CLASSES & WORKSHOPS 

The following activities are available in the 2010-2011 season. Please call us at (718) 398-4537 to discuss your specific goals, needs and ideas.
 

Artistic / Creative

BATTY RAPS (may be led by all dancers)
This unique, fun workshop developed from the acclaimed UBW repertory work, Batty Moves, which celebrates unique individuality through the tradition of bragging. Participants in this workshop are invited to develop and perform their own raps alongside UBW dancers.
Class length: TBD

DANCE FOR EVERY BODY (may be led by all dancers)
“Dance for Every Body” embraces the idea of each individual having a unique and powerful contribution to make. The goal is for "every body" to find their level of challenge and comfort and partake according to their abilities, and to appreciate the groups’ diversity as an attribute to their community. This is a movement class designed for the community so no prior dance experience is needed. Participants explore UBW's technique with close attention to the use of breath, weight, call and response and polyrhythm.
Workshop length: 90 minutes

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING (may be led by all dancers)
UBW’s technique class starts with a warm-up that prepares the participants for full-out dancing in the UBW style. The second half of the class focuses on our movement style and may include improvisation phrases from repertory and/or vocal work. Technique classes operate best when participants are working at approximately the same level.
Levels: beginning or intermediate-advanced
Ages: high school and beyond
Limit: 30-40 participants depending on the size of space
Dress: loose, comfortable clothing or dancewear; bare feet
Technical requirements: clean and smooth sprung wood dance floor
Music requirement: Professional percussionist
Class length: 90 minutes

BREAKS, BEATS AND BATTLES (Bennalldra Williams and Marjani Forté)
This class is a continuation of "How We Got to the Funk," and explores African American social dances of the '80s and '90s such as hip hop and breaking. No experience is needed so come ready to get down!
Technical requirement: microphone and CD player
Class length: 90 minutes

IN THE SPIRIT (Marjani Forte)
This is an exploration of dance in the frame of praise and worship and is accessible for participants of all ages, backgrounds and skill level. Praise dance is a communal art form, and a positive open mind is all that’s required. We highlight dance as a language, using our bodies as instruments of praise, ushering ourselves and our viewers into a deeper sense of worship. Praise ministry leaders are especially encouraged to participate as tools for generating movement and guiding dancers through a creative process are provided. Ministry leaders leave with a hard copy of the workshop outline, which includes the processes and tools shared. We begin and end in simultaneous interfaith prayer. All spiritual practices are welcomed.
Class length: TBD

DANCING FROM THE INSIDE OUT (Samantha Speis)
Taking a non-traditional and non-linear approach to movement, this workshop takes place on the floor with a sequence of movements that encourages awareness and enhances the connection between mind, body and spirit. Rooted in kinesthetic awareness, we explore concepts of full-bodied movement with subtle dynamic qualities, integrating the breath, spatial patterning, core stability, ease of the joints and fluidity/mobility of the extremities in conjunction with the floor. Treating the floor as a partner and collaborator allows us to open our senses to a world of endless movement possibilities. Emphasis is placed on developing a foundation that supports a greater expansion through space with clarity and efficiency. You learn to work from within to cultivate deeper physical connections while discovering your individual and unique voice.
Class length: TBD


CONTACT IMPROVISATION/PARTNERING: BUILDING TRUST THROUGH PROCESS (Samantha Speis)
Movement is the essence of freedom. Contact improvisation is a movement language based on the physical principles of touch, momentum, weight sharing and following a shared point of contact. It is an honoring of every moment. Through trust building exercises, you learn to surrender and stay true to what is happening in the moment. We delve into movement conversations that require you to actively listen and speak with all of your senses. This workshop explores falling, rolling, stillness, connecting through focus, counterbalance, lifting using minimal effort, centering and integration of breath, and being attentive to our partner (s) and surroundings.
Class length: TBD

LIGHTING FOR DANCE (Susan Hamburger)
This workshop is an exploration into the world of lighting and composition with practical examples of dance lighting.
Technical requirements: Microsoft Powerpoint, a projector and a screen
Workshop length: 90 minutes

Arts Management

BASICS OF ARTS MANAGEMENT (Jana La Sorte)
A discussion of arts management practices, perspectives and tools.
Technical requirements: Microsoft Powerpoint, a projector and a screen
Workshop length: 1-2 hours (may be condensed)