Words on community from our weekly Renters
Our weekly renters are dedicated professionals who care deeply about their craft and are passionate about sharing it with others. At the core of their work is a commitment to community— building collective strength, fostering connection, and supporting one another along the way.
Here, they share what community means to them and how that spirit is reflected within their classes.
KATIE THOMPSON
“We have built a community of humans coming together to find joy and play, a weekly reminder that our bodies and this life can encompass so much, and having a blast is one of our natural birthrights! This class is a lighthouse for me each week—a moment when I experience people showing up and giving their all, whether they are seasoned or new to the movement. These humans take chances and step out of their comfort zone. We laugh, get rowdy, sweat, play, and groove!”
OPEN LEVEL ADULT HIP HOP — Tuesdays | 5:30-6:45pm
Come learn grooves, isolations, and the fundamentals of Hip Hop dance, then put them all together in fun choreography. Learning old school grooves as well as movements of today’s culture. Whether you’re breaking through the “I’m not a dancer” mentality or have been dancing for years, this class is a space for connecting to your body through a fun, positive, and judgement-free environment.
email: toordanceco@gmail.com
IG: @kgt2187
Nicole wolcott
“People who have continued to come to this class for over a year are welcoming to all who join us and willing to focus on being INTERESTED in what we are doing rather than trying to be INTERESTING, so we have a lot of fun. I've taught composition and improvisation for fifteen years, and in that time, I learned that self-consciousness is a prison. Their open-minded approach allows anyone who joins us to lay down their own self-consciousness and play with us. Together, we shed the day's mental clutter and discover what it means to ‘be ourselves.’ “
CREATIVE MOVEMENT FOR GROWN-UPS — Tuesdays | 7-8:30pm
Ever wanted to dive into movement like a professional dancer? In this class, you can, no technique needed, just curiosity and a willingness to explore! Move, groove, and play with intention, like a kid, but with the focus and depth of an artist.
Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned dancer, this class invites you to discover your body's imagination through joyful exploration, guided play with kindred spirits led by renowned choreographer Nicole Wolcott and accompanied by sound designer Omar Zubair.
email: nicolewolcott@gmail.com
ALISSA TUCKER
“I am in awe of the community we’ve built in Heels class! It is the most beautifully supportive space where dancers of all levels and backgrounds can express themselves, be vulnerable, and feel celebrated. Community is what brought me back home to Missoula, and I couldn’t have imagined a better community than this one we’ve built at Westside. One of the songs we warm up to is a version of “Come Together,” and it’s an opportunity for us all to ground together, start to break out of our shells, and allow ourselves to get a little primal. I love looking around the room during this part of class and seeing how it ignites the space.”
HEELS DANCE FOR ALL LEVELS — Wenesdays | 7-8:30pm
An all-levels heels class focused on confidence, sensual movement, and self-expression in a safe, supportive space. Heels are optional and knee pads encouraged. We start with a barefoot or sock warm-up, then learn choreography that can be danced in heels or without. Come move, feel empowered, and express yourself.
email: alissa@dancewithalissa.com
IG: @tucker_alissa
Missoula Academy of T'ai Chi Ch'uan
“The students are a community of very nice people who are happy to help beginners and each other. As a teacher, it's wonderful to see them practice together and build friendships in and outside of class.” — Chris Frandsen, Sifu
T’AI CHI FOR ALL LEVELS — Wednesdays & Thursdays | 10am-12pm
Classes meet at 10:00 am with a brief individual warm-up period. Group and individual instruction formally begins at around 10:10 am and continues until 11:30 am with a couple of short breaks. Advanced students then have an additional half hour of class. Both classes are open to all levels, but the Wednesday morning class is more focused on beginners and basic skills, and Thursdays are a little more advanced.
The curriculum consists of traditional Yang family and Tung family T'ai Chi as well as Qigong (breath/energy exercises). This includes slow T'ai Chi, fast T'ai Chi, push hands, weapons and meditation.
Led by Chris Frandsen, Sifu phone: 406-207-8363
Joy French | Westside Pilates Center
“Pilates should be an exploration of your own biomechanics. How does the body strengthen, stretch, learn new patterns? One of my favorite quotes is by Ben Franklin: ”Be always employ'd in something useful.” I want to be useful to my Pilates clients as they physically challenge themselves and renew their love of movement — not because of how they look in the mirror, but because it feels good to MOVE and feel stronger, more balanced, and fully integrated.
By being part of the full Westside Theater community, I get to be a part of a space where movers and dancers are here because they love to learn more about these beautiful human bodies of ours!”
Open six days a week in the loft at the Westside Theater!
With a focus on Classical Pilates, clients receive individual attention in a private studio designed to serve their personal needs. Whether new to Pilates or looking to deepen your practice, the Westside Pilates Center aims to cultivate an inclusive and vibrant community with highly specialized instruction to help you reach your fitness goals.
email: westsidepliatescenter@gmail.com
website: westsidepilatescenter.com
Want to teach at the Westside? Rent the Westside!