In early April, Kimberleigh Anderson took a transformative step into self-expression by joining an Intro to Popstar Dance class.
At 31 years old, Anderson entered the vibrant Pickle Factory dance studio in Frogtown, where a diverse group of about 60 participants gathered on a black-padded floor.
Led by Alec Cohen, a self-described Gay Choreographer, the class promised more than just choreography; it aimed to unlock the students’ inner fabulousness.
“I want to explore moving my body in a way that’s new to me,” Anderson shared, revealing her eagerness to dive back into dance after years away from the studio.
Cohen began the $25 session with a unique warm-up he calls a “communal pump,” inviting everyone to strut across the floor together, a lively exercise designed to instill confidence and set the tone of the class.
Anderson engaged in Cohen’s eight-count instructions, finishing with a dynamic pose.
Expressing her wish to carry this intentional movement into her daily life, she felt the stirring of a new rhythm within her.
Each Intro to Popstar Dance class is crafted with a familiar structure, where Cohen guides participants step by step through an original dance routine.
He shares a narrative arc that connects the movement to a context that enhances the energy of the class.
During every session, he builds anticipation as participants await the final connection to the chosen pop hit, which is unveiled towards the end of the class.
This particular class focused on the song from “The Wizard of Oz,” symbolizing self-discovery akin to Dorothy’s realization of the power within her ruby slippers.
Cohen draws inspiration from pop culture, particularly the confidence radiating from pop stars.
“What attracts me to pop stars is the complete conviction that they have, and I love how comfortable they are being seen,” Cohen remarked.
His own background in musical theater and performances in Lady Gaga re-creation drag shows has shaped an understanding of individuality in dance.
According to Cohen, pop music gives room for self-expression, freedom of movement, and a comforting lack of judgment.
“If you mess up, there’s not going to be a pile of cards on your dressing room station saying, ‘Your foot was not pointed when it was supposed to be.’ You can just be yourself. Be flamboyant,” he explained.
His journey took an exciting turn when Cohen began to dance alongside Chrissy Chlapecka, a queer pop singer on TikTok with a massive following.
The chemistry between them sparked an opportunity for Cohen to choreograph her live performances and music videos, further intertwining his dance career with the vibrant pop music scene.
Inspired by the untapped desires people shared with him about wanting to dance, Cohen decided to offer lessons of his own.
The idea started with an Instagram story gauging interest in intro-level pop star-inspired classes, which resulted in 15 eager signups.
From that initial class at the Mark Morris Dance Center in Brooklyn in August 2023, Cohen saw the enthusiasm grow among students craving the joy of dance.
With positive feedback flooding his social media, Cohen expanded his teaching schedule, traveling between Los Angeles and New York, with stops in various cities, including a notable appearance at Yale University for a community masterclass.
His next class is scheduled for May 4 at the Pickle Factory in Frogtown, attracting even more eager participants.
In his classes, Cohen primarily features music from renowned pop stars such as Britney Spears, Rihanna, and Charli XCX.
He also tailors specific classes like the Gay Guy Intro to Popstar Dance, where participants enjoyed dancing to Ricky Martin’s lively “Livin’ la Vida Loca.”
Acknowledging the requests from students, Cohen created an Alt-Girl Popstar class that dives into the more alternative side of pop music, including artists like Lana Del Rey and FKA Twigs.
In the studio, Anderson and her classmates engaged in an exhilarating routine, glistening with sweat as they twirled and sashayed, fully immersing themselves in the dance experience.
Finally, the moment came for the big song reveal.
With a leap across the floor, Cohen pressed play, and the familiar sounds of “Pocketful of Sunshine” by Natasha Bedingfield filled the studio, triggering an enthusiastic response from the students.
As they began to kneel and prepare for the choreography, students enthusiastically engaged with the music and movement, feeling the joy of the moment.
“I was able to actually process the words and feel the emotion of the song with the movement, which was incredible,” Anderson reflected on her experience.
She emphasized the supportive atmosphere Cohen cultivates, where participants feel free to move without judgment.
Cohen punctuates each session with a reminder:
“There should be no shame in your body’s natural response to music.”
In this dance class, the glitz and glamour of pop stardom inspire authenticity and self-love, no shimmery bodysuit needed.
image source from：https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2025-04-23/pop-star-dance-class-los-angeles-alec-cohen-confidence
