Dance and Creative Movement

Richmond Academy of Dance (2011-2012)

Modern Dance Classes:
Susannah is teaching modern dance classes for Professional Training Division students at the Richmond Academy of Dance in Richmond, BC. for the 25th Anniversary 2011-2012 season. Classes are grounded in Limon and Graham-based techniques and informed by solid anatomical and biomechanical principles. Dancers are called upon to explore organic rhythms of fall and recovery, spirals, contraction and release. These classes challenge students to increase spatial awareness, clarity of motion and articulation as well as strength, stamina & flexibility. Encouraging dancers to move fluidly between giving in to gravity and freeing themselves from it, this classical approach to modern dance technique prepares students to adapt to a wide range of styles of contemporary movement. 

Experiential Anatomy:
Susannah is pleased to continue with experiential anatomy classes for the  academy as well. Dealing primarily with the musculo-skeletal system, students learn anatomy and biomechanics from an intellectual and a felt-sense perspective. The classes involve many components including; theory, imagery, movement and hands-on practical work. The course teaches dancers about the fluid mechanics of their own bodies, both for purposes of enhancing performance and for preventing and/or recovering from injuries. The course provides young dancers with the basic information they need for responsible self-care in a demanding physical environment.

Creative Movement and Dance Composition Workshops

Moving Spirit's Creative Movement and Dance Composition workshops are designed for performing artists, arts educators and students. These workshops facilitate a dynamic investigation of the elements of movement. Through improvisation, composition exercises and movement play, learn how these elements can be used to create mood, evoke emotion and communicate ideas.  Explore how all of these elements can be brought to life in the creation, interpretation and/or direction of dance and theatre. The format encourages open expression in a playful, safe environment. 

Moving Spirit has presented workshops for Canadian Actors Equity, the BC Festival of the Arts, the Association of BC Drama Educators, for the Professional Training Divisions of several dance studios and for community dance and theatre organizations.

For more information, go to the workshops page, or contact Susannah at Moving Spirit directly.