KIDS SUMMER CAMP & ADULT WORKSHOP
Kids Program: Pilobolus is kicking off their fifth season of summer camp workshops for children with two 5-day sessions.
Much of Pilobolus' creative work has emerged from a response to nature, and this year's summer camp will take its inspiration from a close observation of local flora and fauna. Ranging from the amazing symmetries of leaf morphology, to the locomotion of insects and the particular gaits of farm animals, the workshops will explore the connection between natural phenomena and the development of choreography that has so inspired Pilobolus' signature style. The camp will be lead by Pilobolus dancer/teachers, Matt Kent and Emily Milam Kent who have danced and taught for Pilobolus for many years.
The camp is meant for kids entering Kindergarten through 6th grade, of all levels of skill and experience. Sessions will take place at Club Hall on the Green in Washington Connecticut where Pilobolus develops its own work, as well as in local natural areas such as Steep Rock Nature Preserve.
All classes are based on the company's unique collaborative creative process, though for younger children we emphasize the balance of raw imagination with group cooperation and physical freedom with self-control. For older students, the work more completely investigates the process of composition and decision-making. Participants in these workshops need no previous dance experience, but should come prepared to move enthusiastically.
In all cases the program ends with an informal public show and tell of a brand new work made by the dancers themselves! To enroll, contact Kris MacDonald at 860-868-0538 x16 or email kmacdonald@pilobolus.org.
We hold sessions for the following age groups:
(Grade equals grade entering in September 2008)
Dates of Camp: July 28 – August 1, 2008
Grades K – 2, 9:30 am – 12:00 pm ($275)
Grades 3 – 6, 1:30 pm – 5:30 pm ($285)
Pilobolus Summer Adult Workshop
in Washington
Session 1: July 14 – 18, 2008 10:00 am – 4:00 pm daily
Session 2: July 21 - 25, 2008 10:00 am - 4:00 pm daily
Since its first appearance, Pilobolus has been a pioneer in American contemporary dance, creating its own unique method of choreography. Its dances enthral with stunning form, ingenious invention, and explosive physicality. Yet emerging from this energy is a surprising emotional delicacy. Pilobolus has always been asked to explain and teach "Pilobolus Technique." So we have based this workshop on the evolving understanding of our technique as a creative collaborative process. Dance is approached not as an inflexible physical regime, but as an expressive medium for people of all ages, backgrounds and levels of experience.
This intensive 5 full-day workshop, taught by Pilobolus Dancers/Teachers Matt Kent and Emily Milam Kent focuses on the choreographic process that makes movement the powerful means of expression it truly is. It investigates the lively mixture between form and flow, abstraction and theatricality, strength, force, and balance that define the realm of dance.
Workshop participants explore a wide variety of movement through improvisation and the choreography of a number of short dances. Partnering principles, improvisational skills, group collaboration, and the psychology of movement are assimilated and grounded in practice and experiential learning. During the class participants discover the seeds of dance theatre with a focus on non-traditional dance vocabulary, honing and developing the idiosyncrasies of individual physicality. This is a rare opportunity for dancers to try something new, hone their skills, and enjoy movement, and for non-dancers to shed inhibitions and discover their hidden capabilities.
The workshop promotes a relaxed inventive approach to choreographic creation and provides the opportunity for participants to indulge themselves in the incredible panorama of human motion. Extensive training is not necessary, although a reasonable degree of fitness is advised. Participants, ages 17 and up, are expected to be physically energetic and prepared to move enthusiastically.
On the Wednesday evening of the workshop week we offer a group trip into New York City to see Pilobolus perform at the Joyce Theater. Please see the registration form for cost.
The workshop is located in Washington Depot, Connecticut. Matt Kent and Emily Milam Kent have taught improvisation and choreographic workshops the world over.
Workshop tuition is $400.00, not including transportation, room, or board. A deposit of $100 is required to reserve a place. Various local housing options are available. For complete information call Pilobolus at 860-868-0538 x 16 or e-mail kmacdonald@pilobolus.org. Enrollment is limited to 30 participants, please register early.
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