L.A.’s On Ensemble teaches taiko drumming workshop at FWDC

The On Ensemble. Photo by Ayumi Kameda
Fort Wayne Taiko and the Fort Wayne Dance Collective are keeping the beat alive with a workshop with the On Ensemble, an LA-based taiko performance and teaching group, Wednesday, January 5.
On Ensemble, (pronounced “Ohn”) takes the ancient instruments of taiko into new realms. Infusing the powerful rhythms of ensemble Japanese drumming with elements of hip-hop, rock and electronica, On Ensemble’s unique sound has been praised as “completely original and brilliantly conceived.” Modern Drummer magazine calls On Ensemble “an exciting taiko ensemble looking at new ways to apply traditional Japanese drums.”
Masato Baba, who was in Fort Wayne in April with TAIKOPROJECT, will be returning with On Ensemble, along with Kristofer Bergstrom, Shoji Kameda and Kelvin Underwood.
From 10 AM to 12:30 PM, particiants will explore basic slant drum form and technique with On Ensemble’s detailed exploration of the basic strike.
The afternoon workshop, from 1:30-4, will explore Bon Taiko, or Matsuri Daiko, which is one of the most fun and exciting forms of Japanese drumming. Bon Taiko Bonanza teaches an engaging solo structure including oroshi, kakegoe and the innovative “glitch ji” that can be looped repeatedly for multiple soloists.
Each workshop is $50, or participants can attend both for $90, saving 10%.
Call (260) 424-6574, or email info@fwdc.org for more information or to register today! Space is limited, so register soon!

Sessions taught by Lisa Tsetse, FWDC co-founder, ABMP-certified massage therapist, Guild-certified Feldenkrais® practitioner.
During the holidays, we all indulge a little. And often, our favorite fitness and wellness studios are closed. Although the Fort Wayne Dance Collective won’t be holding regular classes for a few weeks between classes we will holding two special sessions of Feldenkrais sessions.
Monday, Dec. 13
5:30-6:30 pm
Monday, Dec. 20
5:30-6:30 pm
Workshops are $12 each, or pay only $20 total when registering for both!
The Feldenkrais Method is an educational system centered on movement, aiming to expand and refine the use of the self through awareness. It is intended for those who wish to improve their movement repertoire (dancers, musicians, artists), as well as those wishing to reduce pain or limitations in movement, and many who want to improve their general well-being and personal development. Because it uses movement as the primary vehicle for gaining awareness, it is directly applicable to disorders that arise from restricted or habitually poor movement. But as a process for gaining awareness, the system claims to expand a person’s choices and responses to many aspects of life: emotions, relationships, and intellectual tasks; and it applies at any level, from severe disorder to highly professional performance. The Feldenkrais Method holds that there is no separation between mind and body, and thus learning to move better can improve one’s overall well-being on many levels.
Visit Lisa’s website at LisaTsetse.com.
To register, call (260) 424-6574 or contact us!
Christina Havens will be in town to explore the ongoing practice of 5rhythms, created by Gabrielle Roth!
The 5Rhythms movement practice helps us express openness, presence and joy in our bodies and in our lives and allows us to experience the transformative power of dance. The basics of the 5Rhythms are flow, staccato, chaos, lyrical and stillness. These rhythms will ground us in our feet, belly, and breath. No dance experience is needed, just the willingness to move with and be curious about whatever is present in your body and be fascinated by your own fluidity. We hope you will join us on the dance floor!
Saturday, November 6, 1 to 3 pm
$20 per student
Call (260) 424-6574 to register today!
Christine Havens, www.wavesdance.com, has been studying 5Rhythms® Dance with Gabrielle Roth for the past 22 years and has been a certified teacher of the 5Rhythms® for 13 years. Christine travels internationally teaching 5Rhythms® workshops and for the past 13 years has also held weekly classes in Seattle and on Bainbridge Island, WA. Christine is passionate about teaching the 5Rhythms and is devoted to developing embodiment, presence and community through the practice of the 5Rhythms as a spiritual practice. For the past 15 years, Christine has also had a private practice as a psychotherapist/movement therapist. Christine enjoys combining somatic and spiritual practices in all her work.
Feldenkrais: Awareness through Movement

Lisa Tsetse, ABMP-certified massage therapist, Guild-certified Feldenkrais™ practitioner
Join FWDC founding member Lisa Tsetse, as she returns from Ithaca, NY to teach this popular movement method!
What is Feldenkrais?
The Feldenkrais Method™ is an educational system centered on movement, aiming to expand and refine the use of the self through awareness. It is intended for those who wish to improve their movement repertoire (dancers, musicians, artists), as well as those wishing to reduce pain or limitations in movement, and many who want to improve their general well-being and personal development.
Monday, August 9 & Tuesday, August 10
4:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.
Held at FWDC Elliot Studio, 437 E. Berry St., Second Floor
Cost: $15 per session, or $25 for both.
Call (260) 424-6574 or contact us to register.






The Fort Wayne Dance Collective is funded in part by