From January 2-4, GroundWorks welcomed eleven dancers to the Cleveland State University studios for the company’s very first winter intensive. The participants, aged 18 and up, took class from and danced alongside members of the GroundWorks company, with additional classes taught by the Executive Artistic Director David Shimotakahara and Education and Community Engagement Coordinator Rebecca Burcher.
The three day intensive aimed to provide insight into the multi-faceted nature of the company. Morning ballet or contemporary technique class was followed by repertory or partnering sessions facilitated by GroundWorks company artists. Rounding out the day were Instructional Strategies, a class focused on community-based dance education, and Creative Process, a session reflective of the company’s own creation process. Evenings were filled by community-building focused activities, such as a movie night or an improvisation jam.
The entire experience culminated in an informal showing featuring intensive participants and company dancers. The repertory excerpts showcased included solos from Brian Brooks’s Unwritten and David Shimotakahara’s Aperture, a partnering phrase from Eric Handman’s Remora, and a duet from Robyn Mineko-William’s We Three. In addition, intensive participants showcased combinations learned in their daily technique classes and in-process studies from Shimotakahara’s Creative Process work sessions.
Of the intensive, one dancer said, “This was the most welcoming and positive experience I have ever had in an intensive.” While the days might have been filled to the brim, the intensive was successful in creating a community among not only the participants but also with the company dancers and staff. Another dancer noted, “The morning classes we [had] were extremely beneficial, to not only have class from a company member but to take classes alongside company members to see how they take class, as well in learning repertory…and hearing about the processes.”
What a way to kick off a dance-filled 2020! The passion, dedication, and creativity brought to the intensive was so inspiring and motivating. A huge thank you to this year’s participants for their sweat, laughter, and hard work. GroundWorks looks forward to continuing to offer its Winter Intensive annually, and to another creative year ahead.