Nikolais Technique
Dancers will study the modern techniques and methods of American modern dance pioneers Alwin Nikolais and Murray Louis.
The Nikolais/Louis technique and philosophy, grounded in what we call the ‘Big Four’: Shape, Space, Time, and Motion, offer unique benefits. These elements are the fundamental building blocks of the Nikolais/Louis approach. This technique emphasizes the development of basic modern dance concepts and techniques, including increasing the student’s strength, control, rhythmic awareness, dynamic range, focus, and directives. These skills not only enhance dance performance but also contribute to overall physical and mental well-being.
The class will start by exploring floor work with a series of exercises to warm up, fine-tune the body, increase flexibility, and explore the range of movement at the floor level. It will then continue with a standing series, where more exploration will further the knowledge and understanding of movement; clear focus, intention, and execution are paramount. Finally, dancers will continue across the floor, creating movement patterns, running, leaping, and jumping, embodying the essence of movement.
Classes will also feature structured improvisations, a platform where students can organically create movement, fostering a robust sense of creativity and inspiration. This aspect of the class is designed to ignite your imagination and push the boundaries of your dance expression.
