2013 Young Dancers Workshop

Modern (Portier)

This class thoroughly utilizes release-based and classical modern techniques as a basis to investigate agency, risk, freedom and joy. We will propel through space with style challenging our stamina and creativity as we disrupt our upright-ness. Class will begin with an extended warm-up that is designed to anchor the core body, find clarity in the limbs and torso, and stretch the outer most points of the imagination all while we flip, tip and topple. This class culminates in highly physical set material that encourages artistic ownership, texture, specificity and community. We will work hard and have a great time doing so - we will dance.

Modern (Henderson)

This modern technique class is focused on paying attention deeply on a cellular level, finding an efficient sense of our center and then loosing it, reveling in the specificity of complex movement sequencing, dancing large loopy phrases, and feeling joy. 

Ballet (Tornay)

This class is designed to emphasize a physical understanding of the source of ballet technique. Through clear barre exercises students are encouraged to recognize their individual anatomy and learn how to practice ballet in a secure and effective way, placing a strong emphasis on epaulement (upper body) working in harmony with the rest of the body. Center exercises further develop an awareness of technique using tangible combinations that are designed to escalate in complexity, giving the dancer the substantial benefit of a classical ballet class.

Ballet (Mirk-Robles)

This class is designed to provide an understanding of body placement, the use of the skeleton, the influence of gravity through the body in a turned out position and the use of energy from the floor throughout the body in basic ballet. The barre is used to build strength and coordination. The center work introduces an organic relationship to direction and movement, along with an understanding of different movement qualities, such as fluidity in adage, suspension and sharpness in turns, and balon in small and big jumps.

Jazz  (Eckman)

In this class we will experience technique based on a solid foundation of classic, modern and contemporary styles. We will focus on musicality, rhythm, dynamic footwork, phrasing and port de bras. Connecting movement, changing levels and using the space with optimal efficiency is highly emphasized. Both highly energetic and physically challenging, the class also explores performance concepts, expression, and the history and future of jazz dance.

Dance of the African Diaspora (Ross & Craig)

This class is based in traditional Djembe dances and techniques (as practiced in the United States) and uses them as a foundation for contemporary movement invention. These dances employ beautiful polyrhythms in body and in sound that intertwine in a tradition that is both challenging and freeing. The course will integrate movement with information about the cultural context, meaning and purpose of the dances and their relationship to contemporary dance practice and will also include improvisational communication with the drums, and with the community.

Funkamentals (Grimes)

This is a groove-oriented technique based approach to learning Hip Hop/Street dance vocabulary and movement principles.  Funkamentals is designed to explore fundamental body language, mechanics and spiritual modes present in a variety of African American/Afro-diasporic social/trendy/popular dance practices.  Special attention is placed on the principles of “freestyling” and collective individuality.  This movement system is not limited to executing the physical activities characteristic of many Hip Hop “technique” classes.  In addition to focusing on what’s most appropriate in training the human body, this movement system includes the mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of the movements.

Improvisation (Rogers)

Improvisation, composing dance in the moment, is a way to explore new movement possibilities and engage the imagination while in motion.  Each class will focus on finding new potential for how to dance and how to think about movement. We will dedicate time to basic concepts -- time, space, quality of movement, use of the body’s weight, contact with a partner -- and begin to develop a palate of movement unique to you.

Modern Repertory (Yatkin)

In this course we will explore the creative process and develop movement primarily through the lens of Oasis, Yatkin’s newest work. We will use sections of Oasis to explore how one symbol (infinity) influenced the choices Yatkin made in the choreography. The symbol of Infinity will be our guiding point to understand movement possibilities within the piece and our personal body, and in relationship to other bodies. We will explore changing time and space and the complexity that lays dormant in seemingly simplistic shapes and forms. The symbol is used as a vehicle to explore Middle Eastern movement qualities in connection to contemporary dance techniques. Throughout the course we use journaling to document our process as well as clarify questions.