Class Descriptions

WHAT IS THIS CLASS
Old school technique class with new school questions. This is a warm-up for being a contemporary dance artist, whatever that means. Real techniques, invented techniques, practicing presence, practicing hope, “releasing”, sweating, thinking, feeling, moving for no reason and finding out how. Exercises are boring but strangely important. Phrases are patriarchal but can be fun. Smart movers make good art. I am the teacher and I will do what I can.

INEFFABLE INTANGIBLE SENSATIONAL
This workshop looks at some of the ways in which Miguel Gutierrez approaches a practice of movement and improvisation in his work. Working from the proposition that dance is a mode of perceptual inquiry, and working against the idea of dance as a non-verbal "language," students will be led through a series of movement explorations that prioritize sensation, non-rational action, and that trigger automatic, unprepared physical response. Some of the questions that guide this workshop are: What does movement "do" and how does it operate as a framework for complicated, nuanced, embodied meaning?

MAKING WORK
This workshop focuses on the creative process in making body/movement-based performance/dance. A variety of approaches to creating - intuitive, improvisational, analytical - is exploited to uncover your individual interests, your process and your work. The workshop consists of unequal parts making, discussing, improvising and watching the work of other workshop participants. My interest is in creating a space in which traditional notions of dance are critiqued, absorbed or discarded in the service of creating performance that comes from a vital place. An ongoing question throughout the workshop is how to make work that is located in a contemporary context.

RED LEATHER YELLOW LEATHER
A vocal workshop with Miguel Gutierrez
Miguel Gutierrez and the Powerful People's recent works have been notable for their expressive use of the voice. In this workshop, Gutierrez will lead the participants through simple exercises to help them to discover pliable, relaxed and expansive voices, ready for an array of approaches to sound-making in performance. Influences include Linklater Technique, Alexander Technique and Body-Mind Centering. This workshop is open to anyone!

background photo by Alex Escalante