CAN MOVES Dance And Acting
About
I love the art of dance and genuinely care about the progress my students make. I’m very attentive to their needs and plan each lesson according to the goals they aim to achieve. Their success is a huge reward for me and I enjoy witnessing them on their journey.
I have an extensive background in dance. I received my BFA in dance performance and composition from one of the top conservatories in the nation, SUNY PURCHASE CONSERVATORY OF DANCE. I have training in classical and contemporary ballet, modern dance (Horton- based, graham-based, Limon-based), Jazz, contemporary, lyrical, musical theatre, west African, ballroom, salsa,tap, and fitness for dance. I have performed both nationally and internationally with concert dance companies, cruise ships, theme parks, industrials, special events, and production shows. I’ve also been in musical videos, television shows, motion pictures and a national commercial. One of my favorite projects was motion capture work as a dancer/ Navi in James Cameron’s avatar.
In my lessons I make sure my students feel comfortable at the end of their session, and dont let them go away feeling defeated but a sense of accomplishment.
Dance is my absolute passion. I’m fully invested every second of the way. I enjoy the power and control of the human body. I love that without any words we can tell stories and express so many emotions. I enjoy the complexity of the many techniques of dance but when executed correctly it looks like anyone can do it.
I love sharing my knowledge of the craft with people that are really interested and aren’t afraid to take risk.
One of the beauties of dance is seeing how the different movement is interpreted on different shapes and sizes. It can be the same step with a completely different look and vibe. It is so unique!
Photos and videos
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I find out from new students what style they would like to learn. If they have any dance background, if yes what technique(s) and for how long they’ve trained. Although some don’t like sharing😉 their age. I ask if there is anything specific coming up that they want to learn a dance for. And I ask what their goal is at the end of lesson(s).
A lot of times I get request that have a deadline I.e. a student auditioning for a school - needs a one minute solo by next week, couple wants to learn wedding dance needs Choreography and feel comfortable to perform in front of an audience in two months. I also have request for solid technique classes. Either a first time beginner, an advanced trying to maintain, or some one who wants to brush up on a style they haven’t had in their life in a while.
So I ask those questions off the top to make sure I’m providing the best quality service for my client.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
CHRISTOPHER NOLEN
Christopher Nolen holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Dance and is a graduate of the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts. During Christopher’s early years of training he was a dance competitor and won several awards. Christopher has also trained at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, Alonzo King Lines Ballet, Taipei National University of the Arts, and Springboard Danse Montreal. Professionally Christopher toured both nationally and internationally with Lula Washington Dance Theatre, Abraham In Motion, August Wilson Center Dance Ensemble, Enforced Arch, Princess Cruises, Holland America Cruise Line, Daniel Gwirtzman, Forces of Nature, Back Up Dancer For "Peaches" in 'Peaches Christ Superstar', back up dancer for the first ladies of Disco Including Martha Wash and Evelyn Cham- pagne King, guest artist with the Taipei Royal Ballet, Dawson dance company, and Texture Contemporary Ballet. Christopher also performed in theme parks including featured roles in Disney’s California adventures’ “Aladdin A Musical Spectacular” and Universal Studios Hollywood’s “Grinchmas” as Dru Who. Music video features include Joe Taylor’s “parade,” Paula Abdul’s “check yourself,” and “David Aude/ Jessica Sutta’s “Gonna be Mine”. Featured dancer in “Ru Paul’s Drag Race Slay tacular. Christopher Has also performed at several benefit shows including dancers responding to AIDS in NYC, Aids Assistance Program, and AUDI TT premiere (Beijing). In 2018 Super Bowl national commercial for Michelob Ultra Beer. Christopher has performed the repertoire of Denise Faye, Lee Martino, Bill T. Jones, Paul Taylor, Alonzo King, Kyle Abraham, Christopher Huggins, Rennie Harris, Donald Mckayle, Liz Imperio and Danny Teeson among others. Christopher also starred in the James Cameron's film "Avatar" as a dancer/ Navi. In 2017 Christopher Founded C.A.N. MOVES, an interdisciplinary program designed to provide young performing artist with training and inside information on entertainment.
How did you get started teaching?
I’ve been instructing since 2004. I started teaching tap at the studio I was attending to help pay my monthly tuition. I was an advanced tapper and an advanced jazz and ballet studio. So it was a fair trade off.
What types of students have you worked with?
I’ve had all students all ages from all walks of life. My youngest age group is 4 years old. My oldest was somewhere in their 70’s. I currently instruct classes to Down syndrome youth once a month at a ymca in Los Angeles county.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
They should think about what it they are trying to get out of the lessons and be realistic about it. If it’s their first ballet lesson, at the end of the month they will not be dancing in their first pair of pointe shoes. (If any teacher lets them do that RUN... RUN AWAY AS FAST AS YOU CAN) pointe shoes can and will come after a strong foundation and understanding of the technique has been established.
remember that our bodies are our instruments and we are constantly fine tuning our Instrument.
I would also advise them to remind themselves of their goals and know in order to reach the goal it takes major discipline.