🎃🦇Welcome to Spooky & Scary Month at CED, where we are celebrating weird shapes, broken lines, and Monster Moves with creepy names like spider, gargoyle, corpse, and coffin. We also take the time this month to work on the skills that scare us, with support every step of the way. Prepare your costumes, catch a seasonal choreography series, try something new in an Intro class, and save the date for Taylor Steen’s November workshops as well as Aminah’s Belly Dance Brunch.
Questions? Text 440-941-7653
October is always, and will forever be, till death do us part, Spooky & Scary Month at CED! The decorations are up, the playlists were already playing in September because we have no chill, and costumes are welcome in classes all month long, especially during the week leading up to Halloween (just make sure they are safe for the activity you are doing!).
This month we are exploring the movements that don’t always fit the polished mold; celebrating weird shapes and broken lines instead of perfectly pointed toes. Pole and lyra are full of moves with creepy names like spider, gargoyle, corpse, coffin, and many more, and we are bringing them out to play in most classes, and featuring them during Monster Moves.
We are also taking time this month to challenge ourselves to tackle the skills we find scary. Everyone is different with what that looks like, but we are here to help guide you through it. Finding the courage to be upside down, if you want to be, is hard! We almost all freak out doing drops, so we will be right with you there. Come have some fun during one of our favorite months of the year!
In this edition
- Supporting the Local Community: Aminah is hosting a Belly Dance Brunch Show in Lakewood!
- Featured Classes: Halloween choreography series and workshops that have a little something for everyone.
- Guest Spotlights: Nyx La Vix’s Acro Chair workshop this month, and Taylor Steen in November.
- Beyond the Movement: Unmasking Sexual Myths, where we pull the mask off the stories that keep us afraid.
- Get Ready for the Winter Soirée: Save the Date!!!! Sunday, December 20th.
- More Specialty Classes & Series: starting in October thru mid November.
Quick Calendar
Tap any listing for details.
SPECIALTY one-time class
SERIES multi-week, builds each class
EVENT show or community gathering
* can also join online
Supporting the Local Community
Spice, Sips, and Shimmies: A Belly Dance Brunch Show
Sunday, November 22nd
Doors 11:00am | Show 12:00pm
The Winchester Music Tavern, Lakewood
EVENT
Our belly dance instructor, Aminah Louise, is hosting her very first Belly Dance Brunch! Aminah created this show because belly dancers haven’t been a regular sight in Cleveland restaurants and hookah lounges since before 2020, and belly dance shows as entertainment for the general public have become hard to find. She’s looking to change that, and we are so proud to support her.
Grab your friends, order some brunch, and enjoy an afternoon full of shimmies. $20 in advance | 18+
The Winchester Music Tavern, 12112 Madison Ave, Lakewood
Featured Classes for October
Halloween Belly Dance Choreography
Tuesdays, October 6th – November 3rd
7:00-8:00pm In Studio Only
SERIES
Seduction. Hunger. Transformation. This Halloween-inspired experimental belly dance choreography explores the duality of the vampire: beautiful yet monstrous, graceful yet predatory. Through serpentine movement, dramatic isolations, unexpected accents, and theatrical expression, we’ll create a piece that feels less like dancing as a vampire and more like becoming one.
This choreography is great for both beginner and intermediate belly dancers! Prior belly dance experience or completion of Belly Dance 101 is required for this series.
Halloween Burlesque Choreography
Thursdays, October 8th – 29th
7:15-8:15pm In Studio Only
SERIES
Is that a full moon? You know what happens during a full moon, right? The wolves come out to play! This Halloween, burlesque werewolves are taking over CED, and they’re ready to howl. During this 4 week series, you’ll unleash your inner wolf and learn a group choreography, culminating in an expertly produced and edited recording to share with family and friends.
Previous burlesque series, workshop, or experience required, or instructor approval to join.
Monster Moves: Haunted Pole & Lyra Fun
Wednesday, October 14th
7:15-8:15pm In Studio Only
SPECIALTY
Roxi and Lisa are joining forces to bring you a one time class with all of their favorite Halloween themed pole and lyra moves! Some prior aerial experience is recommended, but we will have a wide array of moves to play with, so this class is adaptable to all levels.
Costumes are encouraged, but must be safe for both pole and lyra.
Halloween Pole Choreography
Friday, October 16th
7:00-8:30pm In Studio Only
SPECIALTY
Do you love the idea of learning choreography for pole but can’t commit to a series? Join Erin for One Night Only, a 90-minute workshop where we’ll learn a grounded, all-levels friendly pole routine from start to finish.
Since it’s October, feel free to wear your costumes (slutty or otherwise), heels, or whatever makes you feel spooky and sexy.
Spooky & Scary Lyra
Mondays, October 19th & 26th
7:00-8:00pm In Studio Only
SERIES
A two-week lyra series built around fear, on your own terms. Week one, we’ll dig into spooky and spine-tingling moves as a group — new tricks to build confidence and creep factor. Week two, you bring a move that scares you or one you’ve been avoiding, and we’ll break it down and work through it together.
Great for students ready to face a mental block, try something new, or just get into the Halloween spirit on the hoop.
Guest Instructor Spotlights
Nyx La Vix (October)
From her instagram page: “Burlesque babe, aerialist, lover of all things Greek, where naughty meets night!” Sounds absolutely perfect for CED. And we’ve heard you on more chair dance! Nyx La Vix has been performing in Burlesque, Lyra, and doing Chair Acro all around town, and now teaching workshops!
Registration for her Acro Chair workshop is now open!
Acro Chair with Nyx La Vix
Saturday, October 10th
1:00-2:30pm In Studio Only
SPECIALTY
Join burlesque performer Nyx La Vix in a beginner/intermediate chair acro workshop!
Learn empowering combos including several split poses in a supportive environment.
No prior aerial experience necessary and modifications will be provided as needed.
Taylor Steen (November)
Taylor is a dynamic and passionate pole artist with 6+ years of experience and 3+ years of teaching. Known for her ability to embody any style she takes on, Taylor is particularly recognized for her high energy movement, musicality, and unmatched stage presence. Whether she is executing hard style, hip-hop inspired movement or flowing through smooth, sensual transitions, she seamlessly shifts between a menace and a muse, infusing each movement with emotion.
Taylor creates a space for dancers to explore the full range of their expression and embodiment, all while staying connected to the music and the moment. She is passionate about sharing her craft, with a strong focus on refining technique, developing skill, and empowering dancers to embrace their creativity.
Intro to Hardstyle
Sunday, November 8th
12:00-1:30pm In Studio Only
SPECIALTY
Get a taste of all the hardstyle flavors!
This workshop introduces dancers to hardstyle movement through mini combos and sequences focused on musicality, sharp accents, attitude, and dynamic movement. Expect to explore different textures and energies while building coordination, control, and confidence in your movement.
Prior heels experience recommended. Students should feel comfortable with basic spins and pirouettes/hand holds as well. CED Pole levels 2/3 and up with those prerequisites.
Dark Hypno Flow
Sunday, November 8th
1:45-3:15pm In Studio Only
SPECIALTY
Dark Hypno Flow is a heels choreography workshop set to dark, bass-heavy music with hypnotic, ambient undertones. This class blends fluid transitions with grounded, dynamic accents, focusing on musicality, presence, and intention while embodying a darker, more hypnotic energy.
(Must have solid experience with Pirouettes, one handed spins, and Heels)
Beyond the Movement: Sexual Wellness
Our sensual, erotic, and sexual health directly impacts how we move in the world and how we take up space. These class offerings create a space to decenter the external gaze and the performative pressures that so often dictate how we show up. Additionally, we are creating a safe space for conversations about things we “aren’t supposed to” talk about. Sex Ed is severely lacking among all age groups. Pride & Pleasure is here to give you the resources you might be missing, the space to talk about it, and way to bring more joy and healing to your life.
Unmasking Sexual Myths
Wednesday, October 21st
6:00-7:30pm In Studio & Online
SPECIALTY
Something wicked this way comes — and it’s everything you’ve ever been told about sex that simply isn’t true.
This Halloween, Pride & Pleasure is pulling back the mask on some of the most persistent myths around sex, pleasure, and bodies. We’re playing a little game of Trick or Treat to sort the facts from the fiction — and some of what gets unmasked might just surprise you.
Get Ready for the Winter Soirée!
As we head into November, you’ll start to notice many new choreography series hitting the schedule. These all wrap up the week before our Winter Soirée on Sunday, December 20th at 5:00pm. SAVE THE DATE!
You can always take a choreography class just for the fun of it with no pressure to perform. However, if you want to share the art on a very welcoming stage, now is the time! We accept all acts, not just those from the choreography classes. Start working on your number now and let us know if you need any help bringing your vision to life.
You have loads of time to plan and decide, but please fill out the performer form when you are ready.
Deadline for sign-ups is Thursday, December 10th.
Not ready to perform yet? We highly recommend coming to watch the Winter Soirée or volunteering as a pole or stage kitten! There is a unique rush to being cheered on by the crowd just for cleaning the poles and prepping the stage for your friends. The supportive energy in the room is incredible, and it is the perfect way to dip your toes into the showcase experience.
More Specialty Classes & Series
Butterfly to Ayesha
Saturday, October 3rd
12:15-1:15pm In Studio Only
SPECIALTY
We will start with the anatomy which reviews the key muscle engagements, and the biomechanics where you will learn the theory about how the gravitational and leverage forces come together for balance. We will look at common alignment and engagement errors, and how to correct them.
Then we will spend some time on the poles, beginning with assessment and practice on Butterfly looking at the entry from both outside leg hook, and inverted caterpillar. We will then move on to shape variations in that grip that bridge toward building and improving the core bracing and balance needed for Ayesha.
Intro to Lyra
Sunday, October 4th
2:45-4:15pm In Studio Only
SPECIALTY
Your entry point to the lyra (aerial hoop) and a chance to feel out how it moves differently from other apparatus like pole. Built for total beginners, and equally useful as a technique refresher if you’ve been on the hoop before, this class meets you where you are. We’ll move through conditioning basics, spins, climbs, static poses, and transitions, with the option to put a couple of movements together into simple combos by the end — inversion optional throughout.
Intro to Belly Dance
Sunday, October 4th
4:30-6:00pm In Studio & Online
SPECIALTY
Intro to Belly Dance: because learning to shimmy is more fun than any other workout!
We will cover some fundamental isolations and movements that are essential for this style of dance, giving you a great introduction to belly dance taught from a Fat Chance Fusion standpoint with some Cabaret style. Beginner-friendly, body-positive, and open to all levels, no experience necessary.
Intro to Assisted Stretching
Wednesday, October 7th
7:00-8:30pm In Studio Only
SPECIALTY
This class is for anyone who would like to gently increase their own mobility, and also help another do the same.
Students will be guided through a whole body stretch routine and learn basic stretches and practice giving and receiving them in class. Accommodations can be made for difficulties with certain stretches or positions.
Bring a partner to work with, or be willing to work on another person and be worked on in turn.
Intro to Heel Dance
Wednesday, October 14th
5:30-7:00pm In Studio Only
SPECIALTY
Intro to Heel Dance is a fun, empowering 90-minute workshop designed to introduce you to the foundations of heels dance in a supportive, judgment-free environment.
You’ll learn the basics of heels technique, posture, balance, walks, transitions, body movement, musicality, and beginner-friendly choreography, with a touch of floorwork to help you feel confident moving both on your feet and on the floor.
All levels welcome! No prior heels experience is required—just come ready to learn, move, and have fun!
Lyra Playspace
Saturday, October 17th
12:15-1:45pm In Studio Only
SPECIALTY
Lyra Playspace is an intentional container for lyra students to invest in curiosity. Unlike a traditional class, there will not be a set lesson plan – students are instead encouraged to come to class with personal goals in mind, and the instructor will be there to support, offer assistance, and share feedback as desired.
Whether you’re working on shaping your movements on the hoop into dance, or found a move on instagram you’d like to try, or want extra time to work on something from regular class, Lyra Playspace is a supportive environment to try out new ideas!
Intermediate/Advanced Floorwork
Sunday, October 25th
1:15-2:15pm In Studio Only
SPECIALTY
This class is designed for intermediate and advanced students looking to refine and elevate their floorwork skills.
You’ll learn how to embody fluid, sensual movement while exploring the dynamic intersection of dance, acrobatics, and fitness. Class will focus on technique, transitions, and musicality as we break down intermediate to advanced floorwork tricks, patterns, and sequences that highlight strength, flexibility, and control. Emphasis is placed on fluidity, seamless transitions, and developing a deeper connection between your body and the floor. Through guided instruction, drills, and creative exploration, you’ll build confidence, artistry, and precision in your floorwork practice.
Intro to Pole
Tuesday, November 3rd
5:15-6:45pm In Studio Only
SPECIALTY
New to pole? Has it been a while and you’re looking for an opportunity to start again?
This 90 minute workshop will have you dancing by the end of it! The focus during class will be on holds, spins, and pivots. We will also explore what is needed for climbing and inverting, and will put everything together into a short routine at the end of class.
Burlesque Choreography
Wednesdays, November 4th – December 16th
6:00-7:00pm In Studio Only
SERIES
You’ve got your bumps and grinds down. Your walk is on point. You’re evolving and improving in your burlesque persona. What’s next??
Take the burlesque basics to the next level! Throughout this 6 week course, you will learn choreography, explore musicality and emotion, and complete one entire routine from start to finish!
Stripper Style Choreography
Wednesdays, November 4th – December 16th
7:00-8:00pm In Studio Only
SERIES
In this round of Stripper Style Choreography, Roxi is building on the Floor Fuckers workshop from earlier this year. We will piece together a full routine to an entire song, featuring stripper style floorwork through the lens of a lap dance, with a few lap elements woven into the mix. You are welcome to join just for fun, or prepare to perform the routine at the Winter Soirée in December.
This series welcomes dancers who have taken stripper style movement classes or have equivalent experience. It remains beginner friendly, and moves can always be adapted to match your individual skill level.
Lyra Flow & Combinations
Thursdays, November 5th – December 17th
6:30-7:30pm In Studio Only
SERIES
Ready to take your lyra practice beyond single tricks? This class focuses on stringing moves together, exploring fluid combinations, and revisiting sequences to build seamless flow, stamina, and confidence on the hoop. We’ll break down transitions step-by-step so you can connect foundational skills into beautiful, continuous movement.
Prerequisites & Suitability: Great for students with some lyra experience who have a foundational set of tricks and are ready to start putting things together into complete sequences.
HIIT: High Intensity Invert Training
Monday, November 9th
7:10-8:10pm In Studio & Online
SPECIALTY
This class will teach you a circuit workout full of exercises that will help you with various inversions in pole and lyra including but not limited to High V, Straddle Mount, and Reverse Mount.
We will start with a gentle, mobility warmup, and then jump into three rounds of exercises, each with four exercises per round. You’ll work hard for 40 seconds with 20 seconds of rest between exercises, then repeat.
All moves can be modified to your fitness level, but be prepared to sweat and work hard.
The Art of Heels: Performance Series
Tuesdays, November 10th – December 15th
5:45-6:45pm In Studio Only
SERIES
Dancers will learn and develop one full heels choreography, focusing on musicality, precision, fluid transitions, and confident stage presence. Each class will build on the last, allowing you to fully embody the movement while strengthening your balance, control, and performance quality in heels.
The goal is not only to learn choreography, but to explore the artistry, expression, and power that comes with dancing in heels.
Belly Dance Choreography
Tuesdays, November 10th – December 15th
7:00-8:00pm In Studio Only
SERIES
We welcome all students with belly dance experience either from completing Belly Dance 101 at CED, or from training elsewhere, to learn a group belly dance choreography number!
We’ve worked on a short number to “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” during our Belly Dance Drills class in years past, and now we’re turning it into this year’s Winter Soiree choreography!
Since this is a choreography class that builds to a full song routine, please make sure you start attending no later than the second week of class to give you plenty of time to learn the dance.