This class will explore excerpts from a variety of different dance works and phrases that offer an overview to Suzzanne’s choreographic work and style. Structured more as an investigation and exploration, we will look deeply into movement phrases, character development, emotional nuances, spatial architecture, and performance qualities – and then deconstruct to create new material based on individuality and personal expression.

This course is designed to develop and enhance choreographic skills in creating and structuring dance woks. We will explore a range of devices for expanding and inventing new movement material through a combination of theoretical study and practical application. After a large body of material is created, it will be varied and manipulated and pushed towards the maturation of a new work. This class is for participants who are seriously interested in creating dance and exploring an interest in choreography in a peer supported environment.

Understanding the basic elements of Dance Composition: space, time, energy, and how to develop a choreographic routine.

Movement Generation & Exploration: techniques for generating original movement material, developing specific vocabulary through phrase work, the teaching of phrase work to peers, and individual experimentation.

Structuring and Form: intentional movement organization. Understanding and exploring new choreographic structures, forms, and thoughtful use of performance space.

Music: understanding basic musical structure, rhythms, polyrhythms, expanding the musical palate, and how to deeply listen and somatically embody sound.

Feedback and Revision: presenting a work-in-progress or a series of phrasings and receiving constructive feedback from peers.

Final Presentation: creating a complete choreographic work for a final performance to be professionally filmed for personal or professional use.