Commercial BEGINNERS & BEGINNER CONTINUATION Intensives | Tampere | Autumn 2026

Sundays starting 23.8. at 3-4 PM (16 sessions - autumn break on week 42)

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COMMERCIAL ADVANCED BEGINNER INTENSIVE WITH ANNI

Sundays starting 23.8. at 4-5 PM (16 sessions - autumn break on week 42)

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COMMERCIAL AS A DANCE STYLE

Commercial is a fusion dance style that combines elements such as hip hop, jazz, show dance, street dance, funk, and music video/stage show aesthetics. It is typically seen in music videos, artist performances, TV productions, and commercial/entertainment industry choreographies. 

In intensive groups, the same song/choreography is often worked on for a longer period at a time, with many repetitions. Technique is largely learned through the choreography itself. A larger portion of the class content may be dedicated solely to technique, and sometimes technique can be practiced for almost the entire dance class if it supports the upcoming or ongoing choreography.

The instructor for the autumn Commercial beginner intensives is Anni Verho.

COMMERCIAL BEGINNER INTENSIVE CONTENT:

Beginner is generally for people with no or very little prior dance experience. It is designed for complete beginners. Classes focus on technique, improvisation, performance, and dancing choreography.  The beginner level is suitable for those with 0–1 year of experience.

The intensive group practices:

1. Basic movement vocabulary of the style

Commercial is not one completely uniform technique, so the instructor's style greatly influences it. Beginners learn typical basic elements, such as:

• footwork patterns
• weight transfers
• combining hands and feet
• using the hips, rib cage, and upper body
• head, gaze, and hand accents
• staying on rhythm
• techniques from other reinforcing styles occasionally (e.g., Hip Hop, Jazz, Heels)

2. Easy but impressive choreographies

We practice easy but impressive choreographies, as well as the technique and style required for their movements. In addition, we train the expression, feeling, and correct vibe interpretation belonging to the choreography. 

3. Rhythm, vocabulary, and musicality

Beginners learn how movement aligns with music. In practice, this can mean:

• dancing to counts: 1–8
• distinguishing between beats and off-beats
• varying slow and fast sections
• accents: sharp, soft, stop, slide
• dancing according to the song's mood

4. Coordination

For many beginners, the most challenging part is when the feet, hands, gaze, and upper body are doing different things. In beginner classes, these are broken down patiently.

Example:
first, learn just the step, then add hands, then gaze, finally music and performance attitude.

5. Basics of performing

In Commercial, "doing it right" doesn't just mean steps. The style includes strong performance. Therefore, beginners can practice:

• using gaze
• posture
• confident presence
• facial and body expression
• executing movements "full out" not cautiously

During the season, we will practice a variety of commercial choreographies, build stronger technique, and also develop performing skills a bit. The main focus is strongly on thoroughly learning choreographies and technique instruction. The instructor also provides individual feedback. Technique training supports the dancer's development and provides more confidence in movement, expression, and their own performance.

At the end of the season, the group has the opportunity for a light video project if the students wish. The decision will be made by a majority vote, and the filming session will be the last class. If one does not wish to participate in the filming, they can just come and watch.

COMMERCIAL ADVANCED BEGINNER INTENSIVE CONTENT:

Advanced Beginner is similar in content to beginner, but with the following differences:

1. Longer and more complex choreographies are practiced

Compared to beginner, the routines can be:

• longer
• taught more quickly
• more rhythmically varied
• more expressively demanding
• involving more changes of direction

 2. Performance and interpretation are considered at a deeper level

In advanced beginner, it's no longer just "remembering the movements," but practicing how the choreography looks like a performance. This can mean:

• timing of gaze
• contrasts: soft vs. sharp
• dynamics: small vs. large movement
• bringing one's own personality into it
• self-confidence
• interpreting the song's story or mood

3. Faster learning pace

It is assumed that the participant:

• understands basic counts
• is able to follow choreography instruction
• dares to move to music
• already recognizes some characteristics of the Commercial style
• can handle a slightly more challenging tempo

4. More "finishing touches" on choreography

In advanced beginner, more time can be spent on how the dance looks:

• hand lines
• center of gravity
• gaze direction
• initiation and cessation of movement
• synchronization with the group
• energy and purpose of movement

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