Welcome to Alabama Dance Council

2007 Alabama Dance Festival Class And Workshop Descriptions

TRACKS BLUE (AGES 11-12), GREEN (AGES 13-14), RED (AGES 15 & UP) AND PURPLE (REPERTORY, AGES 15 & UP)

ABT Summer Intensive Audition (Tracks Blue C, Green C, Red B, Purple): Students registered for Tracks Blue, Green, Red or Purple may select one of the ABT Summer Intensive Audition classes as one of the six classes for each Track. Students must be age 12 by Summer 2007. Special audition requirements may be found at http://www.abt.org. NOTE: Optional class for Blue C and Green C is Yoga. Optional class for Red B or Purple is Liturgical Dance.

Ballet Repertory Class (Track Purple, Requires Recommendation Form and Audition): Winthrop Corey, Artistic Director of the Mobile Ballet, will teach the opening of Bayadare or an excerpt from Carmen Suite that will be presented at the Alabama Dance Showcase. Students must be recommended by their teacher, with a limit of two per studio or school. Up to two alternates may also be recommended. Final selection for the ballet repertory class is based on the audition class at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 13 at the Alabama School of Fine Arts.

Ballet Technique (Track Blue B): Taught by Elizabeth Ferell, this class incorporates a variety of ballet techniques devised to strengthen and challenge the young dancer. This class does not include pointe.

Ballet Technique for the Male Dancer (Tracks Green A, B or C): Fabrice Lemire approaches ballet technique with both classical and contemporary finesse. His teaching emphasizes quick changes of direction, usage of the floor, the back, epaulements, body strength, a large vocabulary of steps and the importance of musicality. Equally challenging for the body and the mind, his class introduces a fresh, new approach to the training of aspiring dancers. NOTE: Male dancers in Green Tracks A, B or C should register for this class instead of the Pointe class or Bellydance class.

Floor Barre (Tracks Blue A, Green A and B, Red A or B): Fabrice Lemire approaches ballet technique with both classical and contemporary finesse. His teaching emphasizes quick changes of direction, usage of the floor, the back, epaulements, body strength, a large vocabulary of steps and the importance of musicality. Equally challenging for the body and the mind, his class introduces a fresh, new approach to the training of aspiring dancers. NOTE: Male dancers in Red Tracks A or B should register for this class instead of the Variations class or Bellydance class.

Introduction to American Tribal Style Bellydance (Tracks Green A, Red A, Community Class): Taught by Megha Gavin, this class will introduce students to the philosophy, posture and technique of American Tribal Style Bellydance as developed by FatChanceBellyDance Company in San Francisco, CA. Several basic moves will be broken down and put into short combinations for drilling and dancing as well as basic cymbal finger patterns to play while dancing. The Alabama Dance Council will provide finger cymbals. Long hair should be worn up and bring a scarf for your hips. Ballet slippers, foot-thongs or bare feet are acceptable. NOTE: Male dancers in Track Green A should register for Ballet Technique for the Male Dancer. Male dancers in Track Red A should register for the Floor Barre class.

Jazz Technique (Tracks Blue A, B and C, Green A, B and C, Red A and B): Taught by company members of River North Chicago, this class is a complete jazz class including warm-up, stretching, center barre, core strength and traveling combinations. Musicality, dynamics, energy and style will be emphasized. Like all River North Chicago Dance Company classes, it will be taught with encouragement, inspiration and humor.

Jazz Combinations (Tracks Blue A, B and C, Green A, B and C, Red A and B): Taught by company members of River North Chicago, this class is a full class of choreography that will challenge your technique and allow you to explore that part of dancing which makes it both art and entertainment. The talented River North Chicago Dance Company dancers will teach and coach you on the many styles that jazz dance can encompass.

Jazz Repertory (Track Purple, Requires Recommendation Form and Audition): River North Chicago Artistic Director Frank Chaves will teach and rehearse excerpts from his own Grusin Suite that will be presented at the Alabama Dance Showcase. This critically acclaimed work has been hailed as being extraordinarily musical and uncommonly powerful. Students must be recommended by their teacher, with a limit of two per studio or school. Up to two alternates may also be recommended. Final selection for the jazz repertory class is based on the audition class at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 13 at the Alabama School of Fine Arts.

Liturgical Dance (Tracks Blue B & C, Green B & C, Red B, Community Class): Taught by Mary Halverstadt, this session explores movement for use in a religious/sacred setting from traditional to contemporary to celebrate, praise and enhance a worship service. The participant will experience a variety of approaches to composition and learn how to incorporate all technique levels and ages into a final piece.

Modern Dance (Tracks Blue A, B and C, Green A, B and C, Red A and B): Taught by Keith Sabado, this class presents a blend of dance principles and movement sequences derived from Mr. Sabado’s extensive and eclectic modern dance career. There will be an emphasis on alignment, correct muscle use and stabilization as it applies to movement, with a particular emphasis on dynamics, musicality and rhythm.

Pointe (Tracks Green A, B and C): Taught by Elizabeth Ferell, this class will begin with some barre exercises to reinforce proper alignment, strength and technique. Center work will follow which will focus on releves, balance, pirouettes, 'rolling through the feet' and qualities of movement that are enhanced by the pointe shoe. NOTE: Male dancers in Track Green A should register for South African Dance and Track Green B should register for Ballet Technique for the Male Dancer instead of the Pointe class.

Scholarship Audition Class (Tracks Blue C, Green C, Red B, Purple, Requires Recommendation Form): Students registered for Tracks Blue C, Green C or Red B may select one of the Scholarship Audition classes as one of the six classes for each Track. Track Purple students must take the scholarship/repertory audition class. Students must be age 12 by Summer 2007 and submit a Recommendation/Scholarship Audition Form with their registration. Optional class for Blue C or Green C is Liturgical Dance. Optional class for Red B is Yoga or South African Dance.

South African Dance (Tracks Blue, Green, Red, Community Class): Taught by Johannes “Jomo” Xulu, this class will focus on the dance Dirana, which means “come together.” It is an extremely strong dance of triumph and freedom that requires a lot of energy, while some movements of the dance reflect agility and spirit.

Variations (Tracks Red A & B): Taught by Elizabeth Ferell, this class will begin with a short warm up on pointe at the barre and in the center. A classical variation will be taught with attention to style, technique, musicality and artistry. NOTE: Male dancers in Tracks Red A and B should register for Floor Barre class for Session Four instead of the Variations class or the Bellydance class. For Session Six, male dancers in Tracks Red A or B may take Variations for Male Dancers.

Variations for Male Dancers (Tracks Red A or B): Fabrice Lemire approaches ballet technique with both classical and contemporary finesse. His teaching emphasizes quick changes of direction, usage of the floor, the back, epaulements, body strength, a large vocabulary of steps and the importance of musicality. Equally challenging for the body and the mind, his class introduces a fresh, new approach to the training of aspiring dancers. NOTE: Male dancers in Track Red may take this class for Session Six.

Yoga (Tracks Blue C, Green C, Red B, Community Class): Taught by Rebecca Ryals, this class will explore the fundamentals of yoga, including breath, relaxation, and postural alignment. This in addition to the strength, balance and flexibility yoga requires! This class will be a combination of active postures and restorative approaches to leave feeling both energized and relaxed.

TRACK YELLOW: ARTS EDUCATION WORKSHOPS FOR TEACHERS AND TEACHING ARTISTS

Brain-Compatible Dance Education: Two Sequential Professional Development Workshops
BrainDance: The origins of the BrainDance and why Anne Green Gilbert came to develop it will be explained. After Anne has taken you through the eight developmental movement patterns humans move through in the first year of life that wire the central nervous system, you will have a new appreciation and deeper understanding of how movement and the brain are linked. The BrainDance can be done in any setting; alone, with partners, sitting in a chair, standing or lying on the floor and is easily incorporated into a lesson plan. Moving through these developmental patterns at any age may correct flaws in one’s perceptual processing, thereby integrating the body and brain. Some benefits include enhancement of alignment, connectivity, and expressivity; brain oxygenation; reorganization of the neurological system; and development of core support. The BrainDance is a profoundly flexible movement tool that is sequential and holistic. Don’t miss this opportunity! Anne Green Gilbert is the author of 3 books, 2 DVD’s/videos, the National Dance Association’s 2005 Scholar/Artist award and is in demand throughout the world for her fun, engaging and transforming workshops.

Brain-Compatible Dance Education: Join Anne Green Gilbert as she shares the philosophy of brain-compatible teaching and the power of the BrainDance, the subject of her newest book published in 2006, Brain-Compatible Dance Education. Using current research on how the brain is wired, learns and retains information, Anne has written a book that is a gift to educators who want to provide meaningful, challenging and engaging curricula to their students. Through sample dance lessons and discussion, Anne will take participants through her patently successful 5-part conceptual lesson plan and the 10 brain-compatible principles that underpin it. Discover how incorporating these principles into your teaching can positively affect critical thinking skills, behavior, dance skills, creativity and focus.

TRACK ORANGE: TAP

Music 101 for Tap Dancers (Ages 11-14 and 15 & up): Taught by Dianne Walker and Derick Grant, this class will include live musicians from the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame!!! We will work together to explore both the "Music" and the "Dance". We will introduce and define jazz, blues, be-bop and swing. We will also build upon improvisational skills while trading fours, eights and whole choruses. Note: Conscious improvisation leads to spontaneous composition.

Rhythm Tap (Ages 11-14 and 15 & up): Taught by Dianne Walker (ages 11-14) and Derick Grant (ages 15-up), this class is designed for tap dancers that have already learned basic tap skills. Rhythm tap combinations, rather than exercises, will be emphasized. At the intermediate/advanced level, the focus shifts to include more "close to the floor" technique, complex phrasing and syncopation, and musicality.

Tap Technique (Ages 11-14 and 15 & up): Taught by Dianne Walker (ages 15-up) and Derick Grant (ages 11-14), this class will begin with the development of a basic vocabulary. Focus on movement and footwork is used to enhance balance, sound, precision, clarity and speed. Class includes some rhythm work, moving across the floor and a combination.

Traditional Tap Dances (Ages 11-14 and 15 & up): Taught by Dianne Walker (ages 15-up) and Derick Grant (ages 12-14), this class will focus on Tap Dance Standards, like the Shim Sham, the BS Chorus and/or the Coles Stroll. Class also includes some Tap Dance History.

COMMUNITY CLASSES: NO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Introduction to American Tribal Style Bellydance (Tracks Green A, Red A, Community Class): Taught by Megha Gavin, this class will introduce students to the philosophy, posture and technique of American Tribal Style Bellydance as developed by FatChanceBellyDance Company in San Francisco, CA. Several basic moves will be broken down and put into short combinations for drilling and dancing as well as basic cymbal finger patterns to play while dancing. The Alabama Dance Council will provide finger cymbals. Long hair should be worn up and bring a scarf for your hips. Ballet slippers, foot-thongs or bare feet are acceptable. NOTE: Male dancers in Track Green A should register for Ballet Technique for the Male Dancer. Male dancers in Track Red A should register for the Floor Barre class.

Liturgical Dance: Taught by Mary Halverstadt, this session explores movement for use in a religious/sacred setting from traditional to contemporary to celebrate, praise and enhance a worship service. The participant will experience a variety of approaches to composition and learn how to incorporate all technique levels and ages into a final piece.

South African Dance (Tracks Blue, Green, Red, Community Class): Taught by Johannes “Jomo” Xulu, this class will focus on the dance Dirana, which means “come together.” It is an extremely strong dance of triumph and freedom that requires a lot of energy, while some movements of the dance reflect agility and spirit.

Yoga: Taught by Rebecca Ryals, this class will explore the fundamentals of yoga, including breath, relaxation, and postural alignment. This in addition to the strength, balance and flexibility yoga requires! This class will be a combination of active postures and restorative approaches to leave feeling both energized and relaxed.