No problem! Our signature workshop series moves online and meets you at home. Join artists from the festival for a quick hello, some background on their work and a beginner’s movement workshop. This is yet another opportunity to interact with festival artists in a more informal and direct way, through our livestream studio. Here, they share some of their styles and practices with you: tap, West African, tango, Bharatanatyam, vogue, gumboot and jazz. No experience necessary. You can literally dance like nobody’s watching – in your living room. (Just move the coffee table!)
All workshops are 45 to 60 minutes in length, and are designed for all movers and shakers.
Goes Live on Sept. 29, 7:00 PM EST
Let us bend those wrists and swish those hips. Learn the five elements of Vogue: hands, catwalk, duckwalk, floor & dips. This performance style will keep you fit while looking fabulous. LOG ON. TAKE OFF. LET'S VOGUE.
Goes Live on Sept. 30, 1:00 PM EST
This class will be a chance to explore how to use your body as a percussive instrument using the fundamental music ideas from the roots of Tap Dance. No tap shoes required, please wear something comfortable and get ready to make some music together and remind ourselves that this is a time to play! An essential service we can provide ourselves
Photo by Jeremy Fokkens
Goes Live on Oct. 1, 1:00 PM EST
Gumboot Dance was born out of oppression in the gold mines of South Africa. The workers were forbidden to speak and as a result the men created a means of communication. By slapping their gumboots and rattling their ankle chains, the enslaved workers sent messages to each other in the darkness. From the chains of oppression in the dark mines, gumboot dancing has evolved into an amazing dance form celebrating the richness and complexities of South African culture, and the creativity of the human spirit.
Goes Live on Oct. 2, 1:00 PM EST
Jazz is a form based in Black American culture and born of African American roots. It has a rich history and many cousins. The relationship between dance and music is integral to jazz dance. This historically rooted, groove-based workshop is for all levels, and welcomes anyone that likes to get down. This workshop explores some different grooves of jazz and its family, revels in the joy and connection to the music, and even if only virtually, connects us to each other.
Goes Live on Oct. 6, 1:00 PM EST
Lua Shayenne, accompanied by percussionist Cécé Haba, will take you on a journey to West Africa through song, dance, percussion and engaging call and response.
Goes Live on Oct. 8, 7:00 PM EST
This workshop is a preview into the basic movement vocabulary of Bharatanatyam, an Indian Classical dance form. This session looks at how the Bharatanatyam body is built through its stances and treatment of core and spatial awareness. Participants will get the opportunity for a general overview of this form's vast repertoire and how it treats movement.
Photo by Kalainithan Kalaichelvan
Goes Live on Oct. 9, 7:00 PM EST
If you can walk, you can tango. It is an elegant dance form originated in Argentine/Uruguay with a history of 120 years. It is named as a Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. The dance is all about connection, improvisation and musicality, and 80% of the dance is based on walking. Tango is also called the dance of love, as in the dance, partners connect in an embrace, and improvise to the music together. Bulent & Lina will take you on a step-by-step journey to experience this unique dance form and music. It is easy and fun.
It's strongly recommended to participate in this workshop with a partner - just mind your own health and safety, with close proximity.