Classes / workshops
...Dynamic movement >
...Deep true emotion >
...Integririty of purpose >
...Guiding principles for teaching and creating dance >
CURRENT CLASS SCHEDULE:
Fundamental Movement (Via Zoom)
(Tuesdays 6:00 - 7:00 p.m., Fridays: 5:00 p.m - 6:00 p.m , Sundays: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.)
To join class:
Copy and paste link into your browser: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/4054921571?pwd=dmw1WDJxRm80NE1vRzFSVXhPa3lGdz09
Reservation Number is 405 492 1571
Password is 988126
Fundamental Movement and Modern Dance Technique, a combined class that builds baseline strength and
deepens understanding of movement dynamic. At the same time as opporunties emerge, students are coached
in avenues that will assist in developing a strong performing presence. This ongoing class is designed for all levels
of experience, beginning through professional and is taught by Ray Terrill. Drop-ins always welcome.
$12.00 per class at City Scape Dance; Large Studio. Call or email for further information.
NOTES ON TECHNIQUE
Classical Modern Dance classes taught by Ray Terrill. My training lineage is traced directly to the work of German modern dance pioneer Mary Wigman who was heavily influenced by Rudolf Labon. Then, through her student and colleague Margret Dietz who came to the United States to teach and perform, and finally my teachers, mentors and colleagues David Harrington and Judith Catterall of Oregon Dance Consort. I base my teaching method on the critical understanding of seven basic movement dynamics. Dynamic provides a basis for the language of dance and for understanding the root of all gesture, form and movment traversing through space. The technique is elegant, simple and universal. At the same time it is versatile, highly disciplined and imbued with integrity. Mary insisted every teacher and choreographer express the concerns of their own time and to dig deeply to mine and reveal their own unique personal style. The foundation and framework that Mary Wigman formed remains vital today and has fed my own personal spiral of never-ending growth. I am anxious to pass the legacy on to you!
CLASS DESCRIPTIONS and WORKSHOP INTENSIVE (Options)
FUNDAMENTAL MOVEMENT
A formal, sequential workout developed by Mary Wigman's protege and colleague, Margret Dietz. Fundamental Movement is designed to increase strength, flexibility and control. It consists of twenty sections of basic movements (ten on the floor / ten standing), and takes approximately 55 minutes to complete. This workout truly concentrates on core strength and movement fundamentals. It is easily compared to a musician’s relentless practice of the scales. Both Joseph Pilates and Mary Wigman served as movement demonstrators for Rudolf Laban. Therefore, you will see exceptional similarity between this workout and the ever-popular Pilates classes.
MODERN DANCE TECHNIQUE
Exploration of the basic dynamics of movement including walks and glides, turns, swings, falls, curves and circles, vibrations and elevations. Each class incorporates careful work on the fundamentals of strength and flexibility as it relates to healthy alignment of the spine and the goal of realizing true core strength. This technique class is designed to define and develop the essences of wide-ranging movement from beginner, to intermediate, to professional. This class focuses on refining the essences of movement with more intense concentration on the subtleties and fluidity of dynamic analysis. Strong emphasis is placed on whole-body integration in the expression of movement potential and realizing exceptional dynamic range. We work together in a spirit where all share their individual artistic expression, energy, strengths and experience.
WORKOUT
This class is an informal, variable, non-sequential movement workout that focuses on basic alignment and stretch exercises designed to warm and tune the dancing body.
IMPROVISATION
Students of all levels are guided in the appropriate use of spontaneous movement to develop a group dynamic, unity of impulse, spatial orientation and ensemble energy links. Improvisation is an essential ingredient to the development of a well-rounded artistic sensitivity, for accessing a truly personal performing presence and a potential method for developing movement vocabulary when composing dances.
GROUP PERFORMANCE
This fun class provides students of all levels of experience the highs and lows of performance energy. Ray Terrill sets an original or repertory dance work on the group, which is performed at the conclusion of the term. This class is designed to be a positive performing experience for both beginners to more advanced students. The basics of performing are taught from simple makeup application, to quick costume changes, from character development, to enhancing eadh dancer's personal artistic performing persona; ultimately to realize true ensemble performance cohesion.
COMPOSITON: THE ART AND CRAFT OF CHOREOGRAPHY
The Wigman artistic practice places strong emphasis beyond good technique to a well-rounded knowledge of performing, teaching and choreographing. Although not every dance performer cares to compose dances, perform or teach, it is extremely valuable to understand the basics of the art and craft of choreography. This experience sensitizes dancers to become much better performing artists and they realize stronger insight into actualizing a choreographer's vision. During Composition class, students are guided and coached through assigned movement studies, in addition to having the opportunity to compose complete dances of their own. Inspiration is guided and encouraged by the solid development of skill in the analysis of space, time, form and gesture. An informal, invitation only performance, on the last day of the session allows students to experience their studies and dances come full cycle. As a choreographer, the student is encouraged to make their dance vision a finished piece to be experienced in performance in the presence of a friendly and encouraging audience.
SURVEY OF THE MOVEMENT PRINCIPLES AND LEGACY OF MARY WIGMAN
This one-session workshop traces the roots of the technique of modern dance pioneer Mary Wigman through her student and colleague, Margret Dietz. Wigman was a pivotal figure in the development of modern dance where her influence is felt deeply in the United States and in Europe. She left a legacy where her philosophical teachings are firmly rooted and expressed in the work of many contemporary choreographers. A historical profile of the artist, plus photos and video excerpts of her dances are interwoven with insights into Wigman’s teaching and seminal quotes designed to demonstrate the impact of her work on the art of dance.
A SHORT HISTORY OF MODERN DANCE IN AMERICA
This four-session workshop is comprised of presentations, discussions and Q&A as a result of viewing video excerpts of pivotal modern, post-modern and contemporary choreographers. In addition, master dance works are screened. This workshop explores technique, style, and the artistic sensibilities of modern dance pioneers and many of their descendants.
RESIDENCY
Select a concert program, which feature dances from the repertory and performed by RTDG (ranging from three to six dance artists); or request the setting of an original or repertory dance work(s) on student or professional group. Expand the program with the addition of master class(es), workshop or historical presentation on modern dance or the teachings and influences of Mary Wigman/Margret Dietz. Performance technical requirements include stage or reasonable performing area 35’ X 30,” preferably a sprung floor in decent shape, stage lighting, sound and video system, and secure dressing area. Typical fee schedule; single performance $2,000 – $2,500, two - three performances $3,000 - $5,000; classes and workshops negotiated seperately. All fees are completely negotiable.
