THE 2008 WORKSHOP

From June 1–21, 2008 the Company, led by Artistic Director Janet Eilber, and Senior Artistic Associate, Denise Vale, will offer an intensive workshop which will bring together students, scholars, professional dancers, and generations of Graham artists. Open to pre-professional and professional dancers, this program will offer participants training in Graham Technique, Repertory, Composition, and Dance Media. Under the guidance of Eilber, current and veteran company members, and guest artists, students will explore Graham’s specific style of dance and theater. Core to this residency will be the Company’s reconstruction of Clytemnestra, Graham’s only full-evening work and a masterpiece of 20th century dance and theater. Clytemnestra will be an anchor work and provide thematic inspiration for the classes, workshops, and showings. In addition, selected students will perform Graham’s 1935 ground-breaking piece, Panorama, as part of the Company’s June 13 performance at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center.

Graham Technique: Intensive study of Graham’s famed physical vocabulary will be offered daily. Using her concept of “contraction and release”, this core-driven movement method grew out of Graham’s theater and infuses athletic physical study with emotional images and dramatic expression.

Graham Repertory: Students will study the Graham innovations in theater and dramatic narrative by learning group and solo sections of Clytemnestra as well as preparing for the performance of Panorama. Rehearsing side by side with the Company will provide insight into the professional rehearsal process, including how to incorporate coaching direction, and develop an effective individual performance.

Composition: Using the characters of Clytemnestra studied in Repertory, students will explore innovations specific to Graham’s choreography such as the development of emotional themes, narrative and character through composition.

Dance Media Workshop: Students will explore issues of dance documentation on camera and the use of new technology. Student documentary teams will capture highlights of the reconstruction of Clytemnestra on camera and create an online video diary and/or video podcasts of the process.
Dance Media Workshop (updated course outline)