2011 TAIPEIDEA Dance Festival  Aug. 1 ~ Aug. 19, 2011, Taipei, Taiwan. General Information Course Description Faculty Members Accommodation Registration / Tuition Fees Scholarship   Course description： Professional Dance Workshop Ballet Based on Vaganova, Martin Meng's teaching focuses on a maximal use of the individual physical possibilities. The positioning of head, neck, shoulders and arms is extremely important as well as a maximal use of the back and precision and clarity in the positions and movements of the leg and feet. Musicality, sense of line and proportion and a logical, organic use of the technique are more stressed than virtuosity. Movements are often studied at a slow tempo, to enable the dancer to a get a deep insight into the technique with a very intense concentration and focus. Of course, fast movements are introduced into the class as well. In case of necessity, Martin might start the class with a set of slow stretches, to prepare the dancers to make a more effective use of their bodies. by Martin Meng   Contemporary Dance Contemporary dance is a technique where a variety of movement experiences culminate in the expression timely unique exploration of dance today. The course draws from participants physical knowledge of classic modern dance, improvisation, vernacular dance, and musical theater. Contemporary dance is the expression of the evolution of dance, it is where dance is headed, it is daring to explore new, yet un-heralded movement. Participants should have varied experiences in a variety of dance styles, and be willing to take on new unique dance in this movement laboratory. by Michael Thomas   Contemporary Dance My class is about working with the powerful dynamics related to connecting movements in different levels - up and down positions, shifting support and balance in different body parts and handstand work. We start the class by discovering and strengthening connections within our bodies and to generate a sense of fluidity in the joints. We than extend movements out in space, shifting from floor phrases into the air and down again. My intention is to gradually explore the various possibilities of dancing in all levels and thereby connecting the inner body to multiple directions to find greater control. In the final dance phrases of the class we explore different ways of connecting all levels, using speed, virtuosity and joy in dancing. In my classes I integrate principles of modern dance, floor work, capoeira and body work. by Damian Gmuer   Capoeira Capoeira is a Brazilian art form that combines martial art with dance and acrobatics, music with poetry and self-expression. It is celebrated as a ritual activity in a circular area called "roda". The movement language of Capoeira is inspired strongly by nature and animals. In an open minded atmosphere everyone is invited to experience the magic of Capoeira.  We start the class with simple exercise that helps to gain awareness of body and motion, coordination, strength and flexibility. We than learn basic movements of capoeira as well as kicks, avoiding movements  and  acrobatic movements or exercise, which show how to keep practicing once the course has finished. A further important part of the course embraces elements and exercise of improvisation. Improvising and playing belong to the essence of Capoeira. These Improvisation exercise will help us to focus and clearly understand our own motions and motivations but still stay open for spontanity and reactions. Here all participants are welcome to bring in also their own experiences and backgrounds, too. We finish the class by playing in the "roda". by Damian Gmuer   Contemporary Dance My contemporary class includes elements of various different dance techniques. A focus of the class is to develop movement in different levels, combining physical floor work and modern dance to a powerful and expressive movement tool. We start the class with gentle exercises to soften and strengthen our bodies and to find sense of fluidity in the joints.  As the class continues, we extend and shift movements from floor phrases into the space and the air. In doing so, we get aware of the connections of our bodies, the use of the floor as a partner and how natural momentum and breath helps us to connect to different dynamics while dancing. At the end of the class we work on short movement phrases and choreographies, which combine the different levels, using speed and efficiency of our body. by Rita Aozane Bilibo   Community Dance Workshop Aerial Dance Aerial dance explores contemporary movement on unique planes. The situations are unique to classical approaches in dance training. This workshop experience encourages participants to take calculated movement risks.This physically challenging experience asks participants to take risks, push physical limits and explore creativity. Instructor, Michael Thomas, guides the class in the use of a variety of aerial dance apparatus. by Michael Thomas   Yoga A more tranquil opportunity to experience the physiological benefits of yoga, which soothes the nervous system and offers practitioners access to true peace and insight. The Renewal Yoga class helps foster a sense of calm awareness in body, mind, and spirit. Through a slow and mindful vinyasa practice that emphasizes breath awareness, we will remember (literally, bring back into the body) how to find the calm in the storm of busy schedules and overstimulation. Each session will explore themes like Balance, Grace, and Surrender whilst cultivating an inner resiliency and confidence. Rediscover wholeness and strength from within through the experience of asana (yoga postures), meditation, and breath work. by Jessica Patterson     Phone: +886-2-28961000 ext. 3318 Fax: +886-2-28938779 Email: xiang213130@gmail.com (Alicia)   Sponsored by the Council for Cultural Affairs. Taiwan

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