Learn Contemporary!
Intro to Contemporary Workshop with Jena Brooks!
Saturday January 10th, 17th, 24th & 30th / 1:30-2:30pm
Welcome to the world of physical poetry. This is Contemporary dance! Popularized over a decade ago by the TV show So You Think You Can Dance, this style of movement is characterized by its expressiveness.
Contemporary dance is expressive, empowering, and a ton of fun to learn, especially in this supportive and nurturing workshop led by Jena Brooks. No prior dance experience needed! You’ll explore flowing movement, musicality, and connection to emotion in a way that’s approachable for total beginners.
Workshop Syllabus
Created by Grace Carter, led by Jena Brooks
Week 1 – Flow & Foundations
- Contemporary class etiquette and safe space intro
- Breath and movement warm-up
- Traveling across the floor: reaches, swings, walks
- Mini phrase exploring fluidity
Week 2 – Weight & Pathways
- Review week 1
- Exploring weight shifts and momentum
- Spirals, curves, and directional changes
- Across-the-floor: traveling turns and slides
- Add to choreo phrase combining week 1 and traveling steps
Week 3 – Expression & Musicality
- Connecting movement to music and emotion
- Expand phrase with dynamics (sustained vs sharp)
- Partner/group exercise: mirroring and responding
- Across-the-floor exploration with improvisation prompts
- Review and add to choreo phrase, focusing on expression
Week 4 – Putting It Together
- Review weeks 1, 2, and 3
- Complete choreography phrase
- Guided improv prompts with choice-making
- Reflection: how to enter open Contemporary class with confidence
- Group run-through, optional share/small groups
