Modern Dance: Move to Your Own Rules

Explore the dynamic art of modern dance in this fun and gentle online class. Originally developed as a rebellion against classical ballet, the practice of modern dance has grown and evolved over the years. This introductory class will start with an investigation of proper alignment, stretches, and warm-up exercises through release techniques. Using approaches inspired by two great artists who helped shape the world of modern dance, Merce Cunningham and José Limón, we will explore how to articulate the spine and gain spatial awareness and rhythmic accuracy with nuanced movements. Utilizing breathing exercises and a sense of grounding, we’ll release joints and activate muscles, applying techniques into short phrases that are planned to work in whatever size space you have available in your home. All levels of experience welcome. Taught by Kelley Donovan who is on the dance faculty at UMass Boston and has been a guest artist at Roger Williams University, Summer Stages Dance with years of experience teaching modern dance and choreography.