By Steve Sucato
GroundWorks DanceTheater’s third annual Winter Intensive returned in-person to Cleveland State University’s Department of Theatre and Dance studios for 3-days of learning this past January 6-8.
Eleven participants immersed themselves in 18 creative and collaborative sessions over the three days including classes in ballet, modern dance, improvisation, the creative process and instructional strategies. Also included, were learning excerpts from GroundWorks’ repertory, guided movement meditation, and cool down/reflection sessions.
The sessions, led by GroundWorks staff and company artists, were like GroundWorks’ own creative process in their approach. They also included as participants, GroundWorks’ new company artists Maddie Hanson, Madison Pineda, Teagan Reed and Victoria Rumzis.
Here is a look back at some of what 2022’s Winter Intensive participants experienced:
Ballet for Contemporary Dancers, taught by GroundWorks company artist Nicole Hennington, gave participants the freedom to incorporate new ideas within a traditional ballet structure. These classes were catered toward pre-professional and professional dancers who were encouraged to connect breath to their movement. As analogies, bone-rhythms and imagery-based ideas were also offered as a means for the participants to personalize their own way of moving.
Also taught by Hennington, Contemporary Floorwork investigated the idea of a stacked spine, dropped pelvis, and creasing in the hip-flexors, knees, and ankles to descend into the floor smoothly and safely. Like the Winter Intensive’s ballet classes, participants were encouraged to personalize their own way of moving.
“I loved the small environment and taking class with company members,” said one participant of the movement classes. “I felt very accepted, peaceful, and hungry for more,” said another.
Improvisation, taught by Channce Williams, encouraged spontaneity in its participants. The sessions explored fresh ways of building choreographic material using improvisation as a structure. Participants worked with imagery, breath work, gestural movement, expansiveness and physicality in a playful approach to discovering movement possibilities within their own bodies.
GroundWorks Executive Artistic Director David Shimotakahara led Creative Process work sessions to introduce participants to task-based movement generators and modifiers in the creation of original movement. In solos, duets, and small groups, participants in the sessions stretched their kinesthetic range and collaborative skills as creators and performers.
One of the more unique sessions offered was Instructional Strategies, led by GroundWorks Education & Community Engagement Director, Rebecca Burcher. Here participants learned dance teaching skills applicable within, and outside of, K-12 and studio settings. Using as examples some of GroundWorks’ own outreach programs, participants were introduced to teaching tools such as photosynthesis and coordinate graphing that guide students to explore life skills including empathy and creative problem solving. Also touched on, were multidisciplinary residencies aimed at enhancing creative processes through collaboration.
Of the Instructional Strategies sessions, a participant said, “I will be teaching a whole lot this summer and am so excited to implement all the information I gained from your lessons. I also feel very passionate about teaching but don’t have a lot of tools yet. I am so grateful to be expanding my knowledge with the criteria you had to offer.”
The ongoing pandemic meant extra precautions were in place for all those involved in this year’s Winter Intensive that included the wearing of masks at all times (except when eating or drinking) and showing proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 PCR test. None of which lessened the enthusiasm of those involved.
“Everyone showed a really lovely awareness for everyone else,” said Burcher. “Before we were even in the space together, we had created this community of caring for one another.”
The intensive’s overall communal atmosphere led another participant to say, “Their [the instructors] expertise and welcoming approach to class is something I will take with me forever. This company’s work and mission reminds me why dance is so great, and I just want to say once more how thankful I am to have been a very small part of it.”
GroundWorks extends its gratitude to all the participants. Their passion, openness, and curiosity were inspiring, motivating, and enriching. We continue to strive in finding new ways to engage, educate, and enliven our community.
All Photos by Mark Horning.
