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Angler Movement Studio


Walking up to Angler Movement Studio, you feel as though you are being transported to a hidden paradise, one that feels simultaneously serene yet full of energy. The sound of drums draws you in, the ivy-covered walls offer a sense of history and nature, and the smiling faces that welcome you represent what this studio is all about – community and energy. Located at 1550 E. Montgomery Avenue in Fishtown,  it feels tucked away from the hustle and bustle of city life, while still being easily accessible. Once you enter the outdoor patio, metal dancers on the gate seem to leap about and greet you as you walk up the path and through the doors.

Friday, June 1st was their aptly named “Lure” First Friday event. The reception area was filled with neighbors, artists, crafts and refreshments. Dynamic prints from photographer Murtaza Paghdiwala decorated the walls and Malika Oyetimein’s Sockitz!, colorful little creatures made from socks and recycled buttons, added a youthful exuberance to the room. Performances began with singer Hannah Tsapatoris MacLeod playing keyboard and treating us to four original and deeply personal songs. “The Waitstaff”, a local sketch comedy troupe, performed a skit for the audience. Anssumane Silla, the studio’s African Dance instructor, played drums and encouraged volunteers to get up and dance to give a glimpse of what his class will be like. The warmth and community felt during the performances was unmistakable, and that is just what owner Katharine Livingston is aiming for.

Livingston opened the studio in 2003 with the goal of making it a “little retreat” from daily life; a space where children and adults can experiment with movement and dance. Livingston spent a few years trying to find the right building for her vision and upon finding this space, she felt right away that this was it.

“I love that it is set back off the street, it’s really private and peaceful…when I saw the building, I knew this was the place,” says Livingston.

Originally from Portland, Oregon and a graduate of the California Institute of the Arts, Livingston moved to New York City upon finishing school and auditioned for a dance company. Out of those who auditioned, she was offered the open spot, but with one condition. “They said, ‘By the way – we’re in Philly, would you mind moving?’” she says with a laugh. So she left New York and has called Philadelphia home for the past twenty-two years.

Livingston purchased the building in 2001 and converted the “raw, open space” into a studio. Classes were held regularly from 2003 to 2010.  At that time, she found herself unsure what direction to go in next and decided to close the doors to take time to regroup. As she pondered the future of Angler, Patti Hobfoll approached her about re-opening the studio and focusing on making it a place for community, dance, and joy. Only a few months after deciding to re-open, Livingston and Hobfoll found themselves getting ready for a summer 2012 session, which began on June 2nd and will last six weeks. Livingston is grateful for the chance to bring dance and movement back into the neighborhood.

“This is what’s important to me…I love the neighborhood and I love the people that have come to take classes here. I want them to have this space, I want there to be life here. This is what it’s about. It’s a community space, and I created it for that. So to have someone else like Patti come in and want to breathe new life into it, it’s wonderful. I’m happy that it happened this way.”

Fishtown has a gem here at Angler and the future looks bright. In addition to traditional dance classes such as ballet, the studio also offers African drumming, Tai Chi, Pilates, kickboxing and more. All of the classes are taught by local instructors who were found mostly by word of mouth in the Philadelphia dance community. There is a children’s “creative dance” program for ages three – twelve, broken down into three groups to provide age-appropriate experiences. Livingston describes the children’s classes at Angler as “vibrant” and hopes to expand them in the fall. “I love the children’s classes here. It’s just about creative movement, letting kids explore their own inner dancer.”

Angler will continue hosting First Friday events throughout the summer and will offer another six week session beginning in late July. Currently, classes are offered in the evenings and on weekends. In September, they hope to offer more daytime classes such as “Mommy and Me” and pre/post-natal workouts. Drop-ins are welcome for all classes. For more information and to see the full schedule of classes, visit the studio online at www.anglermovementarts.com or call 267-603-2643.

The Spirit | Hyperlocal done differently
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