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2008 Alabama Dance Festival Class And Workshop Descriptions

 
 
 

PRE-PROFESSIONAL CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:

 

Tracks BLUE (ages 11-12), GREEN (ages 13-14), and RED (ages 15-up)

Class Locations, Dates, and Times: Unless noted otherwise, BLUE Track classes are at the Children’s Dance Foundation, GREEN Track classes are at the Alabama Ballet, and RED Track classes are at the Alabama School of Fine Arts. Students are responsible for their own transportation to all Festival locations. Please refer to the Alabama Dance Festival Schedule for specific dates and times of classes. The Schedule can be downloaded from our Festival Forms page.

 
ABT Summer Intensive Audition (Tracks BLUE, GREEN, RED): Students registered for Tracks Blue, Green, Red, or Orange may select one of the ABT Summer Intensive Audition classes as one of their six classes. Students must be age 12 by Summer 2008. Special audition requirements may be found at www.abt.org. NOTE: THIS CLASS IS AT THE ALABAMA SCHOOL OF FINE ARTS.

Afro-Modern Dance (Track GREEN): This class will be taught with Leymis Wilmott’s unique style that creates a community setting encouraging new ways of moving and celebrating the art of movement. Students will be introduced to a fusion of Contemporary and African dance techniques, specifically Caribbean, while addressing elements of alignment, endurance, use of weight, and spatial awareness while taking risks in the classroom setting.

Anatomy for Dancers (Tracks BLUE, GREEN, RED): Bill Evans will lead the participants through experiences in which they will develop a basic knowledge of the spine, shoulder girdle, and pelvic girdle. He will also share fundamental movement exercises designed to develop sensory awareness of the muscular system and efficient alignment of the skeletal system. NOTE: THIS CLASS IS AT THE ALABAMA SCHOOL OF FINE ARTS.

Asian (Track BLUE): Taught by Osumare African Drum & Dance Ensemble, Asian (pronounced ah-shin-ahn) is a social dance of the Ibibio people of Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria. Its vigorous movements and dynamic gestures add to the name of the dance, meaning "beauty." It is performed by youth, men, and women for social and festive occasions. It is also a dance in which females that are of age pick their suitors, a competition dance, and a celebration dance. Asian is usually performed during rites of passage, connections, and traditional marriages. The basic movements start from the leg and move into a modern and contemporary vibration of the waist. Its captivating rhythms, sounds, and gesture add to its aesthetic beauty.

Ballet Technique (Tracks BLUE, GREEN, RED): This class incorporates a variety of ballet techniques devised to strengthen and challenge the young dancer. As these classes increase in levels, the dance vocabulary becomes more extensive and demanding, while never relinquishing technique and placement. Separate classes are taught by Leslie Browne, Tracey Alvey, Jenna McKerrow, and Robert Royce.

Ballet Technique for the Male Dancer (Tracks GREEN, RED): Taught by Raphael Delgado, this class will focus on the major steps of male ballet technique.

Ballet Technique with Pointe (Track BLUE): Taught by Tracey Alvey, this class incorporates a variety of ballet techniques devised to strengthen and challenge the young dancer, with the last portion of the class on pointe.

Caribbean Dance (Track RED): First there was Latin dance, then Tango and Salsa. In this class taught by LaVondia Bryant-Square, students will learn how to "dance through the streets" for festival events as movements are taught from ballroom to ballet in a rich form of Caribbean traditional style.

Classical Ballet Repertory (Track GREEN): Tracey Alvey will incorporate solo work that concentrates on technique, performance quality, and correct style. Work will be on pointe.

Classical Variations (Track RED): Taught by Leslie Browne, 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.

Dance to the Beat of Bata (Track GREEN): Taught by Osumare African Drum & Dance Ensemble, this dance presents the traditional bata rhythms and dances from Nigeria, West Africa. Bata is the dance of the Yoruba people of Nigeria, and it’s widely played in the Caribbean, Cuba, Brazil, Trinidad, Tobago, and all over the world. Many of the rhythms and dances have been passed down through the generations and have ended up in many contemporary music and dance forms. It was originally a ritualistic dance performed by Oba Shango, the fourth king of the Oyo Empire. The movements are rigorous and the gestures are as a dancer and a drummer communicate together: as the drummer calls out a beat, the dancer responds in turn. It is played by a special master drummer called ayan and with a special drum called bata.

Fuzíon (Tracks BLUE, GREEN): Taught by Leymis Wilmott and Rachael Inman, this class introduces dance techniques and style where you will invert/revert, gyrate/isolate, articulate/undulate while pulsating to various world beats.

Hip Hop (Tracks BLUE, GREEN): This is a high energy class taught by Millicent Johnnie. Class includes warm-up, progressions across the floor, followed by age-appropriate dance combinations. Movers are exposed to various styles of Hip Hop.

Introduction to Aerial Dance (Tracks GREEN, RED): Taught by Rachael Inman, this class will include basic release techniques on the floor and standing to prepare dancers’ bodies for "partnering" with the aerial equipment that will be hung in the dance space. Dancers will be taught to employ upper body and core muscles in order to facilitate various suspended movements. Participants will be encouraged to improvise and explore their own movement on the equipment as they develop new vocabulary in which to further their dance expression with or without the aerial equipment.

Introduction to Capoeira (Tracks GREEN, RED): Capoeira is an African-Brazilian martial art form with dance, integrity, and community support at its roots. Taught by Christal Brown, this introductory class situates capoeira in a historical context while also teaching basic maneuvers and songs. The class is designed for movers with varying degrees of experience, and connects the participants' own challenges and strengths with the spirit of capoeira.

Introduction to Flamenco (Tracks BLUE, GREEN, RED): In this class taught by Irene Rimer, students will learn about the origins of Flamenco and its culture. Instruction includes basic arm forms, foot work, hand percussion, and choreography. Flamenco is a folk art from Spain, specifically the province of Andalusia. Historically, it has always been the musical outlet of the poor and oppressed. It has been passed down through oral tradition that the individual artist uses as the basis for his own variations.

Jazz (Tracks BLUE, GREEN): Taught by Millicent Johnnie, this class focuses on body isolations, floor work, stretching, conditioning and strengthening exercises, progressions, and learning of different jazz techniques and jazz influenced choreography.

Modazz (Tracks GREEN, RED): Taught by Vincent Thomas, this is a class where modern dance and jazz dance collide and reside. The emphasis is on technique, strengthening the body, and enhancing expressive qualities to facilitate the full movement experience.

Modern Dance Technique and Expressive Movement (Track BLUE): Bill Evans will lead participants through approximately 45 minutes of Evans Modern Dance Technique exercises. He will then choreograph a short dance through which the students may explore their personal expressivity. He will tailor the choreography to the special qualities of the dancers in each class.

Modern Dance Technique and Repertory (Tracks GREEN, RED): Robert Battle’s class is crafted to give dancers a well-rounded knowledge of modern dance. The class incorporates the principles and techniques of classical modern choreographers such as José Limon, Martha Graham, Paul Taylor, Lar Lubovitch, and David Parsons, not only for a thorough warm-up, but also to connect the dots of our modern dance history as it relates to movement. The class culminates in phrases of Battle’s own work that expound upon the classical techniques that inspire him. For this class, Battle will include phrases and sections from Etudes, a retrospective of Battleworks Dance Company choreography. The goal of this class is to give students the opportunity to dance company repertory and work with a professional choreographer in the rehearsal process.

Praise Dance Repertory (Track RED): In this workshop taught by Cornelius Carter, students will learn short "vignettes" or repertory pieces that can be used in praise worship.

Pointe (Tracks GREEN, RED): Leslie Browne views each dancer as an individual and places emphasis on how the shoe fits, standing properly in the shoe, placement and alignment, balance, port de bras, expression through movement, and coordination of movement. Students will learn ankle strengthening exercises and turning exercises. Pre-requisite: At least one year of pointe is required for this class.

Rhythm Tap Technique, Repertory, and Improvisation (Tracks RED, ORANGE B): Bill Evans will lead participants through some basic tap technique drills and then teach a portion of one of his tap dances. The session will end with improvisational games in which each student can play with rhythm in her/his own way. NOTE: THIS CLASS IS AT THE BIRMINGHAM JEFFERSON CIVIC CENTER THEATRE.

Scholarship Audition Class (Tracks BLUE, GREEN, RED, ORANGE, Requires Recommendation Form): Students registered for Tracks Blue, Green, Red, or Orange may select an age-appropriate Scholarship Audition class as one of their six classes. Students must be age 12 by Summer 2008 and submit a Recommendation/Scholarship Audition Form with their registration. NOTE: THIS CLASS IS AT THE ALABAMA SCHOOL OF FINE ARTS.

South African Dance (Tracks GREEN, RED): 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.

West African Dance (Track BLUE): The sounds of Africa can energize your mind, body, and spirit. This class, taught by LaVondia Bryant-Square, will give students the opportunity to experience West African dance that is not just movement to rhythmical beats, but also how it can minister to the heart as the body and mind learn discipline to tell the story of African and African-American life.
 

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PRE-PROFESSIONAL CLASS DESCRIPTIONS: Broadway Dance Intensive

 

Tracks ORANGE A (ages 11-14) and ORANGE B (ages 15-up)

Class Locations, Dates, and Times: All Track ORANGE classes are at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Center. Track ORANGE A classes meet in the Concert Hall rehearsal studio and Track ORANGE B classes meet in the Theatre rehearsal studio. Please refer to the Alabama Dance Festival Schedule for specific dates and times of classes. The Schedule can be downloaded from our Festival Forms page.
 

Audition Master Class: Auditioning can be a great experience when you are prepared and educated about the process. In this class taught by Abe Ryebold, students will learn techniques that separate the professionals from the rest of the pack, including resume & headshot preparation, etiquette, and the dreaded "16 bars." Structured like a "mock" audition, this master class includes a combination and a question and answer section. As in "The Business," arrive warmed up & ready!

CATS Intensive: When CATS opened on Broadway, there was no other show that had ever been like it. From the appeal it had to audiences of all ages to the style of choreography, everything was unique. In this class taught by Stephanie Lang, learn original choreography from the "Jellicle Ball" and sense memory techniques used to bring the show to life.

Fosse: No other Broadway choreographer conjures up images of show biz razzle-dazzle and signature style than Bob Fosse; the only-ever director/choreographer to win a Tony, Oscar & Emmy in the same year. In this class taught by Stephanie Lang, learn technique and original dances from, among others, Chicago, Sweet Charity, Pajama Game, and the movie Cabaret.

Michael Bennett’s Broadway: A Chorus Line, Dreamgirls, Follies, Promises, Promises, and Seesaw all shared the choreographic and short-lived genius of Michael Bennett. Taught by Abe Reybold, this is a multiple combination class that is packed with Broadway history and "the chance to dance" and "move!"

Musical Theatre Through The Decades: Broadway has always been influenced by the social dances of its time and often produces "period" musicals that celebrate the past. From "cakewalks" at the turn of last century to the "hip hop" moves of today, iconic dances are a time capsule of our culture. Take an express trip with Abe Reybold through decades of dance; learn how to "sugar foot," "black bottom," and "stroll," and dance original steps by the great Broadway choreographers who made these styles their own.

Pilates For Performance: Pilates is a form of exercise that helps dancers/singers/actors to gain strength, stabilize the core, and prevent injury. In this class taught by Stephanie Lang, learn how to become more body-ware and to better facilitate your training by learning correct ways to improve posture and alignment. This class literally "centers you" and prepares you to perform your best.

 

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PROFESSIONAL ARTIST WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS:

 

Track PURPLE (ages 18-up): Professional Artist Track

Workshop Locations, Dates, and Times: The PURPLE Track professional artist workshops are in different locations at various times throughout the four-day Festival. Please refer to the Alabama Dance Festival Schedule for specific dates, times, and locations of workshops.  The Schedule can be downloaded from our Festival Forms page.There are multidisciplinary and discipline-specific workshops. The target audience is indicated for each workshop.

 

Becoming a More Effective Teacher of Dance Technique
Presenter: Bill Evans
Target Audience: Dance teachers in studio, school, or community settings
Bill Evans will respond to the specific concerns of those dance teachers who enroll in this workshop and submit questions/concerns in writing with their workshop registration. The focus of the workshop will be on developing strategies to increase the engagement and self-esteem of your students, and to assist them in becoming more efficient and expressive dancers.

Choreography Intensive
Presenters: Art Bridgman, Myrna Packer
Target Audience: Choreographers (application required)
Choreographers ages 18 and up will explore the development of innovative partnering movement in a choreographic context. Bridgman/Packer will introduce their unique approach to partnering which emphasizes release and ease as well as strength. Choreography developed during the workshop will be performed on the Alabama Dance Showcase on January 20.

Frame Drum Workshop: A Hands-On Experience
Presenter: Glen Velez
Target Audience: Percussionists and artists in any discipline
Learn how to play the North African Tar drum using simple drum language and typical Arabic rhythms. This style of teaching uses an easy and fun way to approach group or community drumming. We will also explore "Overtone Singing," an ancient use of the voice which allows one person to sing two or more notes, utilizing deep breathing and the slowing down of normal speech. Glen will demonstrate his unique style of drumming derived from South Indian, Central Asian, Arabic, and South Italian traditions. Drums provided.

Enter, Exchange, Exist: Tools for Creative Work Within Communities
An Operation New Birmingham Untapped Opportunities Workshop
Presenters: Vincent Thomas, Christal Brown
Target Audience: Artists, Non-Profit Education and Outreach Directors, Arts Educators
This experiential workshop offers artists tools to enter, to exchange, and to exist--the three E's for creative work within communities. Facilitators Vincent Thomas and Christal Brown, who hail from the Liz Lerman Dance Exchange and Urban Bush Women, two dance companies known for their forward-thinking community engagement processes, will share their knowledge and experiences on the cyclical nature of community engagement and art-making. The workshop is collaborative, as Thomas and Brown use movement exercises and dialogic practices, inspiring participants to identify their own best practices for creative work that is beneficial to the greater community and to the artist.

Jazz Improvisation Workshop
Presenter: Ken Field
Target Audience: Instrumental jazz musicians
Composer and saxophonist Ken Field will offer an improvisation workshop for professional jazz musicians and advanced jazz students. Field's original compositions will serve as the performance and improvisation platform. The workshop will explore rhythmic repetition vs. variation, tonality vs. atonality, simultaneous contrapuntal improvisation, and other aspects of modern, groove-based improvisational performance.

Movement in the Classroom
Presenter: Bill Evans
Target Audience: Classroom teachers, teaching artists, and arts specialists working in K-12 classroom settings
In a one-day workshop, Mr. Evans will share strategies for including movement in the classroom, both for its own value in enriching the lives of our students and as a vehicle through which to deliver curricula. He will share developmental-based movement frameworks that can be modified for the age and experience level of different populations. He will also share model lessons on language and movement and music/rhythm and movement. The workshop will conclude with an introduction of basic graphic symbols representing fundamental movement activities. After learning these symbols, participants will create their own group studies based upon them. The morning session (8:30-11:30) is a pre-requisite for the afternoon session (12:30-3:30). The workshop will be fun and suitable for those new to dance as well as those with experience.

The Moving Voice
Presenter: Robert Een
Target audience: Musicians, dancers, actors
Award-winning composer, cellist, and vocalist Robert Een offers a workshop involving an experiential investigation of the voice as it relates to the resonant, physical body. Participants work with the primal qualities of the voice and discover how it interfaces with the breath, one’s physical anatomy, and the surrounding space. This is a physical approach to singing, with singing being defined in its broadest sense as all possible sounds generated by the human voice.

Video Technology on Stage
Presenters: Art Bridgman, Myrna Packer, Video Technology Collaborator
Target Audience: Dancers, visual artists (film/video), technical theatre designers, musicians
Art Bridgman, Myrna Packer and their video technology collaborator will demonstrate and explain some of the video technology techniques used in creating Bridgman/Packer's Trilogy. These include green screen technology in video recording, Final Cut Pro editing, live video recording with simultaneous projection in performance, and computer processed live video with time delay.

 

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