Improvisation vs Freestyle? What are the similarities and differences? This workshop series will dig into this juicy conversation through sharing movement concepts from hip hop party dances, house, and contemporary dance. You don’t have to have experience in all of these forms to participate. The concepts shared can be explored through any dance form or style. Amy O’s influences come from underground street and club dance culture and contemporary performance where conceptual experimentation with movement, music, and world building are central, not commercial dance routines. Come learn perspective outside of your own by being in space with folks with different experiences and points of view!
LOCATION: 12th Ave Arts Mainstage (1620 12th Ave Seattle, WA 98109)
SCHEDULE OF THE WEEK:
Tuesday, March 12th 6-9 pm: Improvisation/Freestyle Methods Drop in Workshop
Friday, March 15th 6-7 pm: Facilitated Class
Friday, March 15 7-9 pm: Open Session
Saturday-Sunday March 16th-17th 11am-2 pm: Improvisation/Freestyle/Dance Making
PRICING:
Full Workshop | $100
3-hour Class | $35
1-hour Facilitated Class | $15
Open Session | $5
CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:
Tuesday Improvisation/Freestyle Methods consists of a follow along functional movement tune up to activate essential patterns in the body in order to express with efficiency and strength. This practice then leads into improvisation concepts that Amy has developed through her work as a contemporary choreographer and street dance practitioner for multiple decades. We will explore similarities in approaches from both dance worlds while honoring and holding differences. We will experiment with different cultural perceptions of rhythm, abstraction, and play.
Friday Facilitated Open Session is an hour of facilitated warm up and improvisation/freestyle concepts followed by two hours of open space to play socially with the ideas and integrate them into your practice. Come for part or all of this session based on what you need.
Saturday and Sunday Improvisation/Freestyle/Dance Making Workshops will build on improvisation concepts as spontaneous composition and set composition. We will discuss the different mindsets of creating for and participating in different performance contexts: experimental theater performance, concert dance, battles, and cyphers. You don’t have to have experience in all of these contexts to participate in this workshop. Come with an open mind to understand the differences in these contexts and learn to appreciate, create, and advocate for yourself and other dance communities.