Joy's class will start with a two hour Countertechnique class. The Countertechniqueclass prepares the body for rehearsal and performance. Within a clear class structure, it provides tools for body and mind to deal with the demanding dance practice of the 21st century. It is a movement system to help the dancer think about the dancing body by focusing on the process of incorporating information into action. The goal is to enable dancers to move bigger, with fluidity and spatial attention, while becoming stronger and more flexible. Students will be introduced to the Toolbox: a framework from which ideas and principals of Countertechnique are accessed during an exercise. The priority is to experience clarity and enjoyment of movement. Dancers are encouraged to be pro-active in discovering connections and solutions, to be less concerned with judging themselves, and to work in a healthy way physically, mentally and emotionally.
Joshua Peugh 1:30pm-4:30pm Common/Sense Improvisational practice for performance presence
After the two-hour Countertechnique class students will move into an impovisational practice. The commonality of the sensing body lays the foundation for this improvisational exploration of the practical tools in the Countertechnique. Originally designed for the Seattle Festival of Dance Improvisation, Joy shares, in this workshop, her knowledge of the Countertechnique to create an environment for movement discovery based in the reality of space, gravity, anatomy, and connection.By exploring the tools in more detail with a different focus each day, this practice cultivates availability in the body, develops agility in making choices on stage, and refines skills for dynamic performance presence. On the final day, in an informal showing to the general public, students will perform and share the work that they have been intensely working on for the past week.