A midweek rendezvous, to consider how we move and how we're moved by what we do.

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Half-day Movement and Dance Discovery Workshop

Learn to use the Basic Tools for Effective Movement.

Awaken Potential and Bust Discouraging Myths.


Orlando, Florida
December 10th
11:00 - 3:00



John Parnell Dance Studio
1949 Sand Lake Road, Orlando
cost: $80
information and reservations: (407) 375-0198


The Movement and Dance Discovery workshop is a warm and fun first step into the world of contemporary dance. More than that, it's for those who dream of moving with ease but only find themselves struggling and getting more stuck.

Let's face it, most coaches and instructors tell us what to do, but rarely how that 'doing' fundamentally happens. If you can pull things off, we say you've got a natural talent. If you can't... (Well, I'm sure you're cut out for something else.)

But, what happens when you try different things and still can't find your niche? What happens when an activity holds a special place in your heart and, yet, you still scramble and flail to no avail?

Talent can be a crushing word when you think you don't have any. Whether it's through genetics, karma, the planets or God, we just assume that some people are gifted and others, not. But, is this really true? Do we really know our own potential?

Look around at children. Watch how they dart, spring and roll without strain. Watch how toddlers stand still for long periods, no shifting or shuffling in sight. We forget that we were once like that. We, too, had an uncanny knack for living in our bodies.

Yes, we need to learn techniques -- the gestures for weight-machines, stretching, and bowling and tennis swings -- but those efforts won't go far if we don't reconnect with our body's innate intelligence, first.

I've had a long and varied career as a performer. And, I love to teach what I've learned over the years -- especially to adult beginners. I encourage them because I started dance late (and with no visible signs of talent) and know, through experience, that great changes can happen at any age. You don't have to start dance classes young to become a good artist. Nor, do you have to stop dancing at thirty because you're used up.

I used to wear leg-warmers; I dreamt of doing the splits. I had seen Flashdance and Fame and bought into all the ol' dance myths. Among my ideas of how dancing should be, there were words like discipline, control, sacrifice and mastering. But, years of arduous work finally proved those concepts to be extremely limiting and, even, physically dangerous.

In order to continue dancing, I was forced to reconsider movement in general. And, I came to realize that rich, effective movement needs what children give it instinctively and what most adults have left behind: deep intention, a sense of play and a big craving for the mysterious.

That's how we approach dance in my workshops. In terms of body work -- alignment, coordination, flexibility and support -- that's what brings about seriously good results. Good results and delight. The delight of letting go and, yet, feeling everything come together.

P.S. The doubtful and seemingly uncoordinated are welcome.
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Daniel Bodiford has performed professionally for over 25 years in more than 30 countries. In venues such as the Moulin Rouge, the Folies-Bergère, the Barbican Centre, l'Opéra de Paris, Johannesburg Civic Theatre, Shrine Auditorium, Hué Imperial Palace...

1 comment:

  1. Hi,

    My name is Sandra Tunsky, marketing director of http://danceclassesonline.com. I wanted to see if you would be interested in partnering together to exchange links. You can contact me at info@danceclassesonline.org.

    Thanks!

    Sandra

    ReplyDelete