The Joy of Movement - Beginner Adult Dance Workshop
In this two-day class we will look at basic movement fundamentals and explore modern dance technique through the lens of traditional concepts. The focus will be on building core strength, finding balance, developing correct alignment and discovering ways to learn basic movement patterns. We will also explore how musicality can inform and enhance movement learning. The class will begin with standing exercises and progress to short phrases moving through space. The movement involved in workshops and performance is low impact and safe for most bodies. Workshops will have live accompaniment from Tommy Hartley and Mike Bisdee from Manteo Murphy.
The Big Red Dance Company will perform in a modern dance concert on Friday, October 18th at 7PM in the Maguire Theater at AOA. There will be an opportunity for workshop participants to perform* with company members for one piece titled “The First Kiss” to Ella Fitzgerald’s rendition of “Stardust”, a 1927 song composed by Hoagy Carmichael. The performance is optional for all workshop attendees.
Workshop Schedule:
Thursday, October 17th 3:30-5:00PM (Optional performance rehearsal 5:00-5:30PM)
Friday, October 18th 3:30-5:00PM (Optional performance rehearsal 5:00-5:30PM)
Big Red Modern Dance Concert:
Friday, October 18th 7:00-8:00PM - Maguire Theater at AOA
*Please note, those wishing to participate in the performance MUST attend both days of the workshop and be available for the optional performance rehearsals.
In this two-day class we will look at basic movement fundamentals and explore modern dance technique through the lens of traditional concepts. The focus will be on building core strength, finding balance, developing correct alignment and discovering ways to learn basic movement patterns. We will also explore how musicality can inform and enhance movement learning. The class will begin with standing exercises and progress to short phrases moving through space. The movement involved in workshops and performance is low impact and safe for most bodies. Workshops will have live accompaniment from Tommy Hartley and Mike Bisdee from Manteo Murphy.
The Big Red Dance Company will perform in a modern dance concert on Friday, October 18th at 7PM in the Maguire Theater at AOA. There will be an opportunity for workshop participants to perform* with company members for one piece titled “The First Kiss” to Ella Fitzgerald’s rendition of “Stardust”, a 1927 song composed by Hoagy Carmichael. The performance is optional for all workshop attendees.
Workshop Schedule:
Thursday, October 17th 3:30-5:00PM (Optional performance rehearsal 5:00-5:30PM)
Friday, October 18th 3:30-5:00PM (Optional performance rehearsal 5:00-5:30PM)
Big Red Modern Dance Concert:
Friday, October 18th 7:00-8:00PM - Maguire Theater at AOA
*Please note, those wishing to participate in the performance MUST attend both days of the workshop and be available for the optional performance rehearsals.
In this two-day class we will look at basic movement fundamentals and explore modern dance technique through the lens of traditional concepts. The focus will be on building core strength, finding balance, developing correct alignment and discovering ways to learn basic movement patterns. We will also explore how musicality can inform and enhance movement learning. The class will begin with standing exercises and progress to short phrases moving through space. The movement involved in workshops and performance is low impact and safe for most bodies. Workshops will have live accompaniment from Tommy Hartley and Mike Bisdee from Manteo Murphy.
The Big Red Dance Company will perform in a modern dance concert on Friday, October 18th at 7PM in the Maguire Theater at AOA. There will be an opportunity for workshop participants to perform* with company members for one piece titled “The First Kiss” to Ella Fitzgerald’s rendition of “Stardust”, a 1927 song composed by Hoagy Carmichael. The performance is optional for all workshop attendees.
Workshop Schedule:
Thursday, October 17th 3:30-5:00PM (Optional performance rehearsal 5:00-5:30PM)
Friday, October 18th 3:30-5:00PM (Optional performance rehearsal 5:00-5:30PM)
Big Red Modern Dance Concert:
Friday, October 18th 7:00-8:00PM - Maguire Theater at AOA
*Please note, those wishing to participate in the performance MUST attend both days of the workshop and be available for the optional performance rehearsals.
Recommended Attire
Clothes that are comfortable and you can move in (sweatpants, yoga pants, t-shirts, or exercise attire). The company dances barefoot but you may opt to wear comfortable, moveable close toed shoes or flat dance shoes if you prefer.
About Big Red Dance Project
The Community Outreach Program is an initiative of the Big Red Dance Project (BRDP), a modern dance company founded in 2017 by choreographer and educator Gerri Houlihan. With dancers ranging in age from 35–73 and beyond, the group focuses on rediscovering dance at an older age. How do we, as mature adults, find the ability to sustain a dancing life? How do we honor the spirit of our dancing selves while acknowledging the limitations that come with aging Consisting of special community workshops and performances, the Outreach Program was developed to extend BRDP’s mission beyond professional stage performances, directly interacting within senior community settings. Recognizing not everyone can attend a performance in a theater, BRDP provides that experience and shares our passion for dance and the joy of movement.
About Founder Gerri Houlihan
Gerri Houlihan received her professional training at the Juilliard School. She performed with the Metropolitan Opera Ballet Company and the Lar Lubovitch Dance Company. She has been on the faculty of the American Dance Festival from 1981–1983 and from 1987 to the present. The recipient of ADF’s Balasaraswati, Joy Ann Dewey Beinecke Endowed Chair for Distinguished Teaching, she continues to teach at the ADF studios in Durham, NC. She recently retired from Florida State University, where she is now Professor Emerita.
“What I have discovered since I began the Big Red Dance Project, is that more mature dancers have an enormous amount to contribute, not just to the art form, but to the way older adults are perceived in our society. Their commitment to our work embodies courage, passion and a determination to remain relevant artists in our field.”– Gerri Houlihan