm
Advanced (Ages 13+): 7:45 - 9:00 pm
Location: Extensions Dance
3933 N Elston Ave 2nd Floor, Chicago, IL 60618
Explore, take risks, and DANCE. Dancers ages 9+ will experience Jana Bennett's signature neuroplasticity-based improvisation technique, designed to open new movement possibilities and strengthen confidence in their individual artistic voice.
Then, they will put it into action through fast-paced original contemporary phrasework that challenges movement pickup, musicality, expansive physicality, and raw, authentic performance.
These master classes are offered as part of Extension Dance: The Intensive 2026, an immersive training experience for serious and pre-professional youth dancers featuring an incredible lineup of guest faculty.
MOVE LOUD: Advanced Contemporary — Combo Focused
(with Improv Warm-up!)
Free Community Class!
Thursday, August 20
4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Location: The Rooted Space
4432 N Ravenswood Ave B, Chicago, IL 60640
Get ready to MOVE, hit big music, and go for broke on the dance floor. This free 90-minute, combo-focused contemporary class is all about big movement, bold physicality, and the pure joy of dancing full-out.
We will kick things off with a quick improvisation warm-up rooted in Jana Bennett’s signature neuroplasticity-based approach, followed by a short open improv to get you moving freely and fully.
Then, it’s time to DANCE. Spend the majority of class (about a full hour!) learning and diving into an advanced, highly physical contemporary combination built around big beats, dynamic movement, musicality, and taking up space. Come ready to sweat, take risks, and MOVE LOUD.
ALL THE FEELS: Advanced Contemporary — Combo Focused (with Improv Warm-up!)
Free Community Class!
Monday, August 24
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Location: The Rooted Space
4432 N Ravenswood Ave B, Chicago, IL 60640
The reason we fell in love with contemporary in the first place. This free 90-minute, combo-focused contemporary class is for the dancers who want to move big and feel everything.
The class begins with a quick improvisation warm-up rooted in Jana Bennett’s signature neuroplasticity-based approach, followed by a short open improv to connect to your individuality, and the way you want to move.
Then we will spend the majority of class (about a full hour!) learning and dancing a heart-open, physical contemporary combination rooted in emotion, musicality, dynamics, and full-bodied movement. Think dramatic builds, raw emotion, and the freedom to bring your own artistry to the choreography. Come ready to dig in, let go, and dance your heart out.
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 advanced/professional-level training, regardless of whether you are currently pursuing dance professionally.
What level are the Denver classes?
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. Chicago Guest classes are at the descretion of the studios.
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 Denver Dance Center for these classes?
No. Jana's classes are independent of DDC 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.
Is there parking?
For Chicago guest classes, please contact studios individually about parking.
At Denver Dance Center, there are only 7 spots in front of the DDC entrance.
However, DDC new neighbors to the north have kindly agreed to allow a second row of parking when they are not using their loading dock for deliveries.
Please be considerate of this situation.
We appreciate your patience and understanding.
Overflow parking:
Emissions Technical Center
2450 W. Second Ave
Denver, CO 80220
PLEASE park behind the security gates
Their business needs all their front parking spots.
Gate code: 7711
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