Pilates
8:00am-8:50am (optional)
Taught by Erin Owen
This class is designed to help prepare the body for each day, while providing knowledge that can be implemented in future self-care and injury prevention. For the most part, exercises will be based on traditional Pilates mat choreography, though emphasis will be placed on contemporary understanding of functional anatomy. We may also take time to explore specific issues as needed in order to promote healthy joint mechanics.
No previous Pilates experience is necessary since we'll begin towards the basic/intermediate end of the spectrum, and build from there. Please bring a mat and a towel, or two towels if you don't have a mat.
Contemporary Dance Technique
9:00am-10:45am
All classes will be taught on a rotating basis by Doug Varone and company members, ensuring a rich overview of styles and perspectives for each student. Investigating the line of human movement and how it can affect the broader strokes of our dancing is at the center of this highly technical, movement based class. Through the expansive use of the back and limbs, Varone's style will be explored through an emphasis on breath, strength, dynamic lyricism and musicality. (Levels and classes by placement only)
Phrasework
11:00am-12:00pm
All classes will be taught on a rotating basis by Doug Varone and company members. This class investigates individual phrases created on the spot as well as phrases from the company repertory. Students will focus on quick assimilation and exploration of movement in terms of quality and musicality. (This will be a mixed-level class)
Ballet
2:15pm-3:45pm
Taught by Merceditas Mañago-Alexander
We will be exploring how to use this classical technique to find the freedom and support inherent in the skeletal structure. Musicality, phrasing and spatial awareness will be a large part of the journey in building each dancer's individual strength and confidence in this form. The goal of the class is to learn how to maximize this technique and be able to make it relevant in your present work.
IRENE DOWD TRAINING SEQUENCES®
2:15pm-3:45pm
Taught by Peggy Baker
Neuro-muscular specialist Irene Dowd has made a unique contribution to training methods for dancers through a series of choreographed sequences addressing specific elements of technique and functional anatomy. Peggy Baker, Ms Dowd's assistant in the development and refinement of many of these sequences, will guide students in an exploration of this powerful work.
Choreographic Devices
4:00pm-5:45pm
Taught by Doug Varone
Varone will conduct a composition class with an initial emphasis on compositional structure. Using these ideas as a springboard, new devices for expanding and inventing material will be explored. A large body of material will be created, varied and manipulated both in and out of the studio, pushing towards the development of a new work utilizing the material built in class. For students seriously interested in choreography. Class size is limited. Enrollment is based on choreographic experience. Those wishing to enroll in this class should submit a resume describing their choreographic experience.
Repertory I: Large Work
4:00pm-5:45pm
Taught by Ryan Corriston and Julia Burrer
One of Varone's larger works will be staged for informal performance at the end of the workshop. The class will focus on movement dynamics and spatial awareness within group choreography, as duets and solos gather seamlessly into group explosions of choreographed chaos.
Repertory II: Exploring Excerpts
4:00pm-5:45pm
Taught by Eddie Taketa
This class will spend short intense spans of time exploring excerpts (i.e. duets, trios, etc.) from a variety of pieces, offering the student an overview of Varone's work. Through this investigation the class will experience the wide range of movement dynamics, emotional nuance and spatial architecture inherent in Varone's choreography. There will be informal performance opportunities spaced throughout the three weeks along with gearing up for the more formal end-of-workshop presentation.
Performance Techniques
4:00pm-5:45pm
Taught by Natalie Desch
This class will investigate dance as a performing experience by examining how one can communicate most clearly and honestly. Observation and discussion will help to articulate both first-hand performing involvement as well as viewing perception. The class will include detailed investigation of repertory selections and development of creative assignments with participation in informal performing events. Students may also work on a pre-existing solo or solo material developed prior to the workshop.
New Work
4:00pm-5:45pm
Created and taught by Netta Yerushalmy
In this class we will work with an intricate movement vocabulary which will include energetic free-flowing expansive dancing, contrasted with convoluted fierce floor-work, as well as movements of miniature scale.
The expressive layers that the movement invokes and the wide range of qualities that each dancer brings to the studio will serve as the basis for a new large group work which we will share at an informal showing at the end of the workshop.
Dance Film
4:00pm-5:45pm
Taught by Alex Springer
In this hands-on class, students will see dance through the camera's lens. Students will view and create their own dance films, learn basic skills in editing, hone their creative eye, and begin to see dance in a new way. This class will give a taste of the infinite possibilities this cutting edge genre can offer. No prior experience with video editing is necessary - space is limited. All equipment is supplied.
Evening Events
Evening Events include lec/dems and showings, unique master classes and specialty workshops, improv nights, massage classes, community discussions, and the ever popular bowling night. Activities are available 4 to 5 nights a week and are free* to workshop students! Exploring Repertory, Lecture/Demonstrations and other company showings will be live streamed on the internet, with interactive Q&A sessions.
*except bowling night
