Astoria Arts And Movement Center

Target demographics: The AAMC extends ALL of its classes to every age, ability, gender, ethnicity, race, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, economic class, and interest. Our students have ranged in ages from 6 to 71 and are from very diverse backgrounds. The AAMC is consistently working to become more accessible to under-served and marginalized populations that are rarely incorporated and often under represented (or misrepresented) in artistic projects, classes and performances.

Direct beneficiaries per year: Over 3000 individuals

Geographic areas served: The AAMC was founded in 2011 out of a direct need for a culturally diverse dance, performing arts, and physical education studio inclusive to all ages and abilities. We offer a range of affordable classes, events and workshops that would otherwise not be available on the North Coast. On an individual level these activities have statistically been shown to dramatically improve self-esteem, motivation, physical health, emotional well-being, social skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to learn. Communally these things benefit local economies, encourage diversity, and strengthen local infrastructures and other organizations (source: www.artsusa.org). We KNOW there is a need for individuals to express creativity in a healthy way and we take this to heart. The AAMC seeks to meet this essential need, as it is our main objective that everyone has access to these vital things that strengthen us on both an individual and communal level.

Programs: Since 2011 the AAMC has grown to over 20 instructors and over 25 volunteers, offering almost 30 classes a week and 3 workshops/events a month. Instructors and classes include: Dave Ambrose (Contra Dance), Estelle Olivares (Argentine Tango, Ballroom), Joy Sigler (Zumba), Margaret Murdock (Tai Chi), Melissa Henige (Tri Dosha Yoga, Wise Women's Gatherings), Marco Davis (Tap, Jazz, Drag), Jessamyn West (Belly Dance, Choreography, Qigong), Trixie Kerfuffle (Ballet, Burlesque), Jen Miller (Ballroom, Latin, Country, Swing), Terrie Powers (Gentle Yoga, Meditation), Angela Sidlo (Wellness, Tai Chi for Arthritis), Jude Matulichall (Yoga, Pilates), Kestrel Gates (Butoh), JL Gillikin (Tango Practica), Kim Postlewaite (Zumba Fitness), Kelli Daffron (Yin Yoga, Yoga Workout, Vinyasa Yoga), Erika Hawkins (Fusion Belly Dance), Shanna Gillette (Guided Conscious Movement, Dance Church), Joyce Senior (Zumba), Ashlee Della-Franca (Pole, Twerk, Sensual Dance), Julia Hesse (Tarot), Kimberly Miguel Mullen (AfroCaribe, Rumba), Julie Kovatch (Poi, Improvisational Tribal Style Belly Dance), Kimberly Hazel (Ecstatic Dance, Dream Workshops), Tammy Loughran (Zumba Dance Fitness), Rachel Lionheart: Physical Theater, Character Dojo, Improv), Rebeckah Orton (Doula Workshops), Nate Boozer (Hip Hop, Cardio Funk) and Anjali Hursh (Bhangra, Giddha, Bollywood), Leigh Anne (American Tribal Style Belly Dance), Rich Small (East and West Coast Swing, Latin, Ballroom, Salsa), Zachar Sollars (Contact Improv) and Julia Gingerich (Contemporary Modern, Sparrow Dance Company).