​Technique with FLOCK (Block 1)​

This class will begin with a FLOCK warmup focused on strength and stabilizing exercises coupled with improv based explorations. This will lead into learning excerpts from repertory and an exploration of FLOCK’s unique style and philosophy. The emphasis of the class is on researching physicality and finding and inhabiting personal artistry.

 

Partnering Class with FLOCK (Block 2)​

Join FLOCK for an exploration of their unique and non-binary partnering style. This class will focus on trust, communication, and the possibilities unlocked through equal partnership. The emphasis of the class is on guiding each participant into new ways of understanding contact and their own physicality within the context of connection. 

 

Any artist who participates in FLOCK is not asked to fit into a mold, but is rather asked to fully express and explore their craft in a co-creative setting. This leads to a feeling of care in each FLOCK process or class and gives creators a platform to be themselves and explore their artistry in the most vibrant ways.      
 

Company Repertory​

Instructors: Current and/or Alumni Company Dancers

Week 1: Repertory Dance Theatre

Week 2: Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company

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Learn excerpts from various pieces that are part of the company’s repertory. This experience will encourage the development of skills such as: the art of learning material in an efficient and specific manner, the ability to adapt to different styles, and how to cooperate with fellow dancers. Participants will work closely with current and former dancers to gain insight into these works and will be able to delve into the technical aspects and performance skills associated with each piece.
 

RDT Repertory Class with Norbert Del La Cruz​

Join open Company Repertory Class with Repertory Dance Theatre as they start the process of learning a brand new work by Norbert Del la Cruz, to be premiered during RDT’s 60th Anniversary, Fall of 2025. Experience how a professional company learns and synthesizes a new movement language and composition style.  

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Ballet with Natalie Desch​​​

Ballet for Today––Functional and Fun. This class aims to explore ballet as a contemporary movement practice, bridging the space between tradition and potential. Approached through an anatomical lens, students will be encouraged to discover their individual perspectives on effectiveness in the ballet classroom. First and foremost, this is a dance class full of abundant dancing. Through ballet's structure and freedom, its stimulating technical and artistic challenges, and its shared community, this class will offer space for relevant and positive discourse around a powerful movement form.

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NEW WORK/WORK NEW with Heartland Collective​

Join this unique opportunity to be part of the creation of a brand-new dance work that offers participants an immersive experience in a professional choreographic process. Over the course of the workshop, participants will collaborate closely with members of the multi-disciplinary Heartland Collective, exploring improvisational practices, learning materials, and contributing to the development of an original piece.

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The workshop culminates in performing the completed work as part of TOPOGRAPHY II, a fully produced, public performance. This class is perfect for dancers who want to deepen their understanding of choreographic collaboration, multi-disciplinary ways of working and thinking, expand their performance experience, and engage in the creative process from inception to realization.

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The Heartlanders that will be a part of this process:

Nick Blaylock (he/him), founding member

Molly Heller (she/her), founder and director

Marissa Mooney (they/them), founding member

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Improv with Roxanne Gray​

Learn how to break out of a pattern of linear improvisation by developing techniques to accumulate, generate, and gather without judgment. In this class, we value our lived experiences and movement backgrounds, using them to provide a foundation for movement while also challenging our patterns and habits. We will explore individual, partner, and group improvisational structures, building a community in our dancemaking.

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Body Care: Replenish, Recuperate, Invigorate with Lehua Estrada​

End of day, blissed-out, body maxed, gratitude-lined: soreness, overwhelm, and stirring-up? 

This class has got you and all your wellness needs!

 

Each day will start or end with a community check-in and a voluntary share of gratitude along with something you personally need to continue thriving through the week at Dance West Fest or beyond. Utilizing a pause, reflect, and move framework, classes can and will include conditioning, GYROKINESIS®, Feldenkrais ATM, yoga, and stretching to discover range of motion, enhance strength, stimulate the nervous system, and achieve easeful efficient movement.

 

This come-as-you-are class provides an opportunity to replenish, recuperate, and invigorate your body making way for possible whole harmony.