Workshop Descriptions
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Saturday Nov 25th at D2 studio
(open to all levels)
11:00-1:00
Attending to Details: A Bodywork Session Based in Somatic Science
Warm up and body work should do more than increase circulation and soften muscles. An effective training session has the power to prime the nervous system for quantum leaps forward in training, attune muscular intelligence, reveal unconscious default movement habits and expand the range of motion in joints. Donna Mejia’s workshop details the logic and unfolding of an effective bodywork session well beyond the basics of token stretches and mild cardio training. Donna will address optimal alignment, joint pliability, breathing techniques, categories of muscular engagement, tackling challenging movments, and working sensibly within your personal safety zones. The information presented can be customized for many levels of ability and experience, including rehabilitation and recovery phases. Our time together isn't just about dancing better, it is about living with full access to your personal best. Participants will benefit most if they can bring the following supplies: a yoga mat, a tennis ball, an old belt/strap, and a notebook.
Saturday Nov 25th at D2 studio
(open to all levels)
2:00-4:00
Loaded Soul – Twisted Funk
AKA “I Eat Beats for Breakfast”
Some would define power as the ability to produce large and dramatic movements of virtuosic prowess. I define power as the ability to channel tremendous force but not be removed from one’s center; the strength to metaphorically “swallow the hurricane.” This requires steadiness in one’s core, nuance, a grounded way of moving through space, and, above all, courage to face forces stronger than one’s self. In this class, we are going to take the thickest, hardest and crunchiest beats I could locate and translate them into our dancing bodies. Some big moves are on the menu, but I aim to also build intricacy and rhythmic clarity in our movement through remixed hip work and torso isolations. With music and hardcore beats as a guide, drill practice is about to get juicy. Please note that this workshop will utilize music with adult lyrics and themes. (This is the “R” rated version of Donna Mejia). Please bring a yoga mat for the warm up! Come ready to play hard.
Sunday Nov 26th at One Thousand Rivers
(limited capacity, a more intimate environment for advanced dancers)
11:30-4:30
(including a 1 hour lunch break)
Like a Boss
Donna guides experienced movers through an intermediate practice session. For this workshop, Donna respectfully requests dancers possess an active, practiced level of courage and fitness when attempting balances, turns, lunges, fast hip work, and extended sequencing/choreography. Mastery is not a requirement, but comfort approaching the unfamiliar in movement is what will be needed. Donna will teach her distinctive Transnational Fusion class with a full, professional level warm up. Has it been a while since you practiced jumps, turns, balances, cross-the floor progressions, inversions, and choreography to refresh your intermediate/advanced practice? Donna invites you to bring new possibilities back into the body with a dynamic practice session. Please bring a yoga mat for the warm up.