A local woman who marches to the beat of her own drum is hoping others who feel the same will join her new business venture to celebrate sisterhood.
Alixe Fox (formerly Sue Volpe) is launching Drum & Dance Company on Sept. 13, Collingwood's first drum and dance school for women.
“I’ve run a lot of different businesses over the years. I was looking for something else. I just want to dance, play drums and be with my friends,” said Fox. “I would go to take a dance lesson, but I just wasn’t happy with adult dance classes.”
“As I get older, I want my creativity to have more of a place,” she said. “Every time I dance, I feel so alive. It re-ignites a fire.”
“I’ve learned that, if I want to do this, I’m probably not the only one.”
Fox is a classically trained and certified ballet instructor, a certified fitness and yoga instructor and a trained drummer/percussionist. Her vision behind the school was to start a program that was a more relaxed experience for adult women to move their bodies and have fun while building female friendships along the way.
“There’s nothing like it here. The response has been amazing,” she said.
The nine-month program will run from September until June split into three terms with a month off in December. There will also be an option for more to join in January. Fox says the classes are open to those of all skill levels, and the classes will culminate in a final show at the end of the term.
“This way, it will be the same women every week where we’re really getting to know each other and work through our own insecurities. It will be nice to feel safe while exploring,” said Fox.
There are three types of classes are provided: modern/lyrical dance, drums and gumboot. Fox describes the modern/lyrical classes as exploring the feminine side, while gumboot explores the masculine side.
In order to sign up, participants must commit to attending two classes per week.
“It’s going to be healing. It’s going to be nurturing. It’s going to be growing,” she said. “It’s almost like therapy, but playful.”
Registration is now open for the September season. For more information or to sign up, click here.
