In this workshop, we will work with dance tools, both improvisational and structured, that will give you insight to the theatrical, movement languages explored in my work Ojalá… We will explore our lower core as a point of reference for movement initiation and end. From small, gestural phrases, to big, expansive ones, we aim to find rapid moments of release and arrival back into our center. We will also implement these tools moving on and off the floor. We will finish the workshop with a choreographic composition/repertoire work to enhance these tools with performance and music.

The root of this dance workshop is Lucy’s curiosity about embodiment of scientific ideas and theories, and in particular cosmological phenomena. This workshop will research the ways, we can and can’t tackle these ideas through dance, the things we see and feel in the attempts to try, all with the focus of expanding our individual movement potentials, our imaginations, and our abilities to connect dots between distant ideas.

Sessions will start with a warmup using Lucy’s “Metaphors” training technique, which draws on Lucy’s extensive training in butoh and improvisation with Fujiwara Dance Inventions, in physical theatre with Theatre Rusticle and her own exploration of philosophy and dance.

Following the warmup, we will use the scientific thought experiment as a model to explore our personal, improvised movement responses to different aspects and images from the study of the universe. We will pose a question, pick a theory to begin with, and set the theory in motion through the imagination. We will explore our ideas individually and in small groups, playing with our capacities to improvise together and learn from each other.

Participants will learn some of task-based score for Lucy’s solo “heat death” interpreting the ideas in their individual ways, layering ideas and insights from earlier in the workshop.

We’ll end with a chance for reflection through a group chat about our discoveries and what we noticed working together.

The workshop is open to movers of all kinds of experience -- all you need is an open mind and the desire to move.

This workshop will explore movement through the principles of Limón modern dance, with a special focus on the principles of breath, suspension, and weight. We will explore these concepts in three ways: first, through a more ‘traditional’ technique class structure (ex. a somatic warm up, centre exercises, and travelling phrases), secondly, through improvisation tasks, and third, within a short movement combination. Together we will play with the principles to explore feelings of joy and release.

Our beginner Pas de Deux class is designed to introduce you to the art of partnered dance. Learn the fundamentals of partnering such as supporting your partner, and managing their weight transfers while developing mutual trust. In this workshop, you will learn elements such as adagio movements, promenades and basic lifts. Benefit from tips and insights shared by former professional dancers. Join us for an inspiring and supportive environment to begin your journey in Pas de Deux.

Embark on a magical journey with our enchanting workshop designed for novice dancers eager to delve into the mesmerizing realm of classical ballet. Tailored for beginners, this immersive experience centers around the iconic Sugar Plum Fairy Variation from Tchaikovsky's timeless masterpiece, The Nutcracker. The workshop is open to all levels*. Gentlemen are welcome. Pointe shoes are optional
*Minimum 3 months ballet experience needed

Dani & Judy are back in Toronto for another tag team workshop! Hand to hand Hand in hand Hand over hand Hand under hand Hand around hand Hand through hand Hand for hand Hand with hand This workshop focuses on the hands as a point of entry for partnering and spatial orientation. Moving from individual to the collective, expect explorations of physical contact and weight distribution with the self and other participants. If you have someone you've been wanting to explore these themes with, bring them along! We will begin with a warm up and move between improvised and travelling sequences. Task-based explorations will be offered to investigate our individual and collective approaches to "support" and "connection." Hand to hand, towards and away!

This November we are pleased to offer two opportunities to learn from the wonderful Alyssa Martin. One is a choreographic composition workshop designed especially for emerging choreographers, or those interested in making their own work. The second is an opportunity to learn two sections of contrasting choreography from Rock Bottom Movement's latest new work, Big Time Miss!

Martial arts is a hot ticket in film & tv, dance, and theatre, and is a valued asset to any performer. This workshop will break down fighting stances, punches, and kicks, so you can unleash your inner superhero/shero/queero! Learn the difference between straight, round, uppercut punches, and front, side, and roundhouse kicks, as well as some fancier movements like spinning hook kicks, jump kicks, and sweeps.

Combining the consciousness of Yoga with the playfulness of Circus and Theatre, this workshop will focus on group invention including partner and group acrobatics, with a little juggling thrown in. No experience is necessary.

In the multimedia dance workshop, we will take the first steps into this mixed arts technique, learning how movement and lighting resources have a meeting point on expressing through musicality. Although we part from a solid contemporary dance technique, the workshop emphasizes on the physical expression, different body dynamics and precision in working downbeat, as well as understanding how the integration in the video projections works.

Curating Clarity: an exploration in finding clarity within the choices we make. This workshop is a guided improvisation exploring how one can stay grounded while simultaneously navigating new pathways of moving. This class will focus on external and internal sensations, finding connections to oneself and others, as well as discovering narratives that can keep us present.

Join us for a two-hour workshop to improvise, learn repertoire and explore some of the choreographic tasks we used for the creation of 'The Great Dream', which premiered at the Canadian Opera’s Free Concert Series in March 2024. The workshop will start with a warm-up consisting of both set material and improvisation. Spinal motions, oppositional forces, transitions from floor to standing and exploring a range of coordinative patterns will prepare the body for action.

Learn some of the basics of the classical Indian dance form of Bharatanatyam. We will take a glimpse into concepts of rhythm, footwork, gestural language and storytelling.

Acting for Dancers dives into the world of intention, physical storytelling and text. Created for movers, dancers, actors (and any beginner ready to play), we'll learn useful tools to keep you grounded and present while in your imaginative world. We'll explore acting techniques that support dancers to connect with story, character and emotion in a sustainable way. Focusing on the meeting point between body language and text to convey intention. Let's play together!

Dating back to the late 1960's, Ballroom culture is birthed and created by Black and Latinx Gay and Trans folx as an act of resistance to racism in the New York drag scene. Voguing is a highly stylized form of expression created by Paris Dupree and pioneers of the ballroom community and its name takes from the famous fashion magazine, Vogue.  In this workshop, we will be learning about tapping into our hyper-feminine performance personas, the art of selling, posing, and exploring the elements of vogue - hands, catwalk, duckwalk, floor performance, spins and dips.  Open to all levels and for those just being introduced to ballroom, we will talk about ballroom etiquette, how to prepare to walk a ball, getting your 10's, and battling! 

Get an inside look into Rock Bottom Movement's newest work in development with this preview repertory workshop. Together we'll dive into some fresh bittersweet phrases that force nostalgia through the body in lightning bolts.

A flamenco class for contemporary dancers where you learn the basic elements of the form: arm work, footwork, and turns. We will unpack one of the many flamenco rhythm codes to learn body percussion and a brief choreography. These elements will help you bring intensity, specificity, rhythm and groove to your practice.

Clowning for Dancers is an exploration of personal joy, play and presence designed for dancers, movers & physical artists. In this workshop, we will unlock the ridiculous, embrace the weird and come to terms with the realities of the present moment, flops and all! Clowning as a training tool for dancers can help us get out of our heads and back into the room; it helps us relate to one another while giving us permission to try without worrying. Plus: we’ll be dancing!

In this composition workshop, we will tune our senses to observe the poetic interplay of randomness and choice. We will explore a set of tools for composing a dance, as well as perspectives on composition. Ultimately, we examine ways of being together. All participants will be both performing and observing. We’ll create a number of small pieces of art and then reflect on them.

In this workshop, Ryan will teach a solo from Frog in Hand’s War of the Worlds Reimagined :

Frog in Hand’s newest site-specific production, War of the Worlds Reimagined, was brought to life at the Port Credit Memorial Arena for 8 performances in July 2022. We performed to a collage of radio plays and music. 

These individual 10-minute-long private sessions with Debbie Wilson are meant to help you find a functional solution to achieving your dance and movement goals.